Group therapy occurs when a group of people meets with a therapist to discuss problems, process interpersonal interactions, and support one another’s emotional growth. Often, participants are encouraged to share moments of strength as well as personal challenges with other group members as a mechanism for exploration and ultimately to experience insight, group cohesiveness, and reparative experiences within the group.
Group therapy in Austin, TX at our practice is not only convenient, it’s also affordable!
Group therapy serves two purposes:
Participants in group therapy have the opportunity to explore not only “who they are” but additionally “how they are”. The other members of the group can provide insight and support while reinforcing the idea that no one within the group is alone in his or her struggle.
Group therapy offers guidance alongside a sense of community that may not be present in other types of counseling. Therapy in a group also offers the same level of confidentiality and affirmation that can be found in individual counseling, but the counseling happens among other human beings with experiences that are relatable.
Saying your thoughts and problems aloud gives other group therapy members the chance to offer a fresh perspective on your situation. Your peers may be able to see places for healing or improvement that you are unable to see currently. Opening your experience to the viewpoint of others can be a step towards life-affirming feedback.
The trials and successes of fellow humans are an incredible source of validation and motivation. Others can serve as a reminder that success is possible. Those participating in group therapy may be more inclined to push themselves beyond stagnation when they bond with others doing the same.
Group therapy provides the rare opportunity to reach out to others in need and let others reach out to you. A truly cohesive group led by a talented therapist in a supportive environment can help in ways that few other therapeutic modalities are able.
Groups of people can help you learn things about yourself you may not have known before. However, In the open and honest atmosphere of group therapy, you are in a unique position to also support others, help them see their own blind spots and share your unique experiences with those who may appreciate the normalization and support surrounding their own struggles.
Group therapy sessions are the perfect place to engage with others. People who understand your conflicts can often be more open to socialization and better understand your boundaries, creating more interpersonal safety than in most other social situations.
Group therapy can cost less than the average individual counseling therapy. If money is a barrier to addressing your mental health needs, consider the advantages of receiving therapy among others.
Individual therapy is a one-on-one process that focuses on your unique experiences, challenges, and goals. In a private setting, you have the undivided attention of your therapist, who can help you explore personal issues in depth. This approach can be especially helpful if you prefer a high degree of confidentiality or if you want to work through sensitive topics on a more intimate level. Because the focus is solely on you, the therapist tailors techniques and insights specifically to your needs, enabling a personalized path toward self-understanding and growth.
On the other hand, group therapy involves participating in a supportive, therapist-guided group. Here, you have the opportunity to share experiences, offer and receive feedback, and learn from the perspectives of others who may be working through similar challenges. Listening to different viewpoints can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of connection. The group dynamic often encourages healthier communication patterns, fosters empathy, and offers a built-in support network that can be hard to replicate outside of a group setting.
While both approaches can be effective on their own, many people benefit from a combination of individual and group therapy. Individual therapy provides a safe space to delve deeper into personal issues, and group therapy allows you to practice new skills with peers and gain broader insights. Ultimately, choosing between individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both depends on your comfort level, personal preferences, and specific goals. A qualified therapist— like those at Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates —can help you determine the best fit for your journey toward growth and healing.
These are ongoing, adult process groups for individuals with different presenting concerns and backgrounds, orienting around the shared goals of deepening relationships with self and others, and using the relationships within the group for therapeutic growth and change. Group therapy in Austin, TX at Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates acknowledges the influence that relationships have in shaping who we are and how we are, and thus believes the possibility for deep healing and change happens within the context of the group environment.
In this group therapy setting we explore our feelings, thoughts, impulses and defenses that arise in our relationships with other group members. Carl Jung once said that “everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” In group, we seek understanding and awareness of ourselves and others. Members do this by building what we call an observing ego; a silent observer that registers our emotional state without judgment of right or wrong, sane or insane. That, in turn, allows change to occur and expands our capacity for awareness and acceptance.
These groups benefit those who are:
Interpersonal Psychodynamic Process Group Therapy is designed to help individuals deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships by exploring the roots of their emotions and behaviors. This type of therapy focuses on uncovering and working through long-standing interpersonal patterns that may be contributing to mental health challenges. By paying close attention to the defenses and coping strategies that emerge in the group, members can begin to recognize how earlier life experiences continue to influence their current interactions. Over time, this insight supports personal growth, encourages healthier ways of relating, and provides emotional support as you experiment with new ways of engaging.
Being psychodynamic in nature, this group therapy offers a safe, structured space for discussing feelings as they arise in real-time. Group members learn to understand and articulate their emotional experiences more authentically, which fosters meaningful relationships through greater openness, trust, and empathy. As the group process unfolds, you can challenge old defensive patterns that may have hindered closeness in your past, ultimately increasing your capacity for deeper connection, intimacy, and personal fulfillment.
Hosted By: Kalee Gower, LCSW and Robbie Price, LPC
Religious Trauma Process Group Therapy is specifically designed for individuals who have broken free from, or are in the process of leaving, a high-control religious system or organization. It also serves those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or harm in a religious or spiritual context. This group offers support by addressing feelings such as betrayal, guilt, shame, and confusion that often surface after exiting or questioning a deeply ingrained belief system. The focus is on validating your unique experiences, helping you rebuild a sense of identity, and guiding you toward healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Within this structured, confidential setting, group members explore how religious trauma affects their mental health, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. By sharing personal stories and empathizing with one another, participants begin to reclaim autonomy, set appropriate boundaries, and foster meaningful relationships outside of the controlling or harmful environment they left behind. This shared journey fosters personal growth as each member works to rebuild trust, rediscover personal values, and heal from the psychological wounds of past religious experiences.
Hosted By: Katie Webb, MS, LPC-Associate
An Interpersonal Process Group provides a collaborative space to enhance self-awareness, foster healthier ways of communicating, and develop strategies for building more meaningful relationships. Unlike a traditional support group—where participants typically rally around a specific subject or shared experience—an interpersonal process group focuses on the dynamics unfolding in the moment. With the guidance of a therapist, group members examine their reactions, emotions, and behaviors, noticing how they engage with one another in real time.
This structure promotes mental health and personal growth by offering immediate feedback and insight from both the therapist and fellow group members. As you practice new ways of expressing yourself, you’ll receive emotional support and learn how to better navigate conflict, set boundaries, and show vulnerability. Over time, the honest reflections and shared experiences within the group build confidence and strengthen each individual’s ability to form deeper, more satisfying connections—both in the group and beyond.
Hosted By: Emily Harrington-Cheney, LPC, IRT and Steve Cheney, LPC, IRT
People from all age groups are welcome at group therapy—from young adults to seniors and everyone in between. Our groups are often formed to ensure participants share enough common ground to benefit from each other’s experiences, while still allowing for diverse perspectives.
Yes. In fact, group therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience social anxiety. Although it may feel intimidating at first, a professionally led therapy group provides a safe environment to practice social and communication skills. Over time, you can learn to feel more comfortable speaking up, gain confidence, and experience meaningful relationships with others who share similar challenges.
Group therapy addresses a wide array of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
The size of a therapy group can vary, but most groups have about 6-10 members. This range ensures that each person has enough time to share and receive feedback, while also providing a supportive and diverse environment.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical group therapy practice. The therapist will discuss confidentiality guidelines and emphasize the importance of respecting each other’s privacy. All members are asked to agree that what is shared in the group remains in the group.