Psychology Workshops vs. Group Therapy: What’s the Difference and How Can They Help You?
As we welcome in 2025, there are many ways we can enhance intention and consideration in what types of support we may utilize while caring for our humanity. When seeking therapeutic services and support, you might come across two terms: psychology workshops and group therapy. They’re both great ways to work on yourself, but they serve different purposes. Whether you’re looking to grow, heal, or just learn something new, let’s break them down to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
While both involve group settings and are led by trained professionals, they differ in purpose, structure, and the possible benefits.
What Are Psychology Workshops?
Think of psychology workshops as crash courses for your mental health and personal growth. They’re short, interactive sessions (usually a few hours or days) that focus on specific topics like managing stress, building confidence, or improving relationships. Psychology workshops are structured learning experiences designed to educate and empower participants on specific topics related to mental health, personal growth, or coping skills.
Common areas that Psychology Workshops focus on are:
Education: Providing knowledge about a particular issue (e.g., managing anxiety, improving communication skills, or fostering resilience).
Skill-building: Equipping participants with tools and strategies they can apply in their daily lives.
Community Connection: Creating a shared space for individuals to connect over common interests or challenges.
Workshops often feature interactive elements such as group discussions, role-playing, and hands-on activities. The environment is collaborative, supportive, and aimed at fostering learning rather than delving into personal issues.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy, on the other hand, is more of a supportive space to work through emotional stuff with others that occurs consistently (usually once per week). A licensed therapist leads the group, and it’s all about healing, growth, and processing deeper feelings. It’s a therapeutic intervention designed to address emotional, psychological, or relational concerns.
Key features of Group Therapy include:
Emotional Support: Providing a safe space for participants to share their experiences and feelings.
Interpersonal Growth: Learning from others’ perspectives and feedback.
Therapeutic Goals: Working towards specific mental health outcomes, such as enhancing coping strategies to better manage symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Enhanced Support: Getting to experience a consistent supportive space with others who share lived experiences, symptoms/diagnoses, and/or identities.
Group therapy is often ongoing and focuses on deep emotional processing and healing. Participants may work through past traumas, relationship challenges, or chronic symptoms with the help of the therapist and the group.
Now that we have outlined how the structure and focus of workshops and group therapy differ, let’s highlight the benefits of each!
Benefits of Psychology Workshops
Empowerment Through Education: Participants gain knowledge and tools to address challenges proactively.
Safe Learning Environment: Workshops focus on learning rather than vulnerability, making them less intimidating for those new to mental health resources.
Community Building: They foster connections among like-minded individuals, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Accessibility: Workshops often require less commitment and are more cost-effective compared to therapy.
Who can benefit from workshops? Workshops are ideal for individuals seeking practical strategies to improve specific aspects of their lives. Whether you’re navigating a stressful work environment, looking to enhance your relationships, or exploring mindfulness practices, workshops can be a great starting point.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Safe Space for Sharing: You can open up about what’s going on in your life and feel understood.
Learn from Others: Hearing different perspectives can help individuals grow and gain new insights.
Deep Emotional Work: It’s designed to help with issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles.
Sense of Belonging: Being part of a group can remind you that you’re not alone and that others understand what you’re going through.
Who can benefit from group therapy? Group therapy is ideal for people ready to explore their feelings in a safe, supportive environment. It’s great if you want to heal from past experiences, including themes related to trauma or loss. Additionally, it can be a good fit for folks struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or are feeling isolated and want to connect with others who “get it.” It can also be useful for individuals who are working on improving relationships and communication skills.
Both psychology workshops and group therapy play valuable roles in promoting mental health and well-being. By understanding their differences, you can choose the path that aligns with your goals, resources, and comfort level. When considering the best fit for you, you can contemplate these two questions-
Do I want something specific? (fit for a workshop!)
Am I ready to process my feelings with a larger group consistently? (fit for group therapy!)
Interested in exploring our upcoming psychology workshops and group therapy options? Contact us today to learn more and find the right fit for you!
Interested in working with Kelsey? Connect with her at KelseySchroeder@RoomToBreatheChicago.Com.