Individual vs. Group Therapy: Which Is Right For You?
If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, you might be wondering: Should I choose individual therapy or group therapy? The truth is, both can be very effective. The best choice depends on your comfort level, your goals, and the kind of support you’re looking for.
What Is Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy is one-on-one work. It’s the format most people picture when they think of the word “therapy”.
Individual therapy may be a good fit if you:
Prefer total and complete privacy
Want focused attention on your specific concerns
Are working through recent trauma or crisis
Feel nervous about sharing in front of others
Want to move fully at your own pace
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy brings together a small number of people who are working on similar struggles. One or two therapists guide the group and help create emotional safety. Research shows that group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy for many concerns (Burlingame et al., 2013; Yalom & Leszcz, 2020).
Group therapy may be especially helpful if you:
Feel alone in what you’re going through
Want connection with people who understand
Are working on relationship patterns
Want to practice communication and boundaries
Struggle with shame or self-blame
Common Worries About Group Therapy
It’s very normal to feel unsure about joining a group. Many people worry:
“What if I don’t want to talk?”
“What if people judge me?”
“What if I feel overwhelmed?”
In a well-run, trauma-informed group, you are never forced to share before you’re ready. Skilled facilitators work carefully to build safety, respect, and clear boundaries.
You Don’t Have to Pick Just One
Many people benefit from both formats whether that be at different, or the same, time. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and your needs can change over time.
You deserve support that feels safe and personalized. Our clinic offers both individual and group therapy for adults navigating anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. Get in touch today to learn about current openings and next steps.
References
American Psychological Association. (2019). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. https://www.apa.org
Burlingame, G. M., Strauss, B., & Joyce, A. S. (2013). Change mechanisms and effectiveness of small group treatments. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (6th ed., pp. 640–689). Wiley.
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books.