Why It is Important for Young Adults to Seek Therapy

That’s why at Alpha Behavioral Health, we offer a wide range of evidence-based and holistic therapies designed to help our clients overcome any mental health condition. One of them is group therapy for young adults. Though often inaccurately portrayed in popular media, group therapy is safe, effective, and conscious of the needs of the individual. Participating in group therapy in Austin, Texas, allows for those in the area to find comradery, support, and accountability. 

To see how Alpha Behavioral Health utilizes group therapy for substance abuse and other conditions, we must first examine the full benefits of this effective and flexible psychotherapy. 

Why Group Therapy Is Beneficial for Young Adults

Group therapy for substance abuse and other co-occurring mental health disorders is highly effective for young adults. This type of therapy consists of little more than sitting with a group and talking. It requires nothing else besides the desire to be honest and participate. As a result, it’s safe, as clients only need to speak when they feel ready to do so. 

Group therapy is also highly flexible, fitting in with all treatment programs, including residential and outpatient treatment programs. For young adults, there isn’t enough time to wait. Having a therapy that suits all schedules allows for healing for everyone. 

Building a Strong Support Network

One of the most effective benefits of group therapy is that it is a source of shared experiences and wisdom. Group therapy gives you access to others who are experiencing circumstances similar to yours. By sharing experiences, everyone learns valuable lessons from each other’s mistakes, preventing similar mistakes in the future. 

It’s also a place to find understanding and support. Again, who better understands what you are going through than others going through it? Participants begin to encourage each other, celebrating successes and giving advice to overcome setbacks. Group therapy is also a place to be held accountable and learn the art of self-forgiveness. Sometimes, friendships can blossom in group therapy, allowing the individual to build a support network of fellow peers. 

Strengthen Emotional Health and Resilience

Group therapy is not just a place to treat the underlying cause of substance abuse, addiction, and other mental health disorders. It’s a place to be seen and heard. Many people struggle with these mental health disorders alone. With group therapy, it’s impossible to be ignored or talked over. Clients gain a lot of value from the ability to express themselves and gain validation in return. Therapeutically, it’s also used as a way to teach emotional regulation and mental resilience. Clients leave group therapy as healthier individuals than when they started, able to use the tools and techniques learned in group therapy to protect and promote their recovery.

Unique Benefits of Group Therapy at Alpha Behavioral Health

Seeking treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health is not just a way to overcome mental health disorders. It’s also a place to learn how to be a healthy and successful individual. Navigating life, resisting peer pressure, and maintaining a healthy home are but a few of the life skills learned at Alpha Behavioral Health. Group therapy is routinely utilized as a way for clients to practice what they have learned to prepare them for life after treatment. Some more benefits of group therapy at Alpha Behavioral Health include:

Fostering Community and Connection in Recovery

Young adults sit in a developmental stage that is very different from teens and older adults. Being able to interact with fellow peers who understand them prevents clients from being misunderstood and talked over. Over time, this becomes a community of like-minded individuals who can hold each other accountable without feeling dismissed or belittled. Overall, it allows for the creation of healthy communities that can self-regulate and support each other through recovery.

Addressing Specific Challenges Faced by Young Adults

Young adults face a lot of pressure as they attempt to navigate the “real” world. People often forget that young adults were expected to ask permission to use the bathroom not too long ago but now are expected to be fully independent and strong. This disconnect makes young adults feel “othered” by older adults and more reluctant to seek help. Group therapy addresses this concern at Alpha Behavioral Health by having young adults talk and interact with each other. 

Though the mental health care providers are older adults, they have been specifically trained to address the needs of young adults with respect and compassion. Treating young adults with understanding and support allows them to heal without feelings of disrespect, which can lead to resentment. 

Improving Social Skills and Reducing Isolation

Young adults, especially young men, often deal with high rates of isolation and loneliness. The COVID lockdowns did no favors, preventing young adults from interacting with their peers during critical times of development. Alpha Behavioral Health solves this problem by giving clients a way to safely interact and develop social skills with their peers. With many peers in the same boat, it’s easy to find equal footing and understanding in group therapy. Portions of group therapy are spent discussing and practicing social skills, giving young adults the road map they need to be successful at work, school, and home. 

