Why have group therapy over 1-2-1 therapy?
Did you know that group therapy offers a supportive environment for South Asian women dealing with the challenges of misogyny, burnout, and generational trauma. Explore how this collective approach, recommended by experts like Dr. Scott Giacomucci, can provide profound healing and relief.
Living within the rich yet complex tapestry of South Asian culture brings unique challenges, especially for women. Misogyny, cultural constraints, and generational trauma can take a toll on mental health, leading to burnout and emotional distress. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how group therapy can be a transformative solution for South Asian women, offering benefits that often surpass one-on-one therapy sessions.
Group Somatic therapy, a form of emotional psychotherapy involving Somatic Therapist and Clinical Pharmacist, Jaspreet Randhawa, works with several people simultaneously, creating a supportive environment where you can share experiences and learn from one another. According to Dr. Scott Giacomucci of the Phoenix Trauma Center, group therapy offers unique advantages, especially for those dealing with deep-seated issues like misogyny and generational trauma. According to mwah, and my experience in group therapy settings, a really wonderful community can flourish. I have learnt so much from my peers in therapy, and as the facilitator of group therapy sessions. The healing is mutual for all of us in these group.
How can I get trauma releasing results in group therapy?
In group therapy, participants realize they are not alone in their struggles. Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges fosters a sense of solidarity and support. Imagine a group of sisters, who don't judge you, share their deep thoughts and feelings, and wish for you to heal as much as they want to heal themselves!!! Sounds wonderful, YES!
Imagine each group member bringing a unique perspective, providing different insights and coping strategies that might not emerge in one-on-one therapy. Half of the healing occurs from our traumas when we are able to see them and work with them. Having others who have shared a life in the same community with an array of perspectives allows for us to heal collectively. Listening to others’ stories can mirror one’s own experiences, helping individuals gain new insights and self-awareness. Sometimes we know something needs to be addressed, we just don't know what.
Misogyny and cultural constraints can lead to feelings of isolation. Strangely, so many of us experience this, the 'what might other people think' allows the South Asian community to hide such isolation. And this is why its so important to form a collective group of like minded, non judgemental women where we can be open and honest, with guidance to feel what we have so cleverly been told to hide for generations.
Trauma causes disconnection, both from ourselves, our bodies, and others around us. Complexed PTSD affects so many of us, which is why we struggle to understand WHY?
Why do I feel low, when my life is so seemingly good. Why do I have anxiety when I am a successful woman, bossing it? Why do I have depression, when I have never had any major traumas? Complex PTSD provides a thorough explanation, through the lens of the polyvagal theory, and in turn an avenue to heal. Group therapy helps to rebuild connection, we so desperately require.
If you struggle to afford 1-2-1 sessions, group therapy is often more affordable, making mental health support accessible to a wider audience. Maybe you will need to unpack something you have come across in group therapy in more detail, and so a combination of both group therapy and individual sessions can bring an affordable way to manage your healing and process traumas.
Lets address the elephant in the room: Misogyny and Cultural Constraints
South Asian women often grapple with deeply ingrained cultural expectations and gender roles that contribute to feelings of inadequacy and burnout. Group therapy provides a safe space to challenge these norms and explore healthier ways of living.
Breaking the Silence on Misogyny & Generational Trauma:
Sharing personal stories of misogyny and discrimination can be validating and empowering, reducing the shame and guilt often associated with these experiences.
As we women support each other in the group, we cultivate collective strength and resilience, which can inspire action and change within their communities.
Intergenerational trauma cannot be healed alone, it will take many of us to help the next generation from suffering the traumas gained many years ago. Our ancestors have been through such a lot, breaking cycles can be painful whilst also freeing.
Generational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next. For South Asian women, this can manifest in various ways, from rigid cultural expectations to suppressed emotions. FYI, I have to add a disclaimer, I am not saying our parents and grandparents didn't try their absolute best for us. Many did, however it doesn't mean we have to hide the flaws and wrote ways of parenting. We don't need to pretend that 'emotionally immaturity' existed in our upbringings. It just means we can learn ways of breaking the cycles, in order to help ourselves and future generations.
Group Therapy will help heal complex generational traumas by:
Understanding and acknowledging generational trauma within a supportive group can foster healing and encourage healthier family dynamics.
Tailoring sessions for South Asian women incorporating cultural sensitivity, ensuring that the therapy respects and understands cultural nuances.
FAQs
Q: Is group therapy confidential?
A: Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of group therapy. Participants are expected to respect each other's privacy.
Q: What if I’m not comfortable sharing in a group?
A: It’s normal to feel hesitant initially. Many find that their comfort level increases over time as trust within the group builds. You will never be forced to share, we just ask you respectfully listen without providing unsolicited advice.
Q: How long does group therapy last?
A: We have created a 12 week programme, in this time we will address misogyny, burnout due to the expectations of being the domesticated goddess, carer for the family, bread winner, award winning daughter in law & daughter.
Our group therapy offers a powerful platform for South Asian women to address the unique challenges posed by misogyny, cultural constraints, and generational trauma. By providing a supportive and understanding community, group therapy can be a catalyst for profound personal growth and healing. If you’re struggling with these issues, consider joining our 12 week group therapy – you might find the support and strength you need to thrive.
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