Yes, Group Therapy Can Help Boost Self-Esteem

How group therapy helps address self-esteem issues

Group therapy can be a beneficial treatment for improving a person’s self-esteem. People in group therapy can share their experiences and feelings with others in a supportive and empathetic environment, which can help them gain a better understanding of their own struggles. By hearing about the experiences of others, people can learn that they are not alone in their feelings of low self-esteem and can gain a sense of validation. Additionally, participating in group therapy can provide opportunities for people to receive constructive feedback and encouragement from their peers, which can help them develop a more positive self-image and enhance personal growth.

Skills taught in group therapy for self-esteem

Some of the self-esteem skills taught in group therapy are as follows:

Setting boundaries

Learning how to set and communicate personal boundaries in a group setting can help people feel more confident and in control of their interactions with others. This skill involves understanding what is acceptable and unacceptable in their relationships and how to assert their needs effectively.

Assertiveness training

Learning how to express thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful manner can help people build self-confidence and improve their self-esteem. This skill includes practicing effective communication and standing up for oneself without being aggressive or passive.

Identifying and challenging negative thinking patterns

Group therapy can help people recognize negative thought patterns that contribute to low self-esteem and replace them with more realistic and positive beliefs about themselves. This skill involves learning to question and reframe negative thoughts in a supportive group environment.

Building social skills

Developing and practicing social skills such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication can help people feel more comfortable and confident in social interactions. Group therapy activities provide opportunities to learn and practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Developing self-compassion

Learning to treat oneself with kindness and understanding can be an important aspect of improving self-esteem. Group therapy can provide a supportive space for people to explore and practice self-compassion and self-care.

Cultivating resilience

Building resilience involves learning how to cope with challenges and setbacks in a healthy and adaptive way. Group therapy can help people develop resilience through sharing and learning from others’ experiences and receiving support from the group.

Practicing self-acceptance

Group therapy can help people work on accepting themselves as they are, without judgment or criticism. This skill involves developing a more positive and realistic view of oneself and learning to appreciate one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Benefits of group therapy for self-esteem

Group therapy can have long-term benefits on people’s self-esteem and help foster personal growth. Being able to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and receiving support from the group can lead to a greater sense of belonging and acceptance. Over time, people may develop more confidence and self-awareness as they participate in the group process and group therapy activities, which can ultimately lead to an improved sense of self-esteem.

How quickly does group therapy work for self-esteem issues? 

Group therapy can work quickly for people who are struggling with their self-esteem. Through sharing experiences and receiving support from others, people in group therapy can gain confidence and begin to see themselves in a more positive light, research shows. By engaging in group discussions and activities, people with low self-esteem can develop a sense of belonging and acceptance, which can lead to improved self-esteem in a shorter period of time compared to individual therapy. 

Coping skills for self-esteem

Here are some coping skills that can help improve self-esteem:

Positive affirmations

People can practice repeating positive statements about themselves to improve their self-esteem. This can help to counteract negative self-talk and promote a more balanced and realistic self-perception.

Engaging in activities that bring joy

Participating in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction can help people feel more confident and capable. It can also serve as a distraction from negative thoughts.

Seeking support from friends and family

Talking to people who care about us and can provide encouragement and perspective can help bolster self-esteem. Knowing that we are valued and appreciated by others can help to counteract feelings of inadequacy.

Setting and achieving small goals

People can improve their self-esteem by setting small, attainable goals and working to achieve them. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and build confidence over time.

Practicing self-care

Engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, proper nutrition, and relaxation techniques, can help people feel better about themselves and improve their overall outlook.

Other types of treatments that can help boost self-esteem 

In addition to support groups and coping skills, some other types of treatments for boosting self-esteem are as follows: 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

This type of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to low self-esteem. A person can learn to challenge and replace their negative beliefs with more positive and realistic ones.

Art therapy

Using creative expressions such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, people can explore their feelings and emotions in a non-verbal way. This can help them gain insight into their self-image and develop a more positive perception of themselves.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

This therapy teaches mindfulness meditation techniques to help people become more present in their everyday experiences and reduce excessive self-criticism. By cultivating self-compassion and acceptance, a person can improve their self-esteem.

Intensive outpatient program for self-esteem 

Individuals may participate in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to address severe self-esteem-related concerns. An IOP is often used when a person requires more structured and intensive support than regular therapy sessions can provide but does not need inpatient treatment. In IOP, people attend group therapy sessions and individual counseling to explore underlying issues that contribute to low self-esteem. They also learn coping skills and techniques in support groups to build confidence and self-worth. IOP can provide a supportive environment for people to connect with others who are facing similar struggles and receive validation and encouragement from their peers.

How Charlie Health supports self-esteem

If a young person in your life is struggling with self-esteem, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health offers a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for young people and families dealing with complex mental health conditions, including issues underlying low self-esteem. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With this kind of holistic treatment, managing self-esteem issues is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.