What to Expect from Group Therapy

Posted: April 6, 2026

This spring, Mind Body Soul Therapy is offering three group therapy programs across our two New Jersey locations in Collingswood and Moorestown. These groups are designed for individuals seeking support, education, and connection. Before deciding whether one may be a good fit, it can help to understand what group therapy is like and what you can expect from the experience.

Starting something new can bring up a lot of questions, especially when it involves sharing space with others. If you have been curious about group therapy but feel uneasy about what it looks like, you are not alone. Many people feel unsure at first. Having a clearer picture of what to expect can make that first step feel a little more manageable.

Our group therapy is designed to feel thoughtful, structured, and approachable. You do not need to have everything figured out before joining.

A Space to Learn, Reflect, and Connect

Group therapy offers something that individual therapy cannot always provide. It creates the opportunity to hear from others who may be navigating similar experiences, even if their stories look different from your own.

Many people are surprised by how meaningful it feels to sit with others who understand certain parts of what they are going through. That sense of connection can help reduce the feeling of being alone in it.

Alongside that connection, groups also focus on building insight and learning practical ways to cope with challenges in everyday life.

What Happens in a Typical Group Therapy Session

Each group is led by a licensed clinician who helps guide the conversation and create a steady, respectful structure for the time together.

Sessions often include a mix of:

Guided discussion around a shared topic
Learning and practicing coping strategies
Reflection on personal experiences
Opportunities to listen, share, or both

You are not expected to speak right away. Many people take time to observe and get comfortable, and that is completely okay. Participation can grow at your own pace.

A Blend of Practical Skills and Emotional Support

Our groups are grounded in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and skills-based learning.

This means you can expect both:

Practical strategies you can use outside of sessions
Thoughtful conversation that helps you better understand your experiences

For example, you might learn new ways to manage stress, respond to difficult thoughts, or navigate relationships, while also hearing how others approach similar challenges.

Clear Structure, with Room for Real Experiences

Each group typically runs for about six weeks and meets weekly or every other week for 60 to 90 minutes.

Keeping groups time-limited and focused helps create a sense of direction without feeling overwhelming. It also allows space for you to get to know the group while still keeping things manageable.

Groups are intentionally kept smaller and more focused so that each person has room to feel seen and included without it becoming too much to take in at once.

It Is Okay to Feel Unsure at First

It is very common to wonder:

Will I have to share more than I am ready to?
What if I feel awkward?
What if I do not connect with anyone?

These are all valid concerns. Most people walk into their first session with at least one of these thoughts. Over time, many find that the structure of the group and the guidance of the therapist help ease that initial discomfort.

You are not expected to be perfect, open, or ready right away. You are simply invited to show up.

A Different Kind of Support

Group therapy is not about putting you on the spot or asking you to perform. It is about creating a space where learning, reflection, and connection can happen in a steady and supported way.

For some, it becomes a place to practice new skills.

For others, it becomes a place where things feel a little less heavy because they are not carrying them alone.

Our Spring Group Therapy Programs

Proud & Present: An LGBTQ+ Therapy Group for Identity, Connection, and Well-Being

with Christine Holihan-Boothe, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP

Through guided discussion and therapeutic exercises, participants can build community, strengthen self-acceptance, and navigate the unique stressors that can impact LGBTQ+ well-being.
Starts April 27th at our Collingswood, New Jersey location
Meets Biweekly on Mondays at 7:00 PM
Insurance Accepted
Adults 18+

Click here to register for Proud & Present

Calm Within: Building Self-Compassion and Stress Resilience in Everyday Life

with Sara Kotz, LCSW

Explore how self-criticism impacts emotional well-being and learn tools for cultivating self-kindness, mindfulness, and emotional resilience through evidence-based strategies and reflective exercises.
Starts April 22 at our Moorestown, New Jersey location
Meets Biweekly on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
Insurance Accepted
Adults 18+

Click here to register for Calm Within

The Chronic Illness Toolkit: Practical Skills for Coping, Energy Management, and Daily Living

with Sam Wurst, MA, LPC, CCATP, CMIP

Living with chronic illness or persistent health conditions can affect every aspect of life. Explore strategies such as mindfulness, pacing, cognitive behavioral skills, and emotional coping techniques to improve quality of life.
Starts April 27 at our Collingswood, New Jersey location
Meets weekly on Mondays at 6:00 PM
Insurance Accepted
Adults 18+

Click here to register for The Chronic Illness Toolkit

If You Are Considering Group Therapy

You do not need to be certain before reaching out. It is okay to have questions or to feel hesitant. We are here to help you explore whether it feels like a good fit for you.