Group Therapy in Dallas, TX

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy typically consists of 5-10 group members and 1-2 therapists. Group members and therapists collaborate to create a safe, non-judgmental space, often agreeing on group norms and goals in the first session. The therapists help guide the group and orient it to its goals, although the extent to which the therapist engages and provides structure will depend on the type of group. In group sessions, it is important for the members to interact with each other and the therapists in order to both receive and offer help. The classic adage applies – the more you put into the group, the more you will get out of the group!

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Different Types of Group Therapy

There are different types of group therapies, with three of the main ones being workshops, support groups, and interpersonal process groups. Workshops have the most structure, with the therapist taking more of an educational role and leading the group through different exercises and activities. There is typically a specific issue that a workshop addresses, such as coping strategies for anxiety. Support groups bring people together who are going through the same concern, such as the death of a loved one. In these groups, people talk about this shared experience and give each other advice, encouragement, and, you guessed it, support. 


An interpersonal process group includes elements of a support group, but the purpose and structure of a process group looks much different. A process group brings people together who are going through a wide range of presenting concerns, although typically the core of what people are wanting to get out of a process group is to understand themselves better and how they relate to others. This group has the least structure, with each group looking different than the last and the group members often taking more of the initiative than the therapists in terms of creating the sessions. The theory behind an interpersonal process group is that the issues that people experience in “real life” will show up in the group itself. Once these issues arise, they can subsequently be addressed and worked through in the moment and with the support of caring peers and supportive therapists (e.g., if someone has difficulty controlling their anger in their day-to-day life, their anger will likely come out in the group and can be responded to and processed in a different, therapeutic way).

Sunrise Counseling is excited to offer an interpersonal process group starting in the Spring of 2024!

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Misconceptions about Group Therapy

There are many myths about group therapy. One of the most common, and unfortunate, myths about group therapy is that it is a less effective, diluted form of therapy compared to individual therapy. In fact, many research studies show that there are not significant differences in positive outcomes between group and individual therapy. Oftentimes, group therapy is actually the more appropriate treatment for someone. A misconception about group therapy is that it cannot be as helpful as individual therapy because the person must share time with others and focus on others’ concerns rather than their own. However, people often find that hearing about others’ concerns helps give them perspective and guidance on how to address their own concerns. The act of helping someone else can also provide powerful mental health benefits.

Reasons to Join an Interpersonal Process Group

Most people can benefit from a process group, especially those wishing to understand themselves better and relate to others in a deeper, more meaningful way. Common concerns that can be addressed in a process group include:

  • Difficulty with opening up to others

  • Social anxiety

  • Lack of mutuality in relationships

  • Low self-esteem

  • Specific relationship issues

  • Loneliness

  • Relational trauma

How to Get Started with an Interpersonal Process Group at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX

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  1. If you are at all interested, I encourage you to email Dr. James Ramarushton, PhD at james@sunrisecounselingdallas.com to set up a free, 30-minute virtual meeting where he can tell you more about the group, talk through what you want to get out of the group, and determine whether you would be a good fit.

  2. The plan is to start the group in March or April, in-person, and at our office in Dallas, TX once we have enough participants. The meeting time will be dependent on the group members’ and therapist’s availability - the time with the most overlap in availability will be chosen.

  3. The group will then meet weekly for 90-minute sessions.

  4. We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and can bill them for therapy appointments if you have BCBS. We are out of network with all other insurances. The self pay rate for group therapy is $45 per session.

Other Counseling Services in Dallas, TX

Group therapy is not the only thing we offer at Sunrise Counseling. We provide a variety of services to clients from our Dallas TX-based therapy office and the surrounding areas. Other mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include:

  • Social Difficulties