09 Mar You’re Not Alone

This blog post was written by Recovery Help Now’s, Cindy Nigro, MFTi.

Have you ever given much thought to why animals travel in packs or why birds flock together?  Well there is safety in numbers, and traveling in groups ensures safety.  For geese, they will fly in a ‘V’ shape as it is more efficient on the wings as they fly in each other’s slipstream.

What started out as an instinctual means of survival has evolved into meaningful and complex relationships.  People need social interaction in order to be healthy, happy and fulfilled.  Groups and social cohesion are basic fundamentals of the human condition.

Why are groups so important and beneficial to the human psyche?  Many clients enter therapy with the unsettling thought that they are ALONE and unique in their unhappiness – they alone have certain frightening or unacceptable problems, thoughts, and impulses.  To some extent this is true for all of us, but some have a heightened sense of isolation. A therapy group can be a huge source of relief when you realize that you’re not alone in your struggles.  Hearing other members disclose concerns similar to your own helps you feel much more in touch with others.

Despite the complexity of human problems, certain common denominators do exist and only become evident when you share your thoughts and feelings with others.  As you perceive your similarity to others and share your deepest concerns, you benefit further by catharsis and acceptance by other members.  You have a group of people to support you and to help you through difficult times. You don’t have to suffer alone when you belong to a group.