Group counseling solves particular problems for which the individual format is insufficient. The group is an artificially created society in miniature, imitating real-life conditions with its relationships, emotions, conflict situations, and priorities. It primarily concerns difficulties in interpersonal communication at various social levels: in the family, at work, at study, and so on. Group counseling allows us to effectively solve communication issues and develop individual soft skills. Group classes help expand the communication circle, practice new transmission skills, sufficiently increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and give freedom of emotive expression. Some people urgently need to know the thoughts of other participants, especially those with similar life experiences who can willingly share their outcomes. This method is characterized by a high degree of immersion and a valuable sense of support for people having similar experiences.
The group counseling method has specific indications and contraindications, which are identified by the therapist at the initial stage. Indications cover a wide range of mental characteristics, such as nervousness, clinical apathy, or severe post-traumatic syndrome. For some people, group therapy is strongly discouraged and should be replaced with individual sessions. It may be due to both individual mental characteristics and particular life circumstances. The inclusion of such persons in the group can cause negative dynamics, lack of progress, and deterioration of the emotional background of all participants in group classes. In individual sessions, the patient is assured of the confidentiality of his judgments, which helps him be more open and honest about his inner feelings and thoughts. Some people find it challenging to communicate their thoughts and concerns to the public. In addition, the time and attention of the therapist belong to a particular person. Egocentric individuals consider it a reasonably weighty argument; such people require only an individual approach.