Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Gregory J. Finer LCSW, MCAP – Clinical Director Crossroads Behavioral Health Center and Crossroads Substance Abuse Services Group
At Crossroads Behavioral Health Center and Crossroads Substance Abuse Services Group, located at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd. Naples, FL 34102, group therapy is a valued and frequently utilized form of psychotherapy. Crossroads utilizes group therapy as an essential form of treatment for individuals struggling with addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health conditions.
Group therapy provides a supportive and confidential environment where individuals relate with others facing similar challenges. This sense of connection reduces feelings of isolation. Participants in group therapy discover that they are truly not alone. Hearing others share similar thoughts and emotions has a profound normalizing effect. A safe group atmosphere allows individuals to feel comfortable to share.
Group therapists at Crossroads are trained to assist individuals to feel open to discuss issues and topics that allow for group discussions in a non-judgmental way. This allows opportunities for the group members to hear how individuals cope with similar problems and conflicts. This type of observational learning is an important factor to motivation towards self-improvement. In the group process and through the dissemination of psychoeducational information, individuals begin to re-evaluate their own emotional and interpersonal issues. The compassionate and supportive interaction that is developed within the group moves individuals in a positive direction toward healthier ways of relating to others in their personal lives.
At Crossroads, we strive to have our group members’ experiences be informative, challenging, dynamic, and educational- and above all, unconditionally supportive. We employ techniques such as empty-chair dialogues, role-playing, guided imagery, icebreakers, meditation, art therapy and many other group activities. The healing properties of the group therapy experience cannot be overstated.
In my 30 years of clinical practice in mental health and addiction treatment, I have heard individuals describe the group therapy experience as one of the most positive and transformative experiences of their life. Early on, some members are hesitant and unsure about opening up in a group, but in short order, most describe a profound sense of acceptance and belonging – something that they had never experienced before. It’s a feeling and connection on a deeper level where the veils are lifted, and the walls are broken down. This vulnerableness, just below the surface, houses a well-spring of gratitude and self-acceptance.
At Crossroads, multiple therapies are offered with unique benefits to specific challenges. Our treatment structures include Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) programs which provide the most comprehensive treatment – three days per week and typically not less than ten to twelve hours per week. This treatment is extremely effective in treating addiction and substance abuse issues. Crossroads Outpatient Group therapy is less intensive and usually incorporates one to two group meetings per week. Both programs utilize various types of therapies within each program.
• Psychoeducation focuses on providing education and information about specific issues, including mental health disorders, coping skills, or life skills. Psychoeducational groups enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of their challenges and equip them with practical tools and strategies to manage their concerns effectively.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Our participants learn coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and ways to challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs. Crossroads CBT groups are effective for treating substance abuse disorders, as well as conditions including anxiety disorders and depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, or certain personality disorders. Crossroads DBT groups focus on teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Our DBT groups provide a supportive environment for practicing these skills and improving emotional well-being.
• Family therapy involves the participation of family members or significant others in the therapeutic process. Crossroads family therapy groups improve communication, address family dynamics, and enhance understanding between family members. Our family support groups offer a space for families facing similar challenges to share experiences and support each other.
• Expressive therapies utilize creative arts, including music, art, dance, or drama, to facilitate emotional expression and exploration. Crossroads holistic groups offer a nonverbal means of communication, allowing participants to access and process emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
• Process-oriented groups focus on the here-and-now experiences of group members. At Crossroads, this is referred to as our Gestalt Group. This group offers a wonderful opportunity for those wishing to engage in this influential and powerful experience. The group members observe and reflect on the group dynamics, interactions, and group themes, providing insights into participants’ emotional patterns, communication styles, and interpersonal dynamics. Our process-oriented groups promote self-awareness, improved communication, and relationship growth. In this group, individuals share their experiences, emotions, and interactions while receiving validation, support and feedback from the Crossroads therapist and other group members.
If you or a loved one is considering mental health or addiction treatment, emotions surrounding this decision can be confusing. You may recognize that you are experiencing more than normal difficulties in your life. You may have persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness- yet resistance is blocking you. You may acknowledge that substance use, or addictive behaviors are causing significant disruptions and emotional difficulties in your life, yet the resistance is strong.
Amidst all of the hesitation and doubts, there is a solution in the form of seeking treatment that will lead to positive changes in your life. Imagine having the support of other like-minded individuals struggling with the same issues who completely understand your pain. This is what occurs in group therapy.
To close, here are a few testimonials of individuals and their experiences in group therapy:
“The groups at Crossroads became something to look forward to each week. I always felt welcome and appreciated, and it was a place where I felt free to share my problems if I wanted to.”
“It is helpful to know that you are not alone in your emotional struggles and pain; it helps lessen the blame you assign to yourself.”
“For me it made me feel like I was validated. It reduced my sense of isolation. Through the shared experiences and the ideas and suggestions, I learned a lot of positive ideas to use to work on my own issues.”
“For me, group therapy at Crossroads is a place I could get honest with myself. Group therapy has helped me know my triggers, taught me to have more self-respect, and healthier relationships. I definitely recommend group therapy at Crossroads”.
Please feel confident to contact us at (239) 692.1020 to learn more about Crossroads and our programs. We strive to promote a safe and helpful environment that supports each individual’s unique journey to long term growth, well-being, and recovery.
Crossroads Behavioral Health Center
(239) 692.1020 | www.CrossroadsFL.org
