Maybe a therapist suggested a group. Maybe you saw one listed and wondered what actually happens when a handful of strangers sit together and talk. Either way, it's normal to feel curious and a little nervous before your first group session.
This guide walks through what to expect in group therapy, step by step: how you're matched to a group, what a typical session looks like, whether you have to share, how privacy works, and how to join a group at SR Psychological Services in Midtown Manhattan or online.
What Is Group Therapy, and How Is It Different From a Support Group?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a licensed clinician works with a small group of people at the same time. Members talk, listen, give feedback and practice new skills together. The therapist guides the conversation and keeps the space safe.
That's the key difference from a support group. A support group is usually led by peers and built around shared experience. It can be a real source of comfort, but it isn't treatment. A therapy group has a trained leader, a clear purpose and structured, evidence-based methods aimed at specific goals.
The American Psychological Association describes group therapy as one or more psychologists leading a group of roughly five to 15 patients. Many groups focus on a shared concern, like social anxiety, grief or managing big emotions.
Support group vs therapy group at a glance
Therapy group: led by a licensed clinician, uses structured, evidence-based techniques, works toward treatment goals, and members are screened and matched.
Support group: usually led by peers, centered on shared experience and encouragement, and often open to anyone who drops in.
What to Expect in Group Therapy Before You Join
You don't just show up to a room full of strangers. At SR, joining a group follows a few clear steps.
How joining a group works at SR
1. A free 15-minute call. Reach out by phone or online to ask questions and talk through whether group therapy fits your goals. There's no cost for this call.
2. An intake screening. Dr. Shatiece Riley, our founder and licensed psychologist, or a member of our clinical team learns about your background, current concerns and goals.
3. Group matching. Based on your intake, we match you with a group whose focus, format and members fit your needs.
4. A preparation talk. Before your first session, you go over group expectations, confidentiality guidelines and participation norms with your group therapist.
That last step matters. By the time you walk in or log on, you already know the ground rules, who leads the group and roughly how sessions run. It takes a lot of the mystery out of day one. If you're new to therapy in general, our guide on what happens in your first therapy session covers the one-on-one side of getting started.
Who Will Be in Your Therapy Group?
Groups are small on purpose. They're small enough that everyone gets a chance to speak, and large enough that you hear a range of views.
At SR, members are matched by concerns, goals and the group's focus. So the people around you are likely working on something similar, whether it's social anxiety, grief, setting boundaries or a big life change. You won't share the same story, but you'll often recognize yourself in what others say.
Some groups are open, which means new members can join at any time. Others are closed, which means everyone starts together and moves through the group as a set. Your group therapist will tell you which kind you're joining.
People also worry about seeing a coworker or neighbor in the room. In a city this size, it's unlikely, but it can happen. If it does, tell your therapist. They can talk it through with you and, if needed, help you find a different group.
What Happens in a Typical Group Therapy Session?
Every group is a little different, but most sessions follow a similar rhythm. According to the APA, groups typically meet for an hour or two each week. Your group therapist will share your group's exact schedule.
Your first group session: what to expect
Check-in. Members share briefly how their week went or what's on their mind. A sentence or two is fine.
A focus for the day. In a skills group, that might be a CBT or DBT skill. In a process group, the conversation itself is the work.
Sharing and feedback. Members respond to each other with support, questions and honest, kind feedback.
Practice. You try a new skill, like naming a feeling or setting a boundary, in a safe room before using it in real life.
Wrap-up. The therapist sums up key takeaways and what to try before next time.
Through it all, the therapist is more than a timekeeper. They guide the conversation, step in if things get tense, make room for quieter members and keep the group focused on its goals.
Many people are surprised by how fast the group starts to feel familiar. Hearing someone describe the exact worry you thought only you had can be a powerful moment. Group therapists often call this universality: the relief of realizing you're not alone.
Do You Have to Share in Your First Group Therapy Session?
No. This is one of the biggest worries people have, and it's a fair one. You set your own pace.
Many people spend their first session or two mostly listening. That's okay. Listening is part of the work, and you'll still learn a lot from hearing how others handle similar struggles. A good group therapist won't put you on the spot.
When you're ready, start small. You might share how it feels to be there, or respond to something another member said. Over time, most people find it easier to open up as trust builds.
If social situations make you anxious, a group can feel extra daunting, but it can also be extra helpful. It gives you a supportive place to practice exactly what feels hard. Our page on anxiety therapy in NYC explains how we help with social anxiety. And if you're not sure whether what you feel is anxiety or everyday pressure, our guide to stress vs anxiety can help you sort it out.
Is What You Share in Group Therapy Confidential?
Yes. Group sessions at SR are protected by professional ethics and federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You can read more about your privacy rights on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HIPAA page.
Groups add one more layer. Before joining, every member agrees to confidentiality guidelines, including not sharing what's discussed in group outside of session. Your therapist goes over these rules with you before your first meeting.
It's worth being honest about one thing: your therapist is bound by law, while other members are bound by their agreement. Most people take that agreement seriously. If you have concerns, raise them with your therapist before you join so you can decide what feels right to share.
What Types of Group Therapy Are There at SR?
Our licensed clinicians draw on several evidence-based group models. The format for any group depends on clinical need, who's in the group and its focus.
Group formats at SR
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) groups help you notice and shift unhelpful thought patterns.
DBT skills groups teach practical skills for managing strong emotions, handling distress and improving relationships.
Process-oriented or interpersonal groups focus on how you relate to others, using the group itself as a place to notice patterns.
Psychoeducational groups teach about a specific concern and practical ways to manage it.
Skills development groups focus on building and practicing specific coping skills.
Support-focused therapy groups offer clinician-led support around grief, life transitions and identity.
Who Benefits Most From Group Therapy?
Group therapy can help adults who want to build people skills, feel less isolated or work through a specific concern alongside others. You don't need a formal diagnosis to join. At SR, groups support people dealing with:
Social anxiety and difficulty connecting with others
Depression and persistent low mood
Setting and keeping healthy boundaries
Relationship and interpersonal patterns
Emotional regulation, including DBT skills support
OCD and intrusive thoughts, or ADHD and trouble with focus and follow-through
Life transitions, identity exploration and LGBTQIA+ identity and community connection
A group offers something one-on-one therapy can't: a room full of real people to practice with. If you've built insight in individual therapy but struggle to use it in real relationships, a group can be the bridge.
Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy: Can You Do Both?
Yes, and many people do. Individual therapy gives you private, focused time to explore your own history and goals at your own pace. Group therapy gives you connection, fresh perspectives and real-time practice with others.
The APA notes that taking part in both types of therapy can boost your chances of making valuable, lasting changes. At SR, your clinical team can help you decide whether to combine them or focus on one for now. As you go, your group therapist checks in on your goals and helps you decide whether to continue, shift to individual therapy or do both.
Is Virtual Group Therapy in NYC Any Different?
The core is the same: a licensed therapist, a small group, shared goals and the same privacy rules. SR offers secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual groups for clients in New York, New Jersey and Florida, alongside in-person groups at our Midtown Manhattan office.
Virtual groups can be a great fit if your schedule is packed, your commute is long or you simply feel more at ease joining from home. A few habits help sessions go smoothly:
Find a private spot where no one can overhear, and use headphones if you can.
Test your camera, mic and connection a few minutes before the group starts.
Close other tabs and silence notifications so you can stay present.
Learn more about how online therapy in NYC works at SR.
Does Insurance Cover Group Therapy in NYC?
Often, yes. SR accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield for group therapy, along with additional in-network plans. You can see the details on our insurance we accept page.
One thing to know: group therapy coverage can differ from individual therapy coverage, depending on your plan. Our administrative team verifies your specific group benefits before your first session, at no cost to you, so there are no surprises.
How Do You Join a Therapy Group at SR?
Getting started is simple. Book a free 15-minute call by phone at (917) 705-6155 or through our contact form. From there, you'll have an intake, get matched with a group and review expectations with your group therapist before your first session. If you'd like a closer look at your needs first, a psychological consultation can help clarify the right next step.
Our office at 303 Fifth Avenue, Suite 502 is a short walk from Bryant Park and easy to reach from Grand Central, Penn Station and major subway lines. Or join from home through secure telehealth.
Is group therapy at SR right for you?
See how our therapist-led groups work, who they help and how to get started on our Group Therapy NYC page.
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please don't wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are in a therapy group?
Groups are kept small. The APA describes groups of roughly five to 15 members. At SR, members are matched by focus and goals so everyone has room to take part.
How long is a group therapy session?
According to the APA, groups typically meet for an hour or two each week. Your group therapist will share your group's exact schedule before you start.
What if I know someone in my group?
Let your therapist know. They can talk through what feels comfortable with you and, if needed, help you find a different group.
Can I leave a group if it isn't a fit?
Yes. Talk with your group therapist first. They can help you decide whether to stay, switch groups, move to individual therapy or combine both.
Can I do group therapy online?
Yes. SR offers secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual groups for clients in New York, New Jersey and Florida.
Is group therapy covered by insurance?
Often. SR accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield, plus other in-network plans. Group coverage can differ from individual coverage, so our team verifies your benefits for free.
