Difference between Individual Counselling and Group Counselling

Counselling, in any form with a professional, leaves a therapeutic effect on the receiver. However, the impacts can vary in group and individual counselling. People who need support to correct their mental illness should connect with a counsellor. An expert counsellor can help them with suitable sessions to go the right way toward well-being. These days, counsellors have come up with session options like individual therapy, curated groups, or family therapies for clients’ convenience.

When comparing individual and group counselling, it is the setting and the format in which the counsellor would interact with the client. The type of therapy a person prefers depends on their problem and comfort level. If an individual is uncomfortable opening up in front of others, private therapy is preferable and can help them get out of the challenging phase early.

What are the Key Concepts in Group and Individual Counselling?

There is a significant difference in how the sessions unfold and the bond between the client and the therapist forms. It has a positive or negative impact on the client’s wellness and healing process in the long run.

Individual Therapy

• The therapist will focus on the well-being and mental state of the single client
• The client can expect support and guidance only from the therapist
• The sessions can be tailored as per the needs and mental state of the client
• The session professional can guide the clients as per their needs toward adopting a better life

Group Counselling

• It has a specific focus on either treating pain, trauma, or some chronic problems
• It includes feedback from more than one peer and therapist
• It has a group-focused approach to help clients heal
• The session is planned as per the group’s requirements

There is also a difference in the approach or the therapeutic method that the counsellor adopts to help clients. You can expect this when approaching the best psychologist in India for assistance.

In group therapy, there can be specific techniques like exercise, role-playing, or discussion to improve personal growth. However, in the case of individual therapy, the methods are customised as per the mental health condition of the client. It includes cognitive behavioural therapy and other mindful approaches that can help clients get relief from mental agony or trauma.

However, the therapist’s role plays a significant role in both the forms of sessions. In an individual session, the therapist has a direct role in offering personalised insight and can give tailored suggestions for the betterment of the clients. On the contrary, in group counselling, the therapist is more like a facilitator who can encourage cohesion and help maintain a positive and supportive environment.

Vital Considerations to Decide Between Group and Individual Sessions

There are specific considerations that can help one choose between a group and individual session. The therapy should make one feel better and help them overcome the challenging situation they are going through. The conditions to consider are:

• Comfort level in sharing things with others
• You can be part of a group session if you are ready to get social support from peers
• Analyse the therapy goals such that it helps you get suitable returns
• Check the availability of the therapy options before enrolling in it

So, with these, you can make the most of your healing journey with suitable care and support from an expert therapist.

Different Between Individual and Group Therapy

The primary difference is the format and setup. Other differences are:

• The Timing – Scheduling for an individual session is always flexible. You can schedule the time at your convenience. But in group sessions, the date and time are scheduled, and you have to choose a convenient slot.
• Topics to be Discussed – A group therapy focuses on a topic cluster or a single topic. It helps address specific concerns. On the other hand, individual therapy is based on one single topic, depending on the needs of the particular client.  
• One-on-One Time – In an individual setting, a client is allowed to discuss their problem in private with the therapist and vent out their experience. But in a group, you have to share the problem in front of your peers.

When in a group, there are many clients and often more than one counsellor. In this, couple counselling is also a category of group therapy.

Analyse the Benefits of Therapies to Choose the Right One

Once you go through the benefits of each therapy, it can help you grasp it better about each. This is how you can pick the right therapy option to help you handle your mental health effectively. Get the details of each therapy so that it helps you pick the best psychologist in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR and India to talk with.

Benefits of Individual Therapy

• The sessions are confidential
• The client gets a chance to interact with a counsellor in private
• The client can expect intensive treatment and guidance from the counsellor
• One can work on building strong communication with therapists and start to rely on them

Benefits of Group Therapy

• When in a group, you will feel that you are not alone in experiencing such mental issues. So, in a group, it is easier to discuss and deal with your problem better. By talking and learning more from peers, one can better deal with their issues
• It helps build a better support system with peers, and it is a better way to improve your mental health. Talking with more people gives you confidence and find ways to overcome your mental agonies and challenges
• In a group, you can get different perspectives on your problem and get a chance to lift voice against the problem

Therefore, consider the budget, your mental status, schedule, and comfort level when choosing the type of counselling. Go for the suitable one that can help you heal faster and lead a better life towards positivity and encouragement.

About Author: 

Dr. Dipti Yadav is a renowned and reputable psychologist in India. Her holistic approach towards treating and assisting clients with mental issues makes her a preferable choice. She has years of experience in handling issues of depression, anxiety and other issues in life and relations. Her online and offline counselling sessions are the best to help an individual heal faster.