Group Therapy at Trinity Wellness in Massachusetts

Find strength in community through peer-facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a shared sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a form of therapy where individuals participate together in a therapy session. These are often peer-facilitated, but guided under the supervision of a licensed therapist. Group sessions typically last 1 to 2 hours and meet weekly, daily, or according to the individual treatment program’s schedule.

Group therapy covers a range of topics related to substance abuse and mental health. Although it can work as a standalone treatment, it is more effective when paired with individual therapy such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

There are several types of group therapy, each following different therapeutic approaches and tailored to different recovery needs, including:

Cognitive-behavioral groups (focus on changing thought and behavior patterns)
Interpersonal groups (develop interpersonal skills such as communication skills and strengthen relationships)
Psychoeducational groups (provide education about mental health disorders and coping strategies)
Skills development groups (improve practical skills for independence, such as budgeting, cooking, and job interviewing)
Support groups (peer encouragement and understanding, ideal for life challenges, transitions, or grief)

Who Can Benefit From Group Therapy?

Group therapy can be a powerful experience for those recovering from a range of substance abuse and mental health disorders. Our group therapies can be tailored to meet the needs of different groups of people, and we cover a variety of topics. Some people who can benefit from group therapy include:

Those in drug or alcohol recovery. Group therapy offers a space to hold each other accountable, share stories without judgment, and provide peer mentorship to others.
Those in mental health recovery. Group therapy sessions can focus on various psychoeducation topics or specific mental health disorders such as depression, trauma, anxiety, and OCD.
Those looking for gender specific group settings. There are many group therapy options that are separated by gender, focusing on different issues that men and women face in recovery.
Those in need of extra support or who are at risk of relapse. You don’t always have to be in active addiction or diagnosed with a severe mental illness to benefit from a group therapy setting. Adult support groups work with grief, domestic violence, parenthood, job loss, and other challenging experiences or transitions.

Diverse Group Therapy Programs For Your Recovery Needs

DBT Skill Groups

Many of our group therapy sessions here at TWG are guided by the foundational principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, strengthening relationships, and mindfulness.

Mental Health Support Groups and Psychoeducation

We offer several support groups for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress management, and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, to help clients find shared experiences with others struggling with similar symptoms.

Relapse Prevention Groups

Relapse prevention groups focus on DBT skills and specific coping strategies to resist cravings, manage urges or temptations, and prevent relapse. They focus on concepts such as accountability, crisis management, and the power of social support.

Grief and Loss Support Groups

Grief and loss are powerful triggers for many who struggle with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems. These groups usually focus on the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Groups

Mindfulness and stress reduction groups function like workshops to help patients build healthy coping skills that support their overall mental health and well-being. These may focus on the importance of making healthy lifestyle changes, managing stress, and improving overall well-being.

Family Support Groups

Family support groups help loved ones understand addiction, mental health disorders, and how to support loved ones in recovery while still taking care of themselves. They focus on concepts such as boundaries, self-care, active listening, and helping a loved one in crisis.

What to Expect in Group Therapy Sessions

Group therapy is offered as part of our full-day and half-day treatment programs, and is also available on an outpatient basis. It is a key part of recovery, and patients participate in group therapy daily or multiple times a week, depending on the level of care they are in.

Our group therapy sessions are rooted in respect, empathy, and evidence-based clinical practices. Our ground rules for group therapy foster a space of trust and comfort; they include:

What is shared in the group stays in the group.

Treat all group members with respect, empathy, and acceptance. Don’t criticize, ridicule, or judge the experiences of others.

Listen when others are speaking. Don’t interrupt or talk over others, and allow everyone who wants a chance to share to participate.

Offer support and empathy, but refrain from giving unsolicited advice.

Regularly attend sessions, arrive on time, and try to actively participate in discussions and activities. We work with the group to build a comfortable environment where you can freely share your thoughts and feelings, while still making space for others.

Physical or verbal aggression, threats, or intimidation are not tolerated.

Do not attend group sessions under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Do not discuss information about other group members or talk about members who are not present. Respect everyone’s privacy and boundaries.

Use respectful language. Avoid using profanity towards others or yelling. Expressing strong emotions is fine, but it must be done in a way that is constructive and not harmful to others.

Cell phones are allowed in the facility, but must be turned off during group. If you have an emergency, please leave the room so you’re not distracting others.

There are designated smoking areas outside the facility for smoking. It is best to avoid leaving group sessions for smoke breaks when possible, as this can disrupt others or your recovery process.

We Work With Most Commercial Insurance

Please contact our admissions team for assistance with insurance questions, financing options, and to discuss how we can support your treatment journey.

Stories of Hope and Progress

I was nervous coming here, but the staff made me feel welcome right away. The groups and support really helped me see I’m not alone in this. I’m leaving with hope and a plan for my life.

Emily O’Connor, Boston, MA

This place gave me my life back. I didn’t think anything could help, but the team here really cared. They taught me how to deal with tough days and not give up.

Michael Russo, Worcester, MA

When I came in, I was lost. Now I feel stronger, and I know what steps to take. The people here treated me like a person, not just a patient.

Patrick Donnelly, Cambridge, MA

Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy

Is group therapy covered by insurance?

Yes. We work with most commercial insurance providers. Contact our admissions team to learn more about payment options.

What is the difference between group therapy and NA/AA/Smart Recovery?

Group therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy led by licensed professionals, often in a clinical treatment setting. Sessions are structured with clear, therapeutic goals, and they can be court-mandated or voluntary. Group therapy often addresses concepts such as mental health disorders, emotions, behaviors, and psychoeducation.

Recovery groups such as NA, AA, and SMART Recovery are peer-led, voluntary, and often used to support long-term recovery along with clinical treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follow a spiritual 12-step framework, teaching concepts such as forgiveness and accepting a higher power. SMART recovery, on the other hand, is an evidence-based, secular framework that focuses on self-empowerment, coping with urges, and setting goals.

Is group therapy available in half-day treatment or outpatient?

All of our therapy modalities, including group work, are available in our full-day, half-day, and outpatient treatment programs. The only thing that may differ is the frequency at which you attend sessions.

How many people are in a typical group?

Group therapy tends to be smaller than typical recovery meetings open to the community, with an average of 8 to 15 members (some programs may be even smaller, with 3 to 5 members).

Do you offer virtual group therapy?

We currently only offer in-person group therapy. However, we can work with you on a case-by-case basis to help you overcome barriers such as a lack of transportation or a schedule conflict.

Will I be forced to share personal details?

You are not required to share anything in group therapy that makes you uncomfortable. However, we encourage open communication, sharing experiences, and building trust. But understand it takes time, and everyone has their limits. If you need a space to discuss a challenge but don’t want to address it in group therapy, you may feel more comfortable talking about it in a one-on-one counseling session.

What if I don’t feel comfortable in a group?

We do our best to assign you to a group that shares similar experiences and recovery goals. For example, some group therapy sessions may address addiction and substance abuse, while other sessions focus on trauma or concepts such as domestic violence, assault, or grief and loss. However, if you ever feel uncomfortable in your group, please express this to your group therapist, primary therapist, case manager, or any staff member you feel comfortable with.

How do you ensure confidentiality?

Our group therapists are licensed and accredited, and they adhere to strict ethical guidelines that ensure your privacy and confidentiality are protected. One of the golden rules is that what is shared in the group stays in the group. We find most patients respect this rule and follow it as it allows everyone to have a space where they can feel free to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Group Therapy at Trinity Wellness in Massachusetts

What Is Group Therapy?

Who Can Benefit From Group Therapy?