“Do over.” That infamous childhood phrase that harkens back to the days of being able to try again To work toward a different, better result. How many times in adulthood have we wished for a do-over? Interpersonal Group Therapy is just that - a haven with an unlimited amount of do-overs. Except, contrary to childhood schoolyard games, we’re challenged with real life situations.

Interpersonal Group Therapy is a great option for those wanting to learn more about themselves and their relationships with others. Counter to support groups, it’s not support through shared experiences. Instead, Interpersonal Group Therapy is a learning environment. A safe sphere that acts as a parallel to our lives. A sort of laboratory that is experiential rather than theoretical. Interpersonal Group Therapy gives participants an opportunity to change dysfunctional patterns through practice in a safe space. Essentially, a do over that we can eventually bring into our day-to-day.

A typical interpersonal therapy group has 6-10 group members and is facilitated by one or two therapists for a 90 minute duration.  The focus of individual participants is to work through relational issues that lead to psychological symptoms or dissatisfaction in relationships. Participants are asked to pay attention to their thoughts, feelings and reactions and report on what they notice. It’s a venue to practice noticing emotion without acting. Being cognizant of your emotions will help you learn how to respond - which is a choice - rather than react - which is an unconscious process. 

Trial and error leads to trial and success. As members agree to keep what happens in the group, in the group, participants are free to share what they notice, and learn the effects of different responses through trial. The group plays an important role through open and honest feedback and encouragement. You get an unlimited amount of do-overs. Through trial and feedback, members are able to essentially take back their response and try again - modeling their responses for a more positive outcome. 

As you learn to break negative behavior patterns through practicing positive behaviors in the safety of the group construct, you will build your confidence and be ready to practice these behaviors in the dynamics of the real world. Similar to childhood where a do over often results in greater success in a particular activity or game. Interpersonal Group Therapy results in increased positive self-esteem and interpersonal skills. 

Now, who’s ready for a do-over?

Jeff Grossman facilitates interpersonal therapy groups in Nashville & Chattanooga, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga.