Group Therapy and Counseling

For many people, anxiety, fears of confidentiality violations, and a strong negative reaction is immediately triggered by a suggestion of participation in Group Therapy with 3 to 12 other people, to discuss personal problems. However, we have found that these fears and anxieties generally disappear after attending the first two or three group meetings. Equally important is the fact that Group Therapy, facilitated by a well trained therapist, can be one of the most helpful experiences Northland Counseling Center’s International Falls office has to offer. Some of the advantages that therapy groups offer over Individual Therapy include positive, empathetic support from other participants, constructive suggestions from the collective wisdom of the group, and the fact that reactions in the group actually mirror what happens to us in the “real world” – this gives participants a golden opportunity to practice new ways of coping with problems and conflicts; a chance to make important changes in a safe setting. Sometimes, it is recommended that a client attend both Individual and Group Therapy sessions, when the advantages of both are relevant to the individual’s needs.

Group Therapy sessions generally are scheduled weekly and last from 50 to 100 minutes, depending on the type of group. In some therapy groups much of the time is devoted to the members sharing their experiences or discussing their thoughts and feelings (referred to as Process Groups), whereas other groups are more educational in nature and there is less discussion of members’ personal problems and more of a focus on providing helpful information and skills training (referred to as Psycho-educational or Skills Training Groups). At Northland Counseling Center, new groups are developed, from time to time, depending on the needs of our clients and requests from the community.

The list of therapy groups offered through Northland Counseling Center changes from time to time. International Falls office has offered therapy groups to address the following issues:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder and self-harm (Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT)
  • Chronic pain
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Men’s issues
  • Women’s issues
  • Northland Counseling Center always welcomes suggestions for new groups from community members and clients

For information or to schedule an appointment for Family Therapy, contact: Receptionist — (218) 283-3406 Ext. 0

 

For information or to schedule an appointment for Assessment, Evaluation or Testing Services, contact our Receptionist at
218-283-3406 Ext. 0