When you think about group therapy, a lot of people picture a circle of chairs and maybe a bit of nervousness. But at its heart, the biggest benefit is something far deeper and harder to find these days: a real sense of connection. Especially when life feels overwhelming, group therapy steps in as a powerful antidote to isolation and self-doubt.
Unlike solo therapy, group sessions let you realize you’re not alone in your struggles, whatever they may be. The simple but profound act of sitting with others who “get it” can be life-changing. This article takes a closer look at why that sense of belonging, especially in challenging times, is a cornerstone of healing. You’ll see that the value of group therapy goes well beyond just symptom relief. It’s about being seen, heard, and understood on a human level.
If you’re wondering how that plays out in real life, or why belonging is more powerful than it sounds, read on, you’ll find it’s both practical and pretty profound.
The Core Benefit: A Sense of Belonging Through Shared Experience
Let’s face it, feeling alone in your struggles is rough. Group therapy taps straight into that by creating a space where folks realize, maybe for the first time, they’re not the only ones facing a challenge. Instead of hiding painful thoughts or worrying you’re “too different,” group members start to see their own stories reflected back by others. That shared experience creates a sense of belonging that’s tough to replicate anywhere else.
This goes deeper than cliché pep talks or “you’ll be fine” advice. It’s about the comfort that comes from being around people who get it, who nod along to your anxieties and who might have even walked a similar road. In a world where everyone seems busy, sometimes too busy to notice, group therapy is a place where you’re genuinely heard and, even more importantly, really understood.
Belonging becomes a foundation for trust, openness, and growth. Especially in cultures, like many across Asia, where community ties and mutual understanding are the backbone of support, this shared space is even more crucial. If you want to know more about how therapists make this happen, check out what Existential Process Groups at Encompassing Therapy & Counselling look like, they give real-life meaning to belonging through unscripted group connection, not just by-the-book conversation.
All in all, group therapy is about more than just sitting in a room together. It’s a living, breathing reminder that nobody heals alone, and that simply belonging, to yourself, to your story, and to each other, can kickstart change where it matters most.
Why Belonging Matters for Mental Health
Research says it loud and clear: a sense of belonging directly supports mental health. Studies show belonging is linked with lower rates of depression and anxiety, and higher levels of hope and motivation. Feeling accepted, especially during tough times, improves people’s mental resilience and gives them energy to face daily life.
It’s not just statistics, experts point out that many emotional struggles, from anxiety to depression, get worse in isolation. When you’re part of a group, something different happens. You begin to see your challenges as part of the larger human experience, not just a personal failing. Shared stories and “me too” moments provide relief and spark hope, fueling motivation for real healing.
In many Asian cultures, where collectivity and community support are central, the health benefits of belonging are even greater. Group settings revive the idea that healing is not a solo journey. In fact, existential therapy treats anxiety and depression by harnessing belonging to counter the shame and isolation these conditions often bring.
So, belonging isn’t just a comfortable extra, it’s a basic human need with the power to transform how we see ourselves and our struggles. It’s no wonder therapists see a strong group dynamic as the engine behind long-term emotional growth and renewed hope.
Insight From Existential Therapy in Group Settings
Existential therapy has a different angle on belonging: it sees our need for connection as a core part of what it means to be human. In group settings, this approach goes beyond symptoms and diagnoses, it’s about exploring questions like, Who am I? Where do I fit in? And what’s my purpose?
By diving into these questions alongside others, group therapy helps people discover they’re both unique and deeply connected to those around them. This dual realization, that your struggles are yours, but also shared, creates powerful validation and encourages honest self-discovery. Curious how this works in practice? Existential therapy at Encompassing Therapy makes these big questions a natural part of group conversation, emphasizing meaning, freedom, and belonging as central pillars.
Reducing Isolation Through Shared Experiences
If there’s one thing most people quietly wrestle with, it’s the sense of being alone in what they’re feeling. Group therapy cracks that shell, showing time and again that isolation loses its grip when experiences are shared, a finding supported by research showing group-based interventions can significantly reduce loneliness in older adults (Aydın & Kutlu, 2021).
When you join a group with others dealing with their own struggles, whether it’s anxiety, loss, or life changes, suddenly, you’re seen and understood in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere. Often, folks discover others have faced similar crossroads or weathered struggles that felt impossible to talk about before. That sense of being witnessed goes beyond sympathy; it’s real empathy rooted in lived experience.
The group doesn’t just listen. It validates, reflects back, and turns loneliness into a space of mutual recognition. This is especially meaningful during life transitions or when coping with new environments, think of moving to a new city, changing careers, or going through a breakup. When family or friends aren’t quite on the same page, groups fill in the gap with understanding and encouragement.
At its core, group therapy creates a supportive environment where being yourself, and seeing others do the same, proves you truly aren’t alone. For anyone navigating big shifts, life transitions counselling and group work at Encompassing Therapy amplify this power by weaving together diverse stories into a tapestry of healing, making space for everyone’s journey. The specifics of how this reduces shame, stigma, and builds new insight are just ahead.
Hearing ‘Me Too’ Moments That Reduce Shame and Stigma
One of the most powerful parts of group therapy is those spontaneous “me too” moments. When someone voices a fear, worry, or behavior they thought was unique, then hears others say they’ve felt the same, the weight of shame starts to lift.
This kind of peer validation stops those inner thoughts like “I’m broken” or “nobody else would understand.” Instead, it creates a sense that these struggles are just part of being human. Over time, sharing and hearing similar stories can break down stigma, replacing it with emotional acceptance and self-compassion. It’s healing by simple, honest recognition.
Emotional Catharsis and Confidentiality in Group Therapy
There’s a reason group therapy can feel like a safe harbor after a storm. The environment is designed for honest emotional release, letting out all the stuff you might bury elsewhere. People arrive with tight shoulders and guarded words, but little by little, confidentiality and mutual trust create a sense of safety where those walls start to fall.
Catharsis happens when folks feel comfortable enough to voice thoughts and feelings, whether it’s sadness, anger, relief, or even joy. With privacy protected and everyone committed to respect, vulnerability stops feeling dangerous and starts feeling healing.
That’s not just a happy side effect, it’s intentional. The group becomes a confidential space where big feelings don’t have to be bottled up or second-guessed. Knowing that others take your words seriously and keep them safe builds deep trust, which in turn fuels emotional growth.
How Confidentiality and Trust Support Emotional Healing
Group therapy runs on confidentiality, what’s shared in the group stays in the group. Strong ground rules mean everyone can trust their words are protected, making space for genuine honesty.
This trust is a game-changer. When people let their real selves be seen and express bottled up feelings, it leads to emotional catharsis, a profound sense of relief and release. In that safe space, healing becomes possible, and the psychological weight many carry starts to lighten.
New Perspectives and Self-Discovery in Group Therapy
So, what happens when you open up to a room full of unique backgrounds and opinions? You get more than comfort, you get to see your own challenges through entirely new lenses. Group therapy is a crash course in perspective-taking, and it’s often where self-discovery gets its first jolt.
Listening to how others cope or make sense of their struggles helps reframe your own. Maybe someone handles stress in a way you’d never considered, or maybe they challenge you, gently, on a long-held belief that’s weighing you down. Suddenly, your options for moving forward seem richer and more realistic.
This isn’t just about swapping stories. It’s about learning how others adapt their coping strategies by age, background, or culture. As people hear about pragmatic solutions for everything from parenting stress to retirement anxiety, they’re inspired to try, tweak, or discard what doesn’t fit for themselves.
In short, group therapy is about more than help, it’s about discovery: who you are, what you need, and how you fit into a wider world.
How Group Feedback and Diverse Viewpoints Aid Self-Discovery
Hearing feedback from people with different life stories opens your mind in surprising ways. In group therapy, honest but caring observations help you spot blind spots and strengths you might have missed on your own.
Diverse perspectives lead to practical problem-solving. Insights from someone who solved a similar challenge, but in a different context or stage of life, can spark breakthroughs. This back-and-forth process proves that personal growth is a group project, where everyone’s self-understanding expands together.
Self-Worth and Healing Through Supporting Others
There’s a secret in group therapy: the act of helping others heals you, too. When you listen, offer advice, or show empathy, your own sense of self-worth grows. You’re no longer just a receiver of support, you become someone who matters, who makes a difference in another’s progress.
This is especially meaningful in existential therapy, where giving and receiving support are both vital parts of making meaning in life. Supporting others gives you purpose, boosts emotional intelligence, and anchors your own path to healing.
Building Confidence and Interpersonal Skills
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people, participating in group therapy is like a real-life workout for your social and communication muscles. At first, sharing your story or offering a thought in a crowded room might sound intimidating. But as the sessions roll on, people often notice a quiet shift inside themselves. The act of speaking up gets easier, and so does listening with genuine attention to others.
Every time you practice being vulnerable in a safe group, you’re also learning how to face everyday conversations with more poise and patience. Maybe you experiment with setting boundaries, or practice communicating your feelings without fear of judgment. Those are skills you’ll take straight into work, home, or community life.
Of course, it’s not just about talking. Group therapy teaches the art of listening and responding, sometimes the most powerful thing you do is truly hear and reflect on someone else’s experience. Over time, you build trust not just in the group, but in your own ability to connect with others. For many, that’s the spark that leads to renewed confidence outside the circle, too.
The group setting itself is like a safe sandbox for these experiments. Everyone is practicing, everyone is learning, and mistakes are welcomed as steps forward. Gradually, communication, empathy, and problem-solving feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of who you are becoming. That’s a key ingredient for long-term growth and real change.
When Is Group Therapy Most Helpful?
- During Major Life Transitions: Times of change, such as new careers, moving countries, becoming a parent, or retirement, often leave people feeling unmoored. Group therapy shines here, offering validation and support for the uncertainties of big transitions.
- After Loss or Relationship Changes: Whether grieving the death of a loved one, separation, or divorce, group support can be transformative. The collective wisdom and empathy make even deep sadness more manageable, turning pain into a shared burden.
- For Anxiety, Depression, or Identity Questions: When struggling with internal battles, hearing you’re not alone breaks the cycle of isolation and self-criticism. Shared stories spark new hope for those feeling lost or “stuck.”
- Adjustment to New Environments: Crossing cultures, starting university, or moving to a new city can trigger feelings of otherness. Groups provide a bridge to belonging, especially for expats and newcomers. The Existential Process Group offers a dedicated space for exploring identity, freedom, and belonging together.
- Personal Growth and Relationship Skills: If your goal is to improve communication, boundaries, or self-confidence, group therapy is an ideal setting to practice with support and feedback.
No matter the starting point, these key moments demonstrate how powerful a sense of belonging can be, and underline why group therapy remains a cornerstone of emotional and relational healing.
How Group Therapy Complements Individual and Family Work
Group therapy is powerful on its own, but pairing it with individual or family sessions can make healing go even deeper. Many people find that while individual therapy gives space for private, focused growth, groups add another layer, fresh perspectives and real-time support from others with lived experience.
You can learn coping skills or self-awareness individually, then bring new insights to family relationships or the wider group. Over time, ongoing group participation reinforces emotional progress, supports long-term resilience, and helps maintain positive changes. If you’re curious about exploring both formats, options like individual existential therapy or family and relationship therapy at Encompassing Therapy can be combined seamlessly with group work for holistic support.
Getting Started With Group Therapy at Encompassing Therapy & Counselling
If you’re ready to experience the major benefits of group therapy, connection, support, and deep self-discovery, the next step is easy. Visiting Encompassing Therapy & Counselling offers both in-person and online options, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and comfort.
Whether you’re new to therapy or already working individually, you’ll find a welcoming, confidential environment where your experience matters. Group sessions at Encompassing Therapy are open to adults, led by Dr. Magdalen Cheng, and tailored for both local Singaporeans and international clients. If you’ve got questions or want to arrange an initial session, the practice makes it straightforward to get started.
Conclusion
The heart of group therapy beats in the deep sense of connection and belonging it creates. It gently pushes back against loneliness, offering a space where pain can be voiced, witnessed, and transformed. Whether you need support during a life change, skills for better relationships, or the relief of “me too” moments, the power of the group is hard to overstate.
Being part of a community where your story is welcomed is a foundation for long-term well-being and growth. If you’re considering group therapy, know that each step, no matter how small, is a move toward healing, resilience, and wholeness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Yes, group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy, especially for issues like anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. The group format offers unique benefits, including peer support, real-time feedback, and a strong sense of belonging, that individual therapy may not provide. Many people find combining both formats maximizes healing and helps them practice new skills in a safe, supportive environment.
What makes group therapy different from a support group?
While both offer a sense of community, therapy groups are structured and facilitated by a professional therapist. The focus is not just on sharing experiences but on learning new insights, building coping skills, and deepening self-awareness. At practices like Encompassing Therapy, existential process groups emphasize authentic dialogue and personal growth, not just advice or emotional venting.
How do therapists keep group therapy sessions confidential and safe
Therapists set clear ground rules at the start, including expectations for privacy and respect. Everyone is reminded that what’s shared in the group stays within the group. This sense of confidentiality encourages vulnerability and honesty, creating a secure space for deep emotional release and genuine healing. If breaches occur, the therapist addresses them promptly and compassionately.
Can I join group therapy if I’m already seeing an individual therapist
Absolutely. Many people find that combining group therapy with individual sessions sharpens insights and supports long-term change. Discuss this with your current therapist, they can help coordinate care to make sure both approaches work together for your personal goals. Practices like Encompassing Therapy often welcome and encourage collaboration for the best results.
Is group therapy suitable for all mental health concerns?
Group therapy is highly effective for a wide range of concerns, especially adjustment issues, emotional distress, and relationship challenges. However, it may not be suitable for acute psychiatric cases or crises, or situations where privacy needs are especially high. It’s always best to discuss your specific needs with a professional to determine the right fit.
References
- Hickin, N., Käll, A., Shafran, R., Sutcliffe, S., Manzotti, G., & Langan, D. (2021). The effectiveness of psychological interventions for loneliness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 88, 102066.
- Aydın, M., & Kutlu, F. Y. (2021). The effect of group art therapy on loneliness and hopelessness levels of older adults living alone: A randomized controlled study. Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing, 29(3), 271–284.
- Wang, P., Ma, J., Du, L., Xing, Q., Cheng, X., Zhang, M., Geng, F., Zheng, Y., Zheng, F., & Tian, M. (2025). Buffering or not working: Group counseling for depression and loneliness among boarding primary school students. Frontiers in Public Health, 12.
About the Author
I am a BPS-accredited and SPS-accredited Counselling Psychologist with a Doctorate in Existential Psychology from the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London, U.K. My care philosophy is not to diagnose, label, or categorise but rather to work with the individual in front of me in the here and now.
My clinical credentials certainly play a significant role in defining my professional identity. But to foster a deeper connection and authenticity, I invite you to discover my other “Selves”, the various facets of who I am.
