In: Psychology
A group therapy is a form of therapy wherein individuals with same or similar conditions come together for treatment for mental illness. Group therapy has it's both advantages as well disadvantages.
The major advantage of group therapy is that it gives an individual the opportunity to socially interact with others in the group who have the same or similar condition. They empathize with one another and understand each other better. It helps them overcome their problems through social support as well as the therapist Group therapy works out the best for individuals with depression, HIV, substance abuse, eating disorders and etcetera. It is very specific to only a few disorders and works amazingly well with them.
However, group therapy has it's own disadvantages. Group therapy is very limited. It cannot be administered on a group of individuals who suffer from social phobia or agoraphobia. It is not a kind of therapy which can be used for more serious disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is not impersonal. Individuals in a group therapy communicate with each other. The therapist only guides conversations in the session, so that everybody interacts with each other.
Every coin has two sides. Group therapy has it's own pros and cons.