Human beings are social beings.
At Gulmohar, we encourage and foster, learning and healing in groups. A psychological group is structured, created and facilitated by psychologists. These groups are evidence based, i.e. careful planning and research goes behind their development and implementation.
Group Work has many perceived benefits including a feeling of:
- Universality (recognizing that there are others who have similar problems. ‘I am not alone in my suffering’),
- Instillation of Hope (by witnessing other people learn and grow),
- Boost in self-esteem and self-confidence that is borne out of helping others in the group (‘I am valuable’),
- Increase in knowledge about one’s problems and how to cope with them,
- Catharsis (emotional relief that comes from uninhibited expression of emotions), amongst many other similar feelings.
This could help you understand what Group Work and its benefits are.
Support Groups
The simple purpose of a support group is to provide people with a support network and a reminder that they are not alone. Encountering people who are experiencing similar struggles can reduce feelings of isolation as well as promote adaptive coping. Currently Gulmohar is running Support Group on Loneliness.
Group Therapy
Group Therapy offers more than just support. It is therapy provided in a group setting. It focuses on the individual growth of each member, helps them work on their mental health and bring about deep personal change. Presence of two therapists ensures that everyone in the group gets equitable attention and care.
Group therapy has been found to be as effective as individual therapy, and is decidedly easier to afford.
Currently Gulmohar is running an Existential therapy group on Identity exploration and distress.
Discussion Groups
Our Discussion Groups are usually short ( 1-2 hours) and structured, with the aim to encourage reflection and meaning making amongst group participants. People from different walks of life come together to share their experiences and learnings with each other.
Currently Gulmohar is running discussion groups on Relationships in the Covid-19 context; Despair, Hope and Meaning in Covid-19 context; Experience of Artists in the Covid-19 context.