Understanding the Different Types of Group Therapy: Support, Skills-Based, and Interpersonal Process

When many people think of therapy, they imagine one-on-one sessions with a therapist. But group therapy can be just as powerful—and, in some cases, even more effective. In group therapy, healing happens not only through professional guidance but also through the shared experiences of others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Still, not all groups are the same. Depending on your needs, you might find yourself in a support group, a skills-based group, or an interpersonal process group. Each has its own purpose, structure, and benefits. Understanding these differences can help you decide which group may be the best fit for you.

Support Groups: A Place to Feel Understood

Support groups are built on one simple truth: healing begins when we realize we’re not alone. These groups bring people together around a shared experience, such as grief, trauma, chronic illness, or addiction.

The focus of a support group is emotional validation and connection. Members share their stories, listen to one another, and offer encouragement. The group becomes a safe space to express feelings that might feel too heavy to carry alone.

• Goal: To reduce isolation, offer emotional support, and build a sense of community.

• Structure: Often less formal; members may share as much or as little as they feel comfortable.

• Best for: People looking for comfort, validation, and understanding from others with similar life experiences.

Skills-Based Groups: Learning and Practicing New Tools

Skills-based groups focus on teaching practical tools and strategies to help participants cope with challenges. These groups are often structured and curriculum-driven, with the therapist guiding members through specific lessons and exercises.

Examples include DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) groups, which teach mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation skills, or CBT-based groups, which focus on challenging unhelpful thought patterns.

• Goal: To teach coping strategies and life skills that can be applied outside of the group.

• Structure: Highly structured; often includes worksheets, role-playing, or homework assignments.

• Best for: People who want hands-on strategies for managing stress, emotions, or behaviors in daily life.

Interpersonal Process Groups: Healing Through Relationships

Interpersonal process groups take a different approach. Instead of focusing on a shared topic or structured curriculum, these groups center on what happens in the room, between members.

The group itself becomes a microcosm of real life. Members notice how they relate to others, how they express (or avoid) emotions, and how patterns of connection and disconnection show up. The therapist helps bring awareness to these dynamics and encourages new, healthier ways of relating.

• Goal: To improve self-awareness, emotional expression, and relationship patterns.

• Structure: Loosely structured; guided by the group’s interactions and facilitated by the therapist.

• Best for: People who want to deepen self-understanding, explore relationship dynamics, and practice vulnerability in a safe setting.

Which Group Is Right for You?

• If you’re longing for connection and reassurance that you’re not alone → a support group may be the best fit.

• If you want concrete tools to manage emotions or behaviors → a skills-based group can provide structure and guidance.

• If you’re ready to explore yourself on a deeper level and improve your relationships → an interpersonal process group may be right for you.

Group therapy is not “one-size-fits-all.” Each type of group offers unique benefits, and sometimes, people find it helpful to participate in more than one type over the course of their healing journey.

If you’re curious about group therapy and want to know which type might best support your healing, I invite you to reach out. I offer assessments to help you determine which group would be the best fit for your needs. Together, we can explore your goals and connect you with the group that feels right for you.

📩 Contact me today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward finding the group that’s right for you.