It's a support group, a "general psychotherapy" group (most of the other ones were geared towards various minorities). My therapist thinks it would be especially beneficial since I have no "support system" on this side of the country and a big part of my problem is feeling isolated. I'm nervous. I have a hard enough time talking to/crying in front of my therapist -- I don't want to be the cliche'd overemotional girl who turns into a crying mess when talking about her life that's not that bad (though I'm pretty sure I will). Does anyone have experience with group therapy, support groups, etc? I haven't been in one since middle school, and most of the people in it were my friends already. Are you allowed to make friends in the group and go out to coffee and stuff together or are you not supposed to see each other outside of the group? Is the atmosphere comfortable enough that it feels a lot easier and more natural to open up than you'd expect?

savemysoul

good for you!

i have no experience. but i've heard so many things that i'm tempted to go myself.

its my understanding (or at least i've been told numerous times) that it seems to work better when the people in the group are totaly objective because they dont see you outside the group. supposedly its easier to not be self concious talking about what DOES happen outside the group. thats actually what sounds most tempting about it to me. im sure there are no hard and fast rules though.

good luck!

I've been in group therapy, and friendships/conversations about your problems outside therapy were highly discouraged/frowned upon.
I had the luck that I carpooled with a guy to therapy, and we got on together very well, so we talked a lot about the group.
We got repremanded often, but ignored that, we had fun, got better and moved on.
Many of the people from our group got stuck in a rut because they didn't talk to others about the group and therapy.
We basically got each other through it.
We don't see each other often, but when we do, we have a lot of fun, and we understand each other very well.
Even if it's not encouraged, I'd say try to find at least one person you click with, and if you both feel like it, meet outside therapy.
It just helps to have a support system like that.
If someone isn't in therapy or never has been, they won't understand you like someone from your group does.
And if your therapists really do mind a lot, try to find someone from a different group.
You can share experiences, but it wouldn't interfere with getting well.
Good luck! <3

I've had a few circle times.
Everyone lies when they promise it will not leave the circle.