Group Therapy

Q: How is Group Therapy different from individual therapy?

A: Group therapy usually involves 6-8 clients who are in a therapy session together. A variety of reactions occur in the group process; you have an individual reaction to the other group members and they are reacting to you. You experience their process and they experience your process. This interaction is what is known as the "group dynamic," or the "group experience." There are exchanges that occur in the group that you would never be able to achieve in your private session.

Where individual psychotherapy might be thought of as the "class," the group would be considered the "lab." Group theory suggests that each group member will inevitably display their own unique behaviors, views, beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. First of all, some of these live performances would not be observed or even demonstrated in the individual session. Secondly, once they are revealed, there is now an avenue for feedback and response from the other group members.

What is particularly critical about the group therapy process is that the interaction occurs in a structured, safe, confidential environment. Rather than never really knowing how you are perceived, the group may function as a safer place to examine social skills and receive constructive reactions. This information would not be learned in routine social settings like the workplace, parties, events, bars, or the gym. You have a chance to learn about yourself and others, perhaps feeling better understood.

In addition to the above, there is an altruistic component of the group dynamic that usually occurs. Altruism in group therapy could be thought of as "getting from giving." During some sessions, you may not have much to say or much time to share, yet you will still gain a therapeutic benefit. You may feel a sense of satisfaction as you experience contributions from other group member(s), perhaps relating to what they say and offering them feedback. Whether it is positive or negative feedback, you have still participated in the group dynamic. Thus, altruism increases self-reflection and enhances inner growth as well.

Q: Is group therapy a good way to meet other friends or dates?

A: Group therapy should be thought of as an opportunity to work on yourself and grow with other people who are in a similar emotional place. A group that becomes social, rather than therapeutic, is much less effective. The boundaries become blurred when socializing or dating outside the group occurs, pre-empting a safe, continuous interaction between group clients. Although the thought of socializing outside the group may be enticing or comforting, often times this dual relationship threatens the productivity and capacity for the group to function therapeutically.

Current Groups

'CONFLICT WITH FOOD' -- Gay Men's Compulsive Overeating Support Group

This group is currently forming, please inquire for details. Call 323-656-WELL or send an email to: joecontorermft@aol.com

This 'CONFLICT WITH FOOD' group is geared for men who are struggling to manage ongoing weight and body image problems. I believe the group experience- having the company and support of others dealing with similar challenges- to be therapeutic in and of itself.

The group will last a minimum of 12 weeks, meeting one evening per week. The group meets on a soon to be announced weeknight. The fee for the group is $50 per week, paid in advance.

Conflict With Food is not a weight loss group per se, nor is it a 12-step meeting or a social group. This group is a "vehicle for behavioral change and thought modification," Distorted thinking can promote unpleasant feelings, which in turn, lead to self-destructive behaviors such as food addiction/eating disorders and depression.

Group members will be able to discuss, share and reflect upon their experiences, relative to whatever individual goals they may have. Although you are a part of a whole group, your individual goals may vary, which is perfectly fine. Your own goal may be to lose weight or perhaps to normalize your eating habits and behaviors. Whether you're trying to lose weight now or not, this group will increase your knowledge and awareness about your behaviors, and will serve as a source of support.

Compulsive overeating and weight management is a complex, widespread problem. These issues can be painful and delicate, especially for gay men. Superficial physical values in popular gay culture frequently become a priority outweighing positive self-image. Repeated, failed attempts to lose weight, diet, exercise and manage the binge-purge cycle have lead many to become depressed and hopeless. These "dirty little secrets" are what I call, "Conflicts with Food."

Consequences from abusing food and your body may include:

• Frequent illness
• Depression/Low energy
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Orthopedic complications
• Respiratory difficulties
• Sleep disturbances
• Dental problems
• Poor hygiene
• Difficulty buying clothes
• Other public awkwardness

All of the above might be traced back to conflicts with food.

More obscure, yet urgent conflicts may manifest in the employment arena. These may include problems in getting hired, or disciplinary action for eating on the job or poor performance due to "food hangovers." Legal problems with authority resulting from stealing food or having explosive fights and scenes at restaurants or social gatherings could actually be a conflict with food. The complex "Conflicts with Food List" goes on from here. These are extreme instances that may be an indication of a larger problem such as compulsive overeating or another complex eating disorder.