What to Expect in Our Group Therapy Sessions

For those who have never been to group therapy, the mere thought of it can be a frightening concept. Many have the idea in their heads that they will be forced to share their deepest and darkest secrets in front of a judgemental crowd. Actual group therapy is much different.

A Safe Space for Vulnerability and Growth

In group therapy, clients can expect a safe place to be vulnerable. Clients are never forced to talk unless they feel ready, and they only need to share what is comfortable for them. Though clients are encouraged to open themselves up to others, skilled mental health care professionals know that it takes time. As a result, clients will often spend the first couple of sessions of group therapy nurturing their inner strength and preparing themselves to share. This happens so subtly that clients are often shocked at how far they have progressed in a few sessions. As a place of safety, clients will never be belittled, judged, or mistreated due to what they choose or don’t choose to share.

Emphasis on Accountability and Motivation

Part of group therapy is receiving the encouragement and support one may not have gotten. Having your feelings validated is a powerful thing, especially for those who have struggled in silence. However, group therapy is also designed to help push the client towards self-improvement with the help of their peers. Clients are motivated to continue their treatment and recovery journey as well as held accountable for personal unhealthy choices. Though a client will never be berated or mistreated in group therapy, peers will tell you you are making a mistake or a harmful choice. This way, clients can learn to navigate situations that may influence them to make unhealthy choices and instead choose the healthy option.

Building Confidence Through Peer Support and Compassion

Mental health disorders are heavily stigmatized in our society. It often leads individuals who struggle with them to feel shame and self-hatred. They may feel like they don’t deserve help due to the false idea that addiction and mental health disorders are caused by a personal moral failing. The staff at Alpha Behavioral Health knows the truth and helps clients see that they are worthy of help and compassion. Through this help and peer support, individuals learn to see that they are strong and capable people.

Evidence-Based Approaches Used in Group Therapy

Group therapy, on the surface, looks like it’s just a lot of talking, but there’s more than that. It’s a therapy that has been thoroughly researched and tested over time. Part of its effectiveness is owed to this therapy being refined over the years; it has been in use by utilizing evidence-based approaches.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Emotional Health

Those looking to change harmful thoughts and behavioral patterns need not look further than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has been utilized for nearly all mental health disorders, including addiction. In a group therapy setting, CBT allows clients to recognize when they are engaging in harmful behaviors, thoughts, and actions. Then, it teaches the clients how to mitigate these harmful patterns and establish healthy coping skills. CBT as a whole is also used to help clients build confidence in themselves and talk through the things that bother and upset them. 

Addressing Trauma With Compassionate Care

Reconciling with one’s trauma can be difficult. That’s why group therapy takes a compassionate and caring approach to those recovering from trauma. It allows clients to have their experiences seen and validated without being re-traumatized in the process. Trauma-based therapy often includes group therapy because it prevents an individual from feeling like they are struggling alone. Once they see that others have survived what they have gone through, it helps them face their treatment with renewed strength and hope. 

Alpha Launch Program for Young Adults

The Alpha Launch program is a program to help young adults with case management and life transitional services. With this program, our goal is to continuously provide support to promote recovery, prevent a relapse, and give clients a head start in their new life. Part of the Alpha Launch program involves group therapy and support services that give clients an outlet for their emotions and receive encouragement and advice.

Continuing Care and Community Support in Austin, TX

Once you are a client at Alpha Behavioral Health, support never ends – even when treatment is completed. Here, everyone becomes part of a wider community of support and understanding. If you are ever in need of help, the staff at Alpha Behavioral Health will always be there to assist. Part of this is sponsoring exciting adventures, recreational nights, continued mental health care, and avenues of companionship. Regardless of where you end up, you’ll always have a community to fall back on at Alpha Behavioral Health.

Moving Forward With Treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health

Treatment is the only way to successfully recover from a mental health disorder. If you are looking for compassionate and quality treatment for your loved one, look no further than Alpha Behavioral Health. To learn more about our teen and young adult treatment programs and services, contact us today. No matter how difficult life can get, there is always a solution.

Group therapy is a psychotherapy that has helped many people overcome their mental health struggles. To learn more about group therapy and our treatment programs for teens and young adults, call Alpha Behavioral Health today at (833) 257-4218.