Group Therapy In Austin, TX

Group Therapy

What Is Group Therapy?

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 at Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates

Group therapy in Austin, TX at our practice is not only convenient, it’s also affordable!

  • Group therapy is $40-$70 per session
  • We offer group therapy at convenient times, including evenings and weekends

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Why Should I Join Group Therapy?

Group therapy serves two purposes:

  • It serves as a venue to bring together multiple people who have been through similar experiences
  • It provides a chance to explore the dynamics of interpersonal interaction in an experiential way

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.

Group therapy

Phase 1: History Taking

Before beginning EMDR, your trauma therapist will get to know more about your experiences and symptoms. This step is for you to share about events in your past that may be affecting your current mindset.

Phase 2: Preparation

This stage is about ensuring your readiness for EMDR. Even though EMDR therapy for trauma is completely safe, it can be problematic for individuals who commonly experience dissociation. As a safeguard, your trauma therapist will work with you to create your own “calm place” to concentrate on if you feel distressed.

Phase 3: Assessment

It’s now time to choose a target to be reprocessed during your next few sessions. In doing so, you’ll need to identify a vivid image related to the memory, a negative cognition about yourself associated with it, and emotions and bodily sensations that accompany both. Your therapist will then have you challenge that negative cognition with a cognitive one. They will have you rate how true your positive cognition feels and how much distress the target memory causes you on a scale from 1-10.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing comes into play. When you feel ready, your therapist will guide you to process your negative feelings and memories using bilateral eye movements to facilitate the brain’s healing process. This will help to ground you and take more directed focus on the thoughts, feelings, and images associated with your target. Every minute or so, your therapist will check in on what you’ve noticed and ask you to rate how much discomfort you’re now feeling. When you no longer report distress related to your targeted memory, you move onto the next step.

Phase 5: Installation

Next, your attention will be brought back to the positive cognition you identified earlier. Your trauma/PTSD therapist will recheck how true this belief now feels. The goal is to get this belief to feel like it’s 100 percent true.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You will now be asked to check your body for any areas of tension in your body caused by the target memory. Are your teeth clenched? Is your chest tight? Any uncomfortable physical sensations will be reprocessed using the same procedure as before until you can think of the target memory without feeling any tension.

Phase 7: Closure

At the end of every session, your trauma counselor will make sure that you are leaving feeling more relaxed than when you arrived. If you are feeling agitated, they will lead you through self-calming techniques until you regain your sense of control.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of each subsequent session, your therapist will ask you questions to ensure your positive beliefs have been maintained. This will also help them to identify any new problem areas that may need to be targeted.

EMDR therapy for trauma is considered a success once you are able to bring up memories of trauma without feeling the distress that brought you to therapy. Your trauma therapist will also provide you with the techniques and skills you need going forward to deal with upsetting feelings.

What Are The Benefits Of Group Therapy?

A Place To Sound Off

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.

Ongoing Motivation

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.

Support From Multiple People

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.

Helping Others

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.

Social Skill Building

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.

Affordability

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.

Group therapy

How Does Individual Therapy Differ From Group Therapy?

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.

Psychodynamic Adult Process Groups

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

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.

Kalee GowerRobbie Price

Hosted By: Kalee Gower, LCSW and Robbie Price, LPC

508 Deep Eddy Ave.
Tuesday: 12pm –1:20pm
Wednesday: 12:10pm –1:30pm
Wednesday: 5:15pm-6:45pm

Religious Trauma Process Group Therapy

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

TBD
TBD

Interpersonal Process Group Therapy

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

Online via HIPAA-compliant Zoom
Tuesday: 11:05am-12:20pm

Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy

What ages are present at group therapy?

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.

What are some things I should know about starting group therapy?
  • Confidentiality is crucial. Group members are expected to respect each other’s privacy.
  • Participation enhances growth. The more you actively share and listen, the more you’ll benefit from the group experience.
  • You’re not alone. Many people feel nervous before their first session, but most find that once they settle in, they gain emotional support and feel less isolated.
  • Commitment matters. Regular attendance helps build trust and rapport among group members and allows for deeper exploration of issues.
I have social anxiety. Is group therapy right for me?

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.

What can group therapy help with?

Group therapy addresses a wide array of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:

  • Practical coping skills for anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed
  • Improving communication and relationship-building skills
  • Overcoming feelings of social anxiety and isolation
  • Fostering personal growth and greater self-awareness
  • Emotional support and shared understanding of common struggles
  • General healing from past traumas, difficult life events, or ongoing stressors
How many people are usually in a group?

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.

What if I’m concerned about confidentiality in a group setting?

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.

Therapy

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Specialties

AddictionAnger/ AggressionAnxietyChildren/ AdolescentsChronic IllnessCouple's TherapyDepressionEating DisordersFamily TherapyGroup TherapyHealthIFS TherapyEMDR Trauma TherapyIndividual TherapyLGBTQIA+Life TransitionsMen's IssuesMindfulnessOnline TherapyParentingPTSDRelationship/ IntimacySelf-EsteemSpiritualityStudent ConcernsTrauma