Better Together: Why Group Counseling is an Important Discipleship Tool- Part 2
Better Together: Why Group Counseling is an Important Discipleship Tool- Part 2
August 29th, 2023
By Leslie Peacock
Giving and receiving help from others can heal us in significant ways. Those of us who go to individual counseling develop a relationship with a counselor one-on-one as understanding, insights, and connections are made. This relationship is both meaningful and impactful because the vulnerability shared helps build trust and safety that can carry over into how we relate to others.This therapeutic alliance helps facilitate healing and growth. One professor put it this way: “It’s primary [the counseling relationship] in the sense of being the horse that comes before the carriage, with the carriage being the interventions.” A trusting relationship is at the heart of successful counseling.
So why does Group Counseling matter? Group Counseling can be just as effective as individual counseling offering us the opportunity to share emotions, questions, and struggles with others. Studies show similar links to the relationships among group members as impactful to our growth and change. Hearing others share their story reminds us that we aren’t alone in our challenges. Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good that man should be alone,” and we are better together than by ourselves.
Some of us have developed an ethos of independence by living our lives apart from needing others. When we were young, we were taught to take care of ourselves: tie your shoes, pick up your toys, drive a car, and be responsible. Becoming independent is a normal pathway to maturity as we take on challenges and learn to accomplish new things by ourselves. Independence is a natural part of growing up, but it can also be a hindrance. Brene Brown says, “One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on ‘going it alone.’ Somehow, we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone.”
If we try to grow spiritually in the same way that we grow developmentally, it will produce frustration and hinder our growth. Spiritual growth is counterintuitive because it occurs when we become more dependent on God and others, not less. This is why Group Counseling can be an effective discipleship tool to help us grow more deeply in our connection with God and others.
Group Counseling helps us not only connect to others in similar circumstances, but also gives us an opportunity to practice honesty and openness in a safe and confidential space. I often brainstorm with clients ways to practice building trust, active listening, and
vulnerability in their everyday relationships. But this can be intimidating and fearful. What if we open up about a struggle to a friend and are dismissed? What if someone tries to fix our problem rather than listen to our heart?
Words can have a significant impact on us, and the Bible has a lot to say about how we use them. James 3:6 says, “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” and our words, although well-meaning, do more damage than good. I often hear stories of fixing, advice-ing, judging, and shaming among friends and family. But Group Counseling offers protective barriers and limits around ignorant and harsh words so that you can practice vulnerability and openness in a safe and confidential environment. We read in Proverbs that “Gracious words are like…sweetness to the soul” (16:24) and what more do our souls need when they are struggling than encouragement and support!
We must learn and practice how to listen, empathize, and help people. Group Counseling is an effective space to experience these kinds of safe and vulnerable relationships alongside a counselor who can guide us, enforce boundaries, and model relational dynamics that are validating and encouraging. A common slogan says,” You can only take people as far as you’ve gone yourself,” meaning if you haven’t experienced and practiced openness, vulnerability, and safety, most likely you won’t be able to offer it to others.
Consider Group Counseling to practice life-giving relationships and help you connect to others in similar challenges. The Barnabas Center regularly hosts Group Counseling to help facilitate deep connections with one another around a particular subject and enhance our personal growth and change. Visit our website www.barnabascenterhou.com for current Group Counseling opportunities or reach out to us at connect@barnabascenterhou.com with any questions or for more information about Group Counseling.
Brown, B. (2020). The gifts of imperfection. Random House.
Harvath, A. O. (n.d.). Better relationships with patients lead to better outcomes. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/11/ce-corner-relationships
August 29th, 2023
By Leslie Peacock
Giving and receiving help from others can heal us in significant ways. Those of us who go to individual counseling develop a relationship with a counselor one-on-one as understanding, insights, and connections are made. This relationship is both meaningful and impactful because the vulnerability shared helps build trust and safety that can carry over into how we relate to others.This therapeutic alliance helps facilitate healing and growth. One professor put it this way: “It’s primary [the counseling relationship] in the sense of being the horse that comes before the carriage, with the carriage being the interventions.” A trusting relationship is at the heart of successful counseling.
So why does Group Counseling matter? Group Counseling can be just as effective as individual counseling offering us the opportunity to share emotions, questions, and struggles with others. Studies show similar links to the relationships among group members as impactful to our growth and change. Hearing others share their story reminds us that we aren’t alone in our challenges. Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good that man should be alone,” and we are better together than by ourselves.
Some of us have developed an ethos of independence by living our lives apart from needing others. When we were young, we were taught to take care of ourselves: tie your shoes, pick up your toys, drive a car, and be responsible. Becoming independent is a normal pathway to maturity as we take on challenges and learn to accomplish new things by ourselves. Independence is a natural part of growing up, but it can also be a hindrance. Brene Brown says, “One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on ‘going it alone.’ Somehow, we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone.”
If we try to grow spiritually in the same way that we grow developmentally, it will produce frustration and hinder our growth. Spiritual growth is counterintuitive because it occurs when we become more dependent on God and others, not less. This is why Group Counseling can be an effective discipleship tool to help us grow more deeply in our connection with God and others.
Group Counseling helps us not only connect to others in similar circumstances, but also gives us an opportunity to practice honesty and openness in a safe and confidential space. I often brainstorm with clients ways to practice building trust, active listening, and
vulnerability in their everyday relationships. But this can be intimidating and fearful. What if we open up about a struggle to a friend and are dismissed? What if someone tries to fix our problem rather than listen to our heart?
Words can have a significant impact on us, and the Bible has a lot to say about how we use them. James 3:6 says, “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” and our words, although well-meaning, do more damage than good. I often hear stories of fixing, advice-ing, judging, and shaming among friends and family. But Group Counseling offers protective barriers and limits around ignorant and harsh words so that you can practice vulnerability and openness in a safe and confidential environment. We read in Proverbs that “Gracious words are like…sweetness to the soul” (16:24) and what more do our souls need when they are struggling than encouragement and support!
We must learn and practice how to listen, empathize, and help people. Group Counseling is an effective space to experience these kinds of safe and vulnerable relationships alongside a counselor who can guide us, enforce boundaries, and model relational dynamics that are validating and encouraging. A common slogan says,” You can only take people as far as you’ve gone yourself,” meaning if you haven’t experienced and practiced openness, vulnerability, and safety, most likely you won’t be able to offer it to others.
Consider Group Counseling to practice life-giving relationships and help you connect to others in similar challenges. The Barnabas Center regularly hosts Group Counseling to help facilitate deep connections with one another around a particular subject and enhance our personal growth and change. Visit our website www.barnabascenterhou.com for current Group Counseling opportunities or reach out to us at connect@barnabascenterhou.com with any questions or for more information about Group Counseling.
Brown, B. (2020). The gifts of imperfection. Random House.
Harvath, A. O. (n.d.). Better relationships with patients lead to better outcomes. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/11/ce-corner-relationships
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