As part of a network of care, group therapy can be a crucial step towards recovery. We spoke to Lakshmi Krishnan, social worker and therapist, about how groups work.
What is group therapy?
It’s estimated that more than five million Canadians go to regular therapy. While many attend individual therapy sessions, an increasing number are turning to group therapy, a form of psychotherapy in which a therapist will work with several participants simultaneously.
Often more readily available and always more cost effective, group therapy can be a valuable resource to those living with eating disorders.
“The most important thing about group therapy is that this is a place where you don’t have to explain yourself to be understood,” says Silver Linings social worker and therapist, Lakshmi Krishnan, “that in itself is a powerful thing.”
Silver Linings therapy groups are defined as either content groups, which are often task-based, or process groups, which focus on the interaction between group members.
“Content groups might be an art therapy group or a yoga therapy group,” explains Krishnan. “In these groups, the focus is on building a skill or doing something which has a therapeutic benefit.”
While Krishnan says content groups are for all ages, she believes they can be particularly beneficial to youth, who may struggle with more the direct approach of process groups.
“Process groups are different,” she explains, “the theory of a process group is that there are certain roles that we play in our family systems, in the office, in our social circles, in any group that we are a part of. The way we show up in a group therapy setting will be much the same as the way we show up elsewhere in life. The therapist’s job will be to give feedback to each person on how they are showing up.”
Krishnan says process groups generally don’t have pre-decided content but will adapt to meet the needs of the participants. Another important part of a process group is peer feedback.
“Because the group will have a shared experience, for example an eating disorder or maybe a more specific experience like binge eating, the group might mirror or welcome certain emotions expressed by individuals, which gives those individuals affirming feedback they won’t get anywhere else in the world.”
Why is group therapy so powerful for people with eating disorders?
According to the American Psychological Association, group therapy is particularly effective for those struggling with feelings of isolation.
“In many cases, groups can be even more effective than individual therapy, thanks to the stigma reduction and solidarity that people experience in the presence of their peers,” it states.
Krishnan agrees, this is one of the most significant benefits group therapy presents for those with eating disorders.
“An eating disorder is a very silent and isolating thing,” says Krishnan, “so group therapy can be quite transformative for some people. The realization that they’re not alone and that there are others who understand is very powerful.”
Krishnan says that participants will often have different comfort levels around sharing within the group, but it’s an essential part of the process.
“People with eating disorders are expressing themselves through their disorder but I want them to learn to express themselves using their voice,” she explains. “Which is why I will ask everyone to share with the group at least one time in each session.”
“Confidentiality, of course, is key,” she adds. “Outside the group we don’t speak about anything that anyone else has shared so that everyone can share openly.”
Silver Linings Foundation is Alberta’s eating disorder resource, dedicated to advocacy and recovery. Our team are experts in the field of youth and adult mental health.
We offer online and in-person programs for teenagers and adults in eating disorder recovery as well as support for parents and loved ones caring for someone with an eating disorder.
Group therapy is offered as part of a network of care. Check out and learn more about our support groups here.