Interpersonal Process Groups: What They Are and Who They’re For
The term “Interpersonal Process Group” might sound a bit intimidating, but this type of group therapy is actually the perfect space for individuals who are looking to explore their feelings and connect with others in a safe, supportive environment. Keep reading to learn more about what interpersonal process groups are and whether or not you might benefit from joining one.
What are Interpersonal Process Groups?
Interpersonal Process Groups, sometimes just called “Process Groups,” focus on exploring the emotions and interpersonal dynamics of the members of the group. While the members of an interpersonal process group usually share some similarities, they’re usually made up of people that you may never have given yourself the opportunity to interact with outside of this space. Group members are usually around the same age or in a similar stage of their lives, but their reasons for joining the group may be different. This dynamic helps to create a space for people to connect in ways that make them feel supported while also openings them up to different ideas and perspectives. Interpersonal process groups can really help individuals gain self-awareness and explore how their interactions with others either help or hinder their personal growth. The group facilitator typically lets the group members guide the discussion of the sessions while offering insight into how they can apply what is being explored to their relationships with others as well as themselves.
Benefits of Interpersonal Process Groups
Some of the benefits of Interpersonal Process Groups include:
Gaining better insight into how you affect others and how others affect you
Get more in touch with your feelings as they come up in the moment
Receiving support and validation from your peers
Safety to be vulnerable and explore your emotions
Comfort in knowing that there are people who face the same struggles or have had similar experiences
Development of empathy, communication, and collaboration skills
Accountability for behaviors or cognitions that are negatively impacting your relationships
Who are Interpersonal Process Groups For?
Interpersonal process groups can be for anyone! Because they do not follow a specific curriculum, they can vary greatly and may even change over time as the group members progress or cycle through. If you aren’t sure if an interpersonal process group is for you, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you want to better understand how you affect other people and how other people affect you?
Do you struggle with assertive communication?
Do you often worry about what others think about you?
Do you struggle to identify your feelings?
If you resonate with these statements, you would absolutely benefit from an interpersonal process group. If you are looking for a group that provides a more structured and educational environment, you might be better suited for a Skills Group.
Getting Started with Group Therapy
Does it sound like you or your child might benefit from an Interpersonal Process Group, but you don’t know where to start? At Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC, we offer group therapy for teens, college students, and adults and our interpersonal process groups are run by our licensed therapists who have specialty training, experience, and supervision in running interpersonal process groups specifically.
Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute call with our intake coordinator to learn more about our current and upcoming group offerings.
Bonus! Check out this free webinar by Sara Schreiber, LCSW and Jacob Winkler, LCSW on how to identify potential clients for interpersonal process groups: