PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that is brought on by experiences of trauma. The symptoms of PTSD are debilitating and can negatively affect a person’s life – keeping them from doing the things they want to do and maintaining healthy relationships with the people they love. While there are many different treatments for PTSD, one of the most accessible and successful is group therapy. So, what is group therapy and what benefits does group therapy have specifically for people living with PTSD?

Some of the advantages of PTSD group therapy may include:

It Can Provide People With Validity

Many people with PTSD may feel like they’re alone in living with the debilitating symptoms of PTSD. However, group therapy allows a group of people with PTSD to get together and share their experiences. Thus, giving these individuals validity that they aren’t alone and that their diagnosis is real. During group therapy sessions, people with PTSD can understand that they’re not the only ones living with debilitating symptoms such as relationship issues, drug or alcohol abuse, bouts of irritability, sleep disturbances, and more. So, group therapy is a great tool in order to help people accept that this condition is something that they’re not alone in living with.

Providing a Supportive Network

Group therapy allows people with PTSD from all walks of life to get together, practice coping skills, and share their experiences. This stimulates a community of support where people can come together and lean on one another as everyone shares a similar experience, symptoms, and diagnosis. Having support in recovery from mental health issues can provide a safe space to share, gain encouragement, and hear valuable advice, which is an invaluable tool for people looking to heal from the effects of PTSD and trauma.

Providing an Educational Tool

Along with a social community of support and validation, PTSD group therapy can also be an educational tool. It gives people living with PTSD a platform to share their experiences with trauma. And, share how they’ve coped with the impacts of trauma and the symptoms of PTSD in their own lives. Thus, providing others diagnosed with PTSD the chance to learn about coping mechanisms they can try. And, allowing for a safe space in order to practice these coping skills with others. For example, hearing about how someone with PTSD has overcome the impacts that trauma has had on their family can give others some new perspectives on how to handle these issues in their own lives. And, during group therapy sessions, individuals can work on communication skills that are helpful outside of treatment to use in their own relationships.

An Outlet to Help Other People With PTSD

Finally, another benefit of this type of PTSD therapy is that it provides the opportunity for people living with PTSD to help others living with the same condition. Having an outlet that allows you to share your own experiences and practice coping skills that have worked for you with others can improve self-motivation and self-image. Therefore, remotivating yourself to keep up with the coping strategies that work best for you. And, improving your overall healing journey.

PTSD Group Therapy at Yellowbrick

Think that PTSD group therapy sessions are a tool that you want to utilize? Yellowbrick offers therapy sessions for people struggling with the effects of PTSD so they can take advantage of the benefits of this type of therapy in their own lives. Learn more about our trauma program on our website today.