Group Therapy

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—and it doesn’t have to. At Oak Grove Recovery, group therapy for addiction helps you connect with others, build accountability, and practice new ways of thinking and communicating in a safe, structured environment. 

Whether you’re nervous about speaking up or eager to hear from others who understand what you’re going through, group therapy offers something powerful: real connection. It’s one of the most effective tools we use to support long-term healing in our addiction therapy programs. 

What is group therapy? 

Group therapy is a structured counseling session led by a trained therapist, where a small group of individuals in recovery meet to discuss shared challenges, build communication skills, and support one another. Unlike informal support groups like AA, group therapy is professionally facilitated and clinically guided. 

Sessions may include check-ins, skill-building exercises, open discussion, or themed topics like relapse prevention, emotional regulation, or relationship repair. Each group is designed to create a safe space where you can speak honestly, listen with empathy, and grow through shared experiences. 

If you’ve ever felt like no one understands what you’re facing, group therapy reminds you that you’re not alone—and that’s one of its greatest strengths.

How group counseling supports recovery 

Group therapy for addiction isn’t just about talking—it’s about transformation. By participating in a group, you begin to: 

• Develop peer accountability and a sense of community 
• Practice vulnerability and emotional expression in a safe space 
• Hear different perspectives that help reframe your own experiences 
• Learn how to give and receive constructive feedback 
• Strengthen relapse prevention skills and problem-solving tools 

The support you gain from your peers can be deeply healing. It reinforces what you learn in individual therapy and helps you take those lessons into real-world situations. Our licensed facilitators help guide group dynamics to ensure that every session remains respectful, focused, and inclusive. 

Types of group therapy at Oak Grove Recovery 

We offer a variety of group formats to meet different needs during the recovery process. While group offerings may evolve, many fall into these categories: 

• Process groups: Focused on sharing personal experiences and receiving peer feedback in a therapist-led environment 
• Skills-based groups: Teach tools for managing cravings, emotional regulation, or daily stress 
• Relapse prevention groups: Centered on identifying triggers and building personalized prevention plans 
• Psychoeducational groups: Offer structured lessons on addiction, mental health, trauma, or wellness topics 
• Support and identity groups: Designed for specific populations, such as women, veterans, or those navigating co-occurring disorders 

Participating in different types of groups allows you to work on various aspects of your recovery—emotional, practical, and relational. 

What happens in a group session? 

At Oak Grove Recovery, group therapy is more than just sitting in a circle—it’s a carefully structured, evidence-based experience designed to build trust, encourage growth, and promote healing. Your participation in group therapy is supported by a full clinical team, and the insights you gain in group are carried through other areas of your treatment, like individual therapy, family sessions, and aftercare planning. 

Before your first session, you’ll meet with a member of our clinical staff to help identify which types of groups may benefit you most. We’ll consider your background, current emotional needs, communication style, and treatment goals. That way, the groups you join feel relevant and supportive from day one. 

As part of your treatment plan, your progress in group therapy will be revisited regularly. You’ll have the opportunity to shift between different group formats as your needs evolve—whether you need more coping tools, emotional processing, or connection to others with shared life experiences. 

Every group at Oak Grove Recovery is led by a licensed clinician who creates a respectful, inclusive space. Most sessions begin with a brief check-in, followed by structured discussion or activities focused on the group’s purpose. You’ll have opportunities to speak, but you’re never forced to share more than you’re comfortable with. 

In a typical session, you may: 

• Explore a shared topic (like guilt, stress, or boundaries) 
• Participate in a mindfulness or grounding exercise 
• Role-play communication techniques or coping strategies 
• Reflect on weekly goals or recovery challenges 

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first group. Many people worry about being judged or saying the wrong thing. But what most find is the opposite: a community that understands, supports, and uplifts. Every voice matters—and yours will be welcomed. 

Group therapy is especially powerful when paired with individual therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and other supports. At Oak Grove Recovery, it’s a key part of our addiction therapy programs and overall addiction treatment programs.

Why choose group therapy for addiction? 

Group therapy works because recovery doesn’t just require personal insight; it also requires connection. By being part of a recovery-focused group, you learn how to relate to others in healthy ways and break down barriers created by shame, fear, or isolation. Group therapy offers the structure and emotional safety needed to rebuild these connections in real time. 

Facilitators at Oak Grove Recovery guide each session with compassion and professionalism, making sure that all voices are respected and the group remains a place of mutual support. If you're working through trauma, mental health challenges, or long-term substance use, the group environment can become a powerful mirror, reflecting back both your struggles and your strengths. 

There’s a reason group therapy is a core part of nearly every successful recovery model. Some of the biggest benefits include: 

• Shared insight: Learn from others’ experiences and apply lessons to your own growth 
• Improved communication: Practice honesty, empathy, and active listening 
• Stronger social skills: Rebuild trust and confidence in interpersonal settings 
• Reduced isolation: Feel less alone and more connected in your recovery journey 
• Ongoing motivation: Stay focused on your goals with the help of your peers 

Healing happens in community. Whether you’re struggling to open up, reconnect with others, or stay committed to sobriety, group therapy for addiction can help you move forward—together. 

You’re not alone in this 

You don’t need to be confident, outgoing, or perfect to benefit from group therapy. You just need to be willing. That’s it. Willing to show up, listen, reflect, and grow. Even if you’re unsure, our team will help guide you into the process at a pace that works for you. 

We’ve seen incredible transformations happen in groups—connections formed, walls lowered, confidence rebuilt. Every person brings something to the table, and your story could be the thing that helps someone else open up, too. You don’t need to have the perfect words or all the answers. Just showing up is enough. In group therapy, your presence matters, and it can be a turning point in your recovery. 

We’re here to guide you, support you, and connect you with others walking a similar path.