What is Coaching for Mental Health related Groups
Mental Health Coaching assistance
Group coaching is a type of talk therapy among a group of people sharing similar mental health struggles in which one or more mental health coach deal with several persons at the same time. This sort of treatment may be found in a number of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, community centers, churches or synaguogues.
Group coaching is occasionally used because of a more affordable option than individual coaching as the focus is more on a group vs ONE individual. Depending on each coach, group size may vary between 5 to 12 people per group, and focused topics (grievance and bereavement, depression and anxiety, anger management, post divorce caoaching group, pre-marital coaching, and more) are addressed at each session.
Types of Groups
Mental Health coaching group
Pros of Mental Health Coaching Groups:
- Support Network: Provides a sense of community and shared experiences.
- Diverse Perspectives: Offers various viewpoints and solutions from group members.
- Accountability: Encourages commitment and progress through mutual support.
- Cost-Effective: Often less expensive than individual coaching.
- Skill Development: Facilitates learning of new coping strategies and skills.
Cons of Mental Health Coaching Groups:
- Limited Personalization: May not address individual needs as specifically as one-on-one sessions.
- Privacy Concerns: Sharing in a group may feel uncomfortable for some.
- Varied Commitment: Group dynamics can vary, affecting overall effectiveness.
- Potential for Distractions: Group settings may lead to less focus on personal issues.
- Slow Progress: Progress might be slower due to the group’s collective pace.
True purpose of cognitive behavioral groups focus on recognizing and correcting incorrect or distorted thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors.
All group members will discuss their challenges and negative perspective on things and as to why they repeat these same behaviors and expecting different results. The group coach will work on changing their mindset into looking at the various positive alternatives to their normal and negative chain of thoughts.
Interpersonal groups focus on interpersonal connections and social interactions, such as how much support you receive from others and how these relationships affect your mental health.
Support groups offer a wide range of advantages to those suffering from a variety of mental illnesses, as well as their loved ones. You must take into consideration that a group setting doesn’t allow you to get the chance to really find customized solution to you issues as many others are sitting in the same session with that ONE coach. If you are looking for a quicker solution, individual session is a must.
How does a typical group coaching session is conducted?
Similar to support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), or SA (Sex Addicts Anonymous), these sessions generally involve discussing weekly challenges and brainstorming potential solutions together.
Is group coaching different from group therapy?
Most problems individuals encounter can be addressed in either type of group. Group therapy is typically led by licensed professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, or counselors. In contrast, group coaching is conducted by coaches with similar expertise but who aren’t regulated by state licensing boards. Many group coaches work virtually, serving hundreds or even thousands of clients across the USA, and use platforms like Zoom or Skype for their sessions.
Chances are, coaches are exponentially more successful than their counterpart’s psychologist, counselor or psychotherapist as they cover a larger territory outside of their state of operation. Just look at Tony Robbins and the many others extremely successful coaches that operate worldwide without having the board of licensing breathing over their shoulders with a set of regulations and rules to follow.
What are certain type of conditions where Group therapy can be more helpful than coaching ?
- ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) (ADHD)
- Anger control
- Anxiety disorder in general
- A wide range of illnesses are treated by group therapy, including:
CBT-based group therapy has been shown to assist patients manage with, in addition to mental health conditions :
- Chronic illnesses
- Depression
- Disorder of substance abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Eating problems
- Divorce (Marriage coaching groups)
- Loss and grief
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (PTSD)
- Stress that lasts
- Weight control
Other Group coaching benefits to consider before choosing individual option?
GROUP THERAPY HAS VARIOUS ADVANTAGES
GETTING INSPIRED BY OTHER MEMBERS
CREATE A SENSE OF INCLUSION AMONG OTHER MEMBERS
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE THAN ONE ON ONE
Is group coaching really for you ?
When do you know it is preferable to seek group coaching vs individual ?
If you or someone you care about is considering group coaching, there are several important factors to take into account:
Willingness to Share: Participation in group coaching requires a readiness to share personal experiences. If you struggle with social anxiety or phobias, speaking in a group might be challenging. Additionally, some group coaching formats involve activities like role-playing or in-depth personal discussions, which could be overwhelming for those who are very private or uncomfortable around new people.
Exploring Different Groups: Just as finding the right coach may take some time, you might need to try several groups before finding the one that suits you best. Reflect on your needs and preferences to choose a group where you feel comfortable and supported.
Not for Crisis Situations: Group coaching is not ideal for everyone, particularly those in immediate crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Individual counseling is generally a better choice in such cases. Group coaching tends to be more effective for individuals who are not in acute distress.
Open vs. Closed Groups: Decide whether you prefer an open or closed group format. Open groups allow new members to join at any time, while closed groups require waiting until a new session starts.
Additional Support: Consider whether group coaching alone is sufficient or if you need additional support, such as individual counseling or medication. Consult with your doctor or therapist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your situation.
