Group Therapy

Do you:

> Feel isolated?
> Have difficulty with relationships?
> Feel anxious around people?
> Want to be close to someone, but can't seem to get there?
> Feel depressed because there is no one

Group Therapy can help you.

Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a 5 to 12 people meet together to help themselves and one another. A trained therapist leads it. A typical session last about 90 minutes. Members work to express their own problems, feelings, ideas and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. This gives group members important information needed to understand and help one another. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become helpers for other members.

The group is a 'relationship laboratory' where participants re-create relationship issues and patterns that they create in their lives. Often group member are not even aware of the patterns they have created. In the group, participants have the opportunity to get honest, constructive feedback about how others experience them in an intimate interpersonal situation. They also get experiential help in breaking free from these patterns and beliefs. It provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other

Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety. And it helps people make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives. Group works!

In studies comparing group therapy to individual therapy, group therapy has been shown to be as effective and sometimes even more effective. In cases of medical illness, there is substantial evidence that people cope better with their illness, enhances the quality of their lives and, in some cases, has even been shown to help people live longer..

The Relationship Center of Michigan offers a closed therapy group, composed of up to 10 men and women who work together to become aware of and change unhealthy relationship patterns. A closed group means that each participant is screened by a therapist before entering the group. This is an attempt to ensure that each person can and will benefit from the experience. Secondly, the closed group typically agrees to meet for 12 weeks, during which no other new members may enter. Most participants find that being in individual therapy simultaneously with Group
Therapy helps them to understand and process their experiences in the group much more effectively. 

Our staff is licensed in the State of Michigan and have training in group therapy. Unlike some counselors, we do not tell you what is wrong with you or tell you what to think. We are interested in you and want to know what you have to say. We will tell you what we believe is important and of value in any relationship. The responses you receive will actually explain things and helps resolves problems conclusively.

We accept many different insurances. One of our therapists would be glad to speak to you to help you determine whether group therapy would be helpful to you and whether you would be an appropriate candidate for group.

To see if your insurance will cover our services, or for more information or to schedule an appointment:

> Call us at (810) 227-6218 or (888) 372-4861
> Email us at info@relationship-center-mi.com  Sign up here for our Ezine which gives great information about relationships.
You will also get your free report: Ten Tips for a Great Relationship

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does group work?

A group therapist selects people who would be helped by the group experience and who can be learning partners for one another. In meetings, people are encouraged to talk with each other in a spontaneous and honest fashion. The therapist also helps guide the group in examining issues and concerns and ensures that everyone has a chance to participate.

Not every group is alike. There are a variety of styles that different groups use. For instance, some focus more on interpersonal development, where much of the learning actually comes from the interaction between members. Others address thoughts and behaviors, where the emphasis is on learning how to control negative thoughts, address phobias or relieve anxiety-inducing situations.

How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?

Group therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships and helps individuals learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a professional. Group
psychotherapy also provides a support network for specific problems or challenges. The goal of group therapy is change. Support groups, which are generally led by professionals, help people cope with difficult situations or problems. Self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.

What kinds of people should participate in group therapy?

Group therapy can benefit many different people, from those having difficulties with interpersonal relationships to those dealing with specific problems such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders or behavioral problems. With adolescents, for example, group therapy teaches socialization skills needed to help function in environments outside the home.

Will there be people with similar problems in my group?

The therapist's role is to evaluate each member's problems prior to forming the group. Usually there is a mix of members who can learn from each other. While some members will have similar circumstances, it's not necessary for all to be dealing with exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties are often in the best position to help one another.

What kind of commitment do I need to make?

The time commitment depends on the type of group and the nature and extent of your problems. Generally our groups for individuals (as opposed to couples) last 12 weeks.  There are also more open-ended groups in which members work at their own pace and leave when their particular needs or goals have been met.

What if I'm uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others?

It's not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief. It gives you a chance to talk with others who are experiencing similar problems -- in a private, confidential setting. Many people who have experienced group therapy believe that working together with others is helpful and they feel better by participating in this form of therapy.

What does group cost?

Group therapy is generally covered by insurance. Insurance coverage is similar for both group and individual therapy.

What do I ask the group therapist?

When talking with therapists, here are four simple questions you may want to ask:
> What is your background?
> Given my specific situation, how do you think group would work for me?
> What are your credentials as a group therapist?
> Do you have special training that is relevant to my problem?

Insurance: We take many different insurances. To see if your insurance will cover our services, please call our office staff at (810) 227-6218 during daytime hours.

Since 1997, we have helped couples solve their problems and become happier and closer to each other. 

Call (810) 227-6218 or send an email to info@relationship-center-mi.com now to make an appointment or learn more about how we can help you.

The Relationship Center of Michigan offers marriage counseling, couples therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, premarital counseling, singles and couples workshops, relationship advice and parent counseling to communities in southeastern Michigan, including: Livingston County Brighton Howell Fowlerville Whitmore Lake Webberville Lansing Ann Arbor Cohoctah Linden Detroit Troy Birmingham Southfield Bloomfield Hills Farmington Novi Northville Ann Arbor Oakland Berkeley Ferndale Pleasant Ridge Plymouth Lathrup Village Livonia Hell Pinckney Green oak Clarkston Beverly Hills Waterford Rochester Wixom Wayne Canton Flint Walled Lake Milford South Lyon Bell Oak Hamburg Hartland Highland Fenton Gregory Lakeland New Hudson Superior township 48872 48892 48836 48892 48137 48116 48114 48854 48159 48169 48451 48430 48189 48178 48380 48843 48353 48067