Group counselling is an extension of individual counselling where multiple individuals work together with a professional counsellor to address personal and interpersonal issues.
Advantages
Cost-effective: Group counselling allows a counsellor to assist several people simultaneously, saving both time and resources.
Social development: It encourages participants to refine their attitudes, habits, and judgment through interaction with others.
Real-life practice: Sharing thoughts and emotions openly provides diverse experiences, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Members learn to assess their interpersonal skills and develop more flexible, effective ways of relating to others.
Enhanced self-awareness: By participating in discussions, individuals gain insights into their values and recognize the importance of positive human relationships.
Reaching otherwise inaccessible individuals: Some people who are hesitant in one-on-one counselling may respond better in a group setting. Feelings of isolation and depression often diminish as participants find support among peers.
Observation opportunities for counsellors: Group settings allow counsellors to observe interpersonal behaviors and dynamics that may not be visible in individual sessions.
Limitations
Not suitable for everyone: Certain individuals may feel intimidated or uncomfortable in a group environment.
Low tolerance for group demands: Some participants may struggle to adapt their behavior to the needs of the group.
Privacy concerns: Highly personal or sensitive issues may be difficult to address openly in a group setting.
Reduced counsellor control: Managing a group can limit the counsellor’s ability to guide interactions and maintain focus, potentially hindering effective relationships with participants.
Counsellors must carefully consider these factors to determine whether group counselling is appropriate for particular individuals or specific types of problems.
Individual versus Group Counselling
Similarities
Shared goals: Both aim to help the client gain self-understanding and become independent, responsible, and self-directed.
Techniques used: Methods such as clarifying feelings, restating content, and reflective listening are common to both approaches.
Confidentiality: Both maintain privacy and trust.
Supportive environment: The atmosphere in both settings is accepting, permissive, and non-threatening.
Target population: Both typically serve individuals coping with normal life stresses, anxieties, or developmental challenges.
Differences
Interaction style: Individual counselling involves a one-on-one relationship, while group counselling engages the counsellor with multiple participants simultaneously.
Mutual support: In individual counselling, only the client receives help, whereas group counselling allows participants to both give and receive support.
Focus of dynamics: Group counselling heavily relies on group dynamics, whereas individual counselling centers on the client-counsellor relationship.
