What is a Support Group and is it Right for Me?

Support groups allow people to talk openly about problems and stressors with others who may be going through similar issues. These groups’ purpose is to help build community and connection while working towards a common goal. At Serene Mind Counseling, our groups are run by one of our therapists or counselors on staff. Here are some things you should know before you go to a support group.  

Who are support groups for?

Support groups are for people to come together, share and discuss. It is a safe space to unite and collaborate. Our group therapist facilitator will host and have a new theme each week. Groups are meant to create a sense of community. We are all about growing and sharing together.

What do you do during support groups?  

Support group activities include discussing what might be causing problems or talking about our emotions. Not everyone has people in their lives that they can discuss these things with, so having groups with others going through similar stressors or can relate to what you are going through can help tremendously. Other activities include giving attendees journaling prompts or other tasks to do in-between sessions. We share amongst our group to help you draw perspectives and connections during the group.  

What if I miss a session? 

It’s no big deal! Life happens, and other commitments get in the way; it’s important we don’t beat ourselves up about things that might be out of our control. If you can’t make it for one or two sessions, no big deal, try to come to the next one. These groups aren’t going anywhere and will be here for you when you can make it. New people are coming to every session, so don’t feel like you’ll be behind if you don’t come for a session or two.  

What if this group isn’t right for me? 

Like with friends, coworkers, or even family, we might not click with people right away or even at all. It is not the fault of them or us just that each person’s personality, interests, or needs are different from what we need or can give. We don’t let that stop us from finding others we click with, the same goes for support groups. We might just not mesh with the people in it or not have a good experience. Please don’t let this deter you from seeking help; give it 2 or 3 sessions to make a fully informed decision and come in with an open mind, if the group still isn’t for you, that's okay. This doesn’t mean that another group won’t be right for you, find another group and try again. 

Our Therapists Share 6 Social Skills for a Healthier You

Humans are social beings. We seek connection, unity and inclusiveness. As we grow older it becomes more difficult to connect with others. We become more selective, stricter with social guidelines of whom we could befriend. Socializing can feel like hard work for many of us. What if there was a way that could help us socialize more openly, with confidence and positivity?

Here are 6 ways to help you regain connections and better socialize with others:

1. Be open minded:

   Realize that having an open mind is a key to making new lasting relationships. Going into a new place, event or social setting as if you are ready to make friends and listen to others. This mindset will help you attract the people you want to create new relationships with.

2. Love yourself:

   By loving and knowing who you are you can be more confident. Go into an event knowing what you bring to your relationships and portray this. This confidence can help others be more attracted to your energy, which will also make you appear to be more socially available.

3. Practice what you want to say:

   By rehearsing and reciting how to introduce yourself, you can make yourself less nervous about the event. Having a couple of funny lines or stories is a great way to meet people. We tend to gravitate to stories about dogs, pets, babies and common interests. Come up with a way to gain potential connections by having a couple of lines that you want to say.

4. Find people with common interests

   People like you, want to be friends with you. The key here is you have find them. Having similar interests makes us automatically more likely to connect and be more able to socialize with each other. When we have similarities a group or bond can naturally grow.

5. Know your non-negotiables:

   We all have those pet peeves or values that are deal breakers in any relationship. Go into a socially setting knowing what your non-negotiable are. For some people it is telling the truth, for others it is a specific sense of humor, or possibly even an affinity for dogs. Know what your deal breakers are in a relationship and if you hear them when you are getting to know someone, realize this may be ultimately what breaks the relationship.

6. Go out and practice:

   Try, try and try again. The more you expose yourself to social settings and new people, the more practice you will have in socializing. This will make you better equipped to meet others and help you lower any social anxiety. Take baby steps and slowly but surely put yourself out there. You can do this!

Socializing in this post pandemic era is a struggle. Humana want to feel as a part of a community and culturally some of us seek this more often as well. People have become very used to isolation and are not even aware of how our social skills may have regressed. It is important to be empathetic with yourself, and help yourself get back out there again. Trying to connect, gaining more confidence in your social abilities and finding a great group of friends are all things you can accomplish.

Have you heard about our Serene Mind Social Skills Groups? Coming this fall we will have a social skills group for kids, teens and young adults. Each group will be geared to a different age group. We hope you come socialize with us!

