Group therapy is an effective and economic way for people with similar problems and concerns to obtain help. Having several people meet together for a common purpose can save both time and effort. There are all kinds of groups we are already a part of; for example, church groups, classes, work groups, hobby groups, and sports teams just to name a few. When people with similar mental health issues come together there are several advantages. A group offers more resources for viewpoints, the experience of belonging, the chance to practice new behaviors, the opportunity for feedback, the feeling of commonality, and the pressure to keep commitments. Groups approximate real life encounters and offer vicarious learning through listening and observing others.

There are many different kinds of groups with various ways of functioning for some designated purpose. A group is two or more people who meet and interact for an identified reason. One text, Group Counseling, Strategies , and Skills, by Jacobs, Masson, and Harvill, lists seven categories of groups based on their goals. Some goals reflect what the members gain from the group while others tell what the members will do in the group.

1. Education
2. Discussion
3. Task
4. Growth and experiential
5. Counseling and therapy
6. Support
7. Self-help.

In an education group, the leader provides information and facilitates discussion. SMCS has offered a Healthy Living Group at no charge as a contribution to the community in the area of wellness and self care. The group will focus on stress relief, gaining skills in maintaining healthy relationships, and other topics of interest based on the needs of the group members.

Discussion groups usually focus on topics or issues rather than a member's personal concerns. Examples of discussion groups include book clubs, current events groups, or Bible studies groups. In a discussion group the leader does not necessarily have more knowledge about the subject that the other group members. The leader facilitates the discussion and keeps the members from diverging too far from the topic at hand.

Task groups are formed in order to accomplish a specific task. The leader's role is to keep the group on task and to facilitate discussion and interaction. Task groups are common on the job or as subgroups of social groups.

Growth groups have members who want the experience of being in a group and who want to learn more about themselves. Sensitivity groups, encounter groups, and awareness groups are all examples of growth groups. More specific examples include social competence groups for young people, anger management groups, self-esteem groups, groups that explore values, and groups that engage in adventurous activities. Depending on the purpose of the group, the leader may be required to possess knowledge of a broad range of issues and the ability to provide and maintain an atmosphere of sharing and listening among the members. SMCS has offered an anger management group. Staff have knowledge and experience in dealing with anger issues, including guiding members to recognize their own triggers and helping them tap into their most accessible strengths to manage anger effectively. Growth and experiential groups are diverse and exciting as they can be a vehicle for self exploration, personal goal setting, values clarification, better understanding of others, improved communications, and a host other possibilities.

Counseling and therapy groups vary from growth groups because members seek them because of certain problems they are having in their lives. Counseling groups are often held in schools with the school counselor serving as the leader. The leader may focus the group on individuals and their problems, and group members proceed to help each other with the assistance of the leader. Therapy groups serve members with serious problems. Opinions vary widely on how therapy groups should be conducted—the role of the leader, the members, and theories. The important point is that the group leader is skilled and grounded in one or several theories. SMCS offers a group for people who experience depression. The leader uses cognitive behavioral methods as well as mindfulness and body based techniques. Therapy groups are led by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors with knowledge and experience in both individual and group therapy.

Support groups are composed of members with something in common and led by a professional. Members share thoughts and feelings and help each other examine issues and concerns. The leader encourages sharing among the members and prevents anyone from dominating the group. In a support group it is important that the leader does not dominate the discussion.

Self-help groups are led by lay people who have a similar problem as those at the meeting. Examples of self-help groups include Twelve Step Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The members draw strength and support from each other.

Sometimes the distinctions between the types of groups may overlap. For example, providing information may be indicated at a certain point in a therapy group or an experience may require processing in a growth group. Different theories are used to achieve the purposes of the group and groups aren't usually defined by the theories being used.

While it is true that group therapy is not for everyone, most people can benefit from this form of therapy. SMCS is open to suggestions for forming groups in the area based on the needs of the community and the willingness of members to attend group sessions and work on their issues.