The Power of Connection
There is a lot written about the importance of connection and interacting with others; Particularly since COVID shut us all inside. Connection looks different for everyone; some people are really social and need to be surrounded by people all of the time, while others function well with text messages, facetime, and the occasional dinner invitation. Social connection has been shown to have positive effects on health outcomes including lowering susceptibility to viruses, serious illness, and early death, as well as increasing effective management of chronic conditions like diabetes (Proctor, Barth, & Holt-Lunstad, 2023).
Online/Virtual Groups and Counseling
While social media and the online environment can have negative impacts on mental health, when used appropriately, virtual counseling groups can be incredibly beneficial. Virtual groups make counseling and meetings accessible for those who otherwise might not be able to physically get to a meeting or session. For individuals who use AA or NA meetings for managing addiction recovery, online meetings were life saving during COVID and now continue to be a way to easily access that support. Similarly, groups for managing anxiety for students were found to be successful during COVID (Teske, 2023). Sometimes schedules don’t allow for making it from work or home to another location but with online options we can increase and/or continue or social connectedness by joining therapeutic (i.e. anxiety coping skills groups, etc), psychoeducational (i.e. how to write a resume, steps to take to manage your finances, etc), and leisure/hobby groups (i.e. book clubs) online.
I started a group called GEMMS: Group for Early Morning Moms just for this reason. As a parent, you seek that connection with others who are going through similar experiences (lack of sleep, coparenting issues, parenting anxiety, working and being a mom) but it can be difficult to find the time to travel for a group session.
Journey to Professional Empowerment is a group for recent college graduates who are looking for the tools necessary to feel confident in their new adult professional life. Being able to access that group virtually means that they don't have to worry about rushing to/from a job or internship to connect with others.
Of course, making sure that whoever is part of the group is in a place where they can speak openly and also maintain the confidentiality of others is crucial. It is one of the bigger challenges of online counseling. A good and well trained group leader will discuss this with members and set the rules at the start to ensure the safety of everyone to the best of their ability.
Why Group Counseling is Important
Shared Experiences: Being able to hear from others who have been through similar experiences is critical to making people feel heard, empowered to make change, and work toward emotional growth and healing. This is why even when someone is seeing a therapist regularly for individual sessions it is often recommended that they also join some sort of support group. People who struggle with self-esteem, speaking-up, self-worth, and relationships benefit from groups because they can provide a safe space for members to explore using their voice and discussing their worth.
Accountability & Support: Group members hold each other accountable, encouraging consistency in working toward personal goals. This mutual support often leads to more sustainable growth/progress.
Diverse perspectives/experiences: In a group, you’re exposed to different viewpoints and coping strategies. This diversity can open new avenues for understanding and problem-solving, enriching your own approach to managing whatever it is you are working on or going through.
Modeling & Improving Communication Skills: Group counseling provides a platform to practice communication and social skills, which are essential for healthy relationships. As you interact with others, you gain insights into your own behavior and develop empathy for different perspectives
Beyond Therapy: The Importance of Social Connection
While group counseling offers a structured way to build connections with others working on their emotional health, other social settings like book clubs and networking events also play a vital role in personal growth.
Book Clubs: Joining a book club provides a unique opportunity to connect with others on an intellectual and emotional level. The shared experience of reading and discussing literature can deepen your understanding of yourself and others. It also nurtures a sense of community as members bond over common interests. Which may include the love of the story or the hatred of a character - either way it is a great way to share your love of reading and maintain social connections. Read about Reading & Mental Health here.
Networking Events: These gatherings are not just about professional growth but also about expanding your social circle. Meeting new people, exchanging ideas, and building relationships can significantly enhance your emotional well-being. The connections you make can lead to both personal and professional opportunities, enriching your life in unexpected ways.
Group counseling offers a structured path to healing and self-discovery led/moderated by a professional, while book clubs and networking events provide additional layers of support and engagement. By fostering these connections, you create a foundation for lasting change and well-being. You also improve your physical health outcomes and model important psychological practices to others.
If you're interested in learning more about group counseling or exploring other ways to connect with others, visit Kelly Gentry Counseling for more information and resources.
Citations
Proctor AS, Barth A, Holt-Lunstad J. A healthy lifestyle is a social lifestyle: The vital link between social connection and health outcomes. Lifestyle Medicine. 2023;4:e91. https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.91
Teske, Amy E., "Management of Virtual Students' Anxiety With Virtual Counseling" (2023). Culminating Experience Projects. 325. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/325