I did it in high school and I LOVED it....granted, that was quite a while ago. You do eventually get a feel for the group and see how open you can be. A bond also can develop between the group members, depending on how long you are in the group, bc you're telling these people things you just don't tell many people, or anyone at all.

I also think that DS is pretty comparable to group therapy, we just don't physically meet in the same place. I know you haven't been here long, however, we come here and share some pretty heavy stuff with people we don't know, and get advice, support, and friendship in return. And I know here that there are a lot of good friendships and bonds that have been developed.

Keep thinking about it, but if it's available to you, I highly recommend at least trying it.

I was in a cognitive therapy group and I loved it as well.. It was the best therapy I've ever been involved in... I have found with therapy that you get out of it what you put into it.. If you're willing to do the work the rewards can be very beneficial

for me it's a no no..... it's hard sharing intimate details of my war stories one to one but in a group setting I just couldn't do it.. and then I was sometimes triggered by what other's had to say.... which made me nervous of going each week

as you can see by the replies above it's different for everyone...and maybe if I went now it might be different and helpful I don't know... I do think it's all about timing .. and maybe this is the right time? no harm in going along and trying it for a while... if you don't like it you can just simply stop going?

There are no support groups in my area.

I'm not sure how I'd feel about opening up to a group ?

It took me a long time to open up to my Pdoc

I can take it or leave it. I tend not to share and become the group cheerleader so to speak. So much easier dealing with someone else's problems etc...

I think it depends on the size of the group as well... The group I was in was only about 6 people with a psychologist and a psych nurse and had the focus of cognitive therapy so it was well thought out and run

I've been to a few support groups for bp in RL and loved them. I also went to Al-Anon meetings for years bc of my brother's drug addiction and it's nothing like hearing people talk and they are saying the things you think that you thought nobody else thought about. Very validating. I was hooked on the meetings. Hell, I could become Edward Norton's character in Fight Club if I'm not careful!! That's how much I get out of them though I get just as much support and comfort on here.

It's great to brainstorm with other people about problems and how to fix them or learn to live with them. Give it a try if you don't like it you can always just not go back.

It really depends on the group. For me it takes awhile to feel comfortable enough to open up and share stories, but if you get to that point, the relief felt is soooo worth it. I'm in an art therapy group right now which has been amazing for me. Those are hard to find though.

I agree with Sadie...this is a good form of group therapy as well.

Group therapy sounds connected to a hospital or office...

I like Support Groups

NAMI National Alliance of Mental Illness, (where I go)
and
DBSA Depression Bipolar Support Alliance

I get a lot out of hearing and learning from people with the same stuff - but to see someone worse than me, stable and smiling - Inspiring!

I did many years in Alanon, and they had a sayings "Go to six meetings (different ones) and if you don't like us, we will gladly refund you misery!!!

You should go, you have nothing to lose - and you don't have to go back, or you might make a friend that understands!!!!!

I was in an intensive outpatient group therapy - 5 days a week, 6 hrs a day - and I hated it at first. I couldn't open up to anyone and i was shaking in my seat or tapping my pen the entire time. I eventually got more used to it and while I didn't volunteer to talk, when it was my turn to read part of a book, I did it. It was a strange group of folks and I never really connected with anyone.

I don't know how I would do in a group setting for therapy. It took me a long time to open up to my tdoc and thankfully I have been seeing him for years now but in a group I might be a bit quiet. If you try it I hope it works out well.

I've done group therapy in a private setting and as an outpatient. I loved both experiences. While I am hesitant to share anything deep, I was moved listening to others. It helped move my feelings that felt stagnated.

I find AA and NA meetings interesting and wonderful. Other people are amazing when they share authentically

Do you have aground in mind?.

I'm not sure what you mean by aground.

Oh, typo. I meant 'a group' in mind.

We didn't sit in circles....