When people think of therapy, they usually picture a one-on-one conversation between a client and a therapist. But recovery does not always have to happen alone. For many people, working through difficulties alongside others in a group can be just as valuable, sometimes even more so. Group therapy is a recognized, evidence-based treatment format used widely in mental healthcare. This article explains how it works and who it might suit.
What group therapy actually looks like
In group therapy, a small number of clients, usually somewhere between six and ten, meet regularly under the guidance of one or two BIG-registered therapists. The group itself becomes an active part of the treatment process. Hearing that other people face similar struggles often creates a sense of recognition and relief: the realisation that you are not the only one going through this. That recognition can be powerful, easing the isolation that often comes with psychological distress.
At Mavera GGZ, group therapy is used within different treatment approaches depending on a client’s needs and the preliminary DSM-5 classification discussed during the intake, for example as part of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or schema therapy.
Who can benefit from group therapy
Group therapy can be a good fit for a range of difficulties, including:
- Social anxiety, where practising social situations within a safe group setting offers direct, real-world practice
- Depressