Group Psychotherapy Advantages
Psychotherapy groups provide many advantages over individual therapy. Groups provide an opportunity to learn how others experience you. Psychologist led groups provide a safe environment in which group members can better understand the dynamics of their daily interactions with others; the group provides a small representation of life. Group members begin to recognize that others share similar struggles; they learn alternative ways to interact and resolve conflicts. The group setting provides a place to learn and practice new skills before attempting to incorporate them into daily life.
Since coming to Oregon in 1990, Dr. Gram has offered both men’s and women’s psychotherapy groups. For many, these groups provide highly cost-effective and clinically appropriate treatment. Groups also provide a remarkable representation of our lives and relationships. Although often initially reluctant to consider psychotherapy groups, the vast majority of individuals actually find groups an unexpectedly comfortable place in which to explore their existing relationship patterns and to develop more effective interpersonal skills. Many individual clients transition into a group for their next phase of treatment.
Men's Groups
Many men have adopted a cultural view that their primary roles involve procreating children, providing for their families and protecting their family--often at the expense of their own person. Often lacking significant emotional connection with their fathers, Dr. Gram helps men experience acceptance, approval and challenge from other men.
Twelve Week Specialized Groups. In addition to an ongoing women’s group, Dr. Gram offers a rotation of twelve-week groups each with a specific focus. These women’s groups revolve around specific concerns: Anxiety ; Depression ; Social and Relational Interaction Difficulties ; and Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries . Each group series includes educational materials that illustrate and explore the specific theme; an opportunity to talk with other women about how that particular theme shows up in their life; and a laboratory for developing better ways of thinking , feeling and coping with challenges involving that theme. While these groups are focused on treating individuals with clinical symptoms, the groups can also provide preventative and growth focused experiences.