The Benefits of Social Skills for Kids + Teens

As social creatures, we thrive from connecting with others and learning from each other. In today’s day and age that is chock full of digital communications and content, we are slowly moving away from the social connection that keeps us grounded and healthy. We have carried on coping mechanisms post-pandemic, such as working from home, exercising from home, video chatting our friends instead of meeting with them in person. Online dating, social media, even school can be completed through a tiny computer screen. Kids today have grown up with these technologies, not needing to be put in social situations and environments children were once in. Even with our ever-changing world, social skills are crucial to creating a happy, confident, and competent lifestyle.

How can I help my child improve their social skills?

Registering your child for a social skills group is a fantastic way to connect them to others their age, engage them in an in-person activity, and get their social skills put to action.

Learn to connect with peers

In a social skills education group, kids & teens will have access to hands-on experience and exercises to aid them in finding ways to connect with their peers. These educational and informative groups teach kids and teens about empathy and sympathy and how to differentiate the two. Learning to embody empathy and sympathy will help to ignite and maintain relationships for your child. In learning in groups such as age- targeted social skills group, your child will inherently connect with other members of the group by shared goals, communal vulnerability, and radical authenticity. These are lifelong stills that will benefit them as they continue their paths in life.

Identify social cues

Reading a room, understanding facial expressions, and decoding tone are key skills in successful relationships; whether they be personal, professional, or even strangers you meet in your day-to-day activities and errands. A social skills education group will teach your child about these imperative skills and techniques to help them feel confident in these settings and situations.

Conversational skills

Being able to start and carry a conversation with peers, family, and people of the workplace is paramount in leading a life that is socially connected. Conversation skills are not only important for in-person interactions, but also digital communications. Social skills groups can teach your child how to initiate conversations, approach others, and continue conversations- along with skills and techniques to avoid awkward silences or disconnected comments.

Self-Confidence

When mastering foundational components of social skills, kids and teens will build their confidence with each session. These groups give kids opportunities to learn on the spot, roll play, and practice with other members of the group.

Is your child or teen needing a boost in their confidence skills? Would a social skills group help them bolster their social skills? We offer children and teen counseling and rolling groups that focus on many areas of life during the childhood years. Wanting to deepen the connection between you and your child? We also offer family therapy. Email us at hello@serenemindpsych.com or call us at 813.321.8280 for more info. Check out our upcoming teen social skills group starting this summer here: https://www.serenemindpsych.com/teen-social-skills-group

Is Group Therapy Right For Me?

Group therapy can be an incredibly healing experience. Connecting with others who are going through or have gone through similar experiences can create a sense of validation, belongingness, and community. Often times, individuals are intimidated to start the therapeutic process on their own, or to open up to a therapist one-on-one at first. Group therapy is a great way to introduce yourself to the therapeutic process, and also to connect with others. Group therapy is built on a common foundation and grows through understanding and empathy.

How does Group Therapy work?

Typically, group therapy is based on a common topic or focus that all participants can relate to. Once the focus of the group is established, the therapist creates discussion prompts, group goals, and group guidelines. Each therapist is different in their approach, but the foundation of group therapy truly encompasses the purpose of connection and affirmation of all participants. Some therapists prefer to keep groups simple and only facilitate discussion in group sessions, while other therapists may incorporate books, shows, movies, therapy materials, quotes, journaling, and even homework into these group sessions. Be sure to get as much detail about groups you are considering ensuring it is a good fit for you.

How many people are in group sessions?

This depends on the type of group, the size of the therapeutic space, and the number of facilitators present. Usually, therapists will cap their registration to a specific number to be able to speak to all participants and give each group member an opportunity to speak and contribute if they would like to. For example, at Serene Mind, we typically cap in person group sessions to 12 individuals per therapist.

How long do sessions last?

Session duration depends on the group size and the group agenda that is created by the facilitator. Group sessions can be as short as an hour, and last up to several hours. Some groups meet monthly on a rolling basis, while other groups are held on a specific day and time for a planned time period that requires a commitment of attendance from all participants.

How does group therapy work?

Are there virtual groups I can join? Yes! Virtual groups are a great option for individuals who have a busy schedule, lack of transportation, or just need some flexibility in attendance due to their lifestyle. Virtual group sessions still create a space that fosters community connection and acceptance.

I’m shy. Do I need to speak up in a Group Therapy session?

No! You do not need to share if you don’t feel comfortable to. Sometimes being in the presence of others who are walking a similar path, or even listening to the discussion can cultivate connection and acknowledgment of your thoughts and feelings. Therapeutic success is not a one size fits all and can look differently for each person.

We have many groups starting at Serene Mind this year, including in-person and virtual groups. Visit us at serenemindpsych.com, email us at hello@serenemindpsych.com, or call us at 813.321.8280 for more information about out group sessions.