Top examples of group therapy game ideas

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
Share

Group Therapy: What is it and how does it work?

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a therapist leads a session with a group of people who are experiencing similar difficulties or issues. Individuals suffering from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and addiction may benefit from group therapy.

These sessions usually involve a small group of 5-15 people, though this can vary depending on the type of therapy and the therapist's preferences. A therapist facilitates discussion questions for group therapy by encouraging group members to interact and support one another. 

The therapist may use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy to assist group members in exploring and processing their emotions. 

The goal of group therapy is to provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences and learn from one another.

Techniques of Group Therapy Process

During a group therapy session, therapists may employ a variety of techniques. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular technique for identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT may be used in group therapy to identify negative thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies to change them.

Another technique used in group therapy is psychodynamic therapy. This type of therapy focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to a person's mental health problems. Exploring group dynamics and interpersonal relationships among group members may be part of psychodynamic therapy in group therapy.

Interpersonal therapy is a technique that focuses on the individual's interpersonal relationships. This technique may be used in group therapy to investigate the dynamics of the group and how each member interacts with one another.

Group therapy may also employ experiential techniques such as role-playing, art therapy, or games. These techniques can assist group members in exploring and processing their emotions in a safe and supportive setting.

Top Examples of Group Therapy Game Ideas

In group therapy, games can be a fun and effective way to promote engagement and connection. Here are some great group therapy games for adults:

Playing basketball

Members of the group form a circle and pass a ball to one another. The person who is holding the ball is required to share a personal experience or thought. This exercise can help members of a group feel more at ease sharing personal information with one another.

Stand up, sit down activity

When the therapist asks a question, members of the group stand if they agree and sit if they disagree. The group then talks about their responses. This exercise can encourage group members to express themselves and talk with one another.

Feelings hot potato game

A softball is passed around, and as each person tosses the ball, they share their feelings. This activity can assist group members in becoming more comfortable discussing their emotions.

Feelings faces

Members of the group draw faces representing various emotions and discuss what each emotion means to them. This activity can help members of a group become more aware of their emotions and how to express them.

Unknown wish

Each member of the group writes down a secret wish, which is then placed in a bowl. The group then guesses who has which wish. This activity can help members of a group get to know one another better and foster a sense of community.

Beach ball activity

A beach ball is thrown around, and whoever catches it must answer a question about the group's theme. This activity can encourage group members to share their ideas and experiences about the therapy topic.

Pimp Pom

This game is a fun and interactive way to encourage group members to communicate and cooperate. 

It takes at least five people and a small object, such as a ball or soft toy. To begin the game, the group forms a circle and one person begins by tossing the object to another member of the group. The object is then tossed to another person, and so on. The person who receives the object says the name of the person who threw it to them each time it is passed. If an object is dropped, the entire group must restart from the beginning. 

This game can help group members improve their listening skills, attention to detail, and communication.

Blindfold

This game is a fun and engaging way of enabling group members' trust and teamwork. A blindfold and a group of at least five people are required. 

One person is blindfolded and stands in the center of the group to play the game. The rest of the group forms a circle around the blindfolded person and must guide them without using words to touch a specific object or person. 

This game can help group members build trust, improve communication, and promote teamwork.

Solve the Knot

This game is a fun and challenging way to encourage group problem-solving and communication.

A large piece of rope and a group of at least six people are required. To begin the game, the group forms a circle and each person grasps the rope with both hands. The group then collaborates to twist and knot the rope in such a way that it forms a tangled mess. The group must then work together to unravel the knot while remaining attached to the rope. 

This game can help group members improve their problem-solving abilities, communication, and teamwork.

Therapists can make the therapy process more engaging, fun, and interactive by incorporating these group therapy games into a therapy session. These group activities for self care can also help group members build trust, improve communication, and promote teamwork. 

They can create a safe environment that encourages people to open up, express themselves, and collaborate toward a common goal. Finally, group therapy games have the potential to help people improve their mental health and well-being.

Advantages of these Group Therapy Activities

Group therapy games can have several advantages, including:

Creates a safe space

Games can help group members feel more comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences.

Cheaper than individual sessions

Group therapy is frequently less expensive than individual therapy.

Less intense

Games that are less intense can help break the ice and make group therapy sessions feel less intimidating.

Removes social stigma

Group therapy can help to reduce feelings of isolation and shame by providing a sense of community and shared experiences. 

Take Home Message

In a therapeutic setting, group therapy games can be an effective way to promote engagement, connection, and support. These activities and tips to run a successful group therapy session can help participants feel more comfortable exploring and processing their emotions by creating a safe space and encouraging social interaction. 

Carepatron's blog post on the subject contains helpful hints for running a successful group therapy session.

Related Articles

Right ArrowRight Arrow

Top ICD 10 Codes for Anxiety in 2023

Having a good understanding of commonly used ICD 10 codes will help your practice receive reimbursement in a timely manner. Find out what the most commonly used codes for anxiety are in 2023, and improve the efficiency of your medical billing and coding process.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
7min read

10 coping skills worksheets for children (Examples)

Check out these 10 coping skills worksheets and help your young clients develop the skills to overcome whatever challenges they may be facing. These tasks are relevant, engaging, and most importantly, effective.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
5min read

11 fun and engaging group activities for self care

Here are 11 fun and interesting group self-care activities that will leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized. From taking a yoga class together to hosting a game night, these activities will help you take care of yourself.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
6min read

11 CBT Group Therapy Activity Ideas With Examples

Discover 11 creative and engaging CBT group therapy activity ideas with examples to help your clients build coping skills and improve their mental health.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
6min read

20 ICD Codes for Mental Health in 2023

Here are 20 of the most commonly used ICD codes in the mental health sector in 2023. Having a good understanding of these codes will improve your medical billing and coding processes, enabling your practice to receive reimbursement at a much faster rate.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
7min read

11 Engaging Ideas For Counseling Group Therapy

Discover effective and engaging ideas for your counseling group therapy sessions. Enhance your facilitation and improve outcomes for your clients. Read now.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
8min read

11 ideas to run an effective family therapy session

Check out these 11 ideas to run an effective family therapy session. Designed to facilitate a safe environment, these ideas will improve your clients’ communication and honesty, guiding them toward good clinical outcomes.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
8min read

Family therapy worksheet examples (2023)

Access some of the best available worksheets, activities, and ideas for family therapy. Equipped with these tools, therapists will be able to guide their clients toward better communication, honesty, and conflict resolution.

Katherine Ellison
Katherine Ellison
6min read

10 discussion questions for group therapy

10 extremely useful questions to ask during group therapy sessions. These prompts will facilitate meaningful conversations between attending clients, helping to create a safe and comfortable environment.

Katherine Ellison
Katherine Ellison
6min read

Self-esteem worksheet for teens (Examples)

Incorporate these useful worksheets and activities and help your clients grow their confidence. Designed to promote positive awareness of good qualities, these tools will see your clients' self-worth and self-esteem improve significantly.

Katherine Ellison
Katherine Ellison
5min read

Anger management worksheets for teens (Examples)

Learn about some of the most effective strategies to manage a teenage client's anger. With worksheets, activities, and tips, this resource will result in effective anger management skills, setting your client up for a meaningful future.

Katherine Ellison
Katherine Ellison
6min read

10 effective emotional regulation activities for kids

10 of the most effective activities for teaching young clients how to regulate their emotions, assisting in the continuation of their social, emotional, and physical development.

Katherine Ellison
Katherine Ellison
6min read

10 Substance abuse groups topic ideas for discussion

10 thoughtful discussion topics for therapists to raise during group therapy sessions. These prompts will encourage meaningful conversation and help clients open up and connect with each other.

Ashleigh Knowles
Ashleigh Knowles
6min read

10 anger management activities for kids

Here are some of the best activities to help treat child clients who are learning to manage their anger. These tasks will help teach your clients effective and intuitive coping skills.

Ashleigh Knowles
Ashleigh Knowles
7min read

15 therapeutic activities for teens and kids

Here are 15 of the best activities you can use with young clients. Designed to be intuitive and easily grasped, these tasks will improve engagement and strengthen your client relationships.

Ashleigh Knowles
Ashleigh Knowles
8min read

17 questions to ask teens in therapy

17 helpful questions to ask teenage clients, helping therapists foster a strong client relationship and enable their patients to be open, honest, and communicative.

Katherine Ellison
Katherine Ellison
7min read

10 examples of family therapy telehealth activities

10 useful activities for family therapists using telehealth to treat their patients. These tasks are designed to strengthen relationships, encourage honesty, and elevate communication between all clients.

Ashleigh Knowles
Ashleigh Knowles
7min read

Top 10 tips to work with autistic children

Working with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder can lead to unique situations that can become challenging if you aren't prepared. Here are some of the best ways you can manage treating children with autism, in order to create a safe, trusting, and effective therapy environment.

Jamie Frew
Jamie Frew
6min read

Join 10,000+ teams using Carepatron to be more productive

One app for all your healthcare work