Monday, February 15, 2016

Why Group Counseling is the Best Self Care

Two years ago I was suffering from infertility and had just had my third miscarriage. I was depressed, and I felt very much alone.

One of my friends sent me a link to infertility group counseling. I rolled my eyes at it. Me, group counseling? I didn't need that. I was coping fine on my own.

But the thought kept creeping back up in my mind.

So I went.

And what I found was a group of women who deeply understood what I was going through. Because they were going through the same thing. Here, I wasn't just another childless married woman--I was a friend, a grieving, heartbroken friend among friends.

It's the best decision I ever made.


If you are struggling with anything, group counseling can be a great place to unwind. To hear other people talk. To know you are not alone.

You don't have to be an extrovert. You don't even have to talk. All you have to do is show up. The first few meetings I attended I honestly was too afraid to open my mouth. But just being there in the presence of others who I related to was deeply soothing to my soul.

This year I joined a motherhood group for moms. We talk about breastfeeding and bottle-feeding and kids that don't sleep and drool and yes, even poop.

It's amazing.

I am not alone in this life. We all need someone.

2 comments:

Alexandra Anne said...

I'm so glad that you found two groups that helped you immensely! I've found great help from individual counseling and have been recommended group counseling for certain issues in my life; I know that the groups don't solve my issues by themselves but it can help so much to be heard and truly understood.
Peace and love to you!

Alex said...

I LOVE that you mentioned that all you have to do is show up. I've never been to group therapy, but I think people have this idea about having to share their deepest, darkest secrets their first session. It's not that way at all! I loved your post - I'm so, so glad that you found a way to help yourself in the times you were hurting. <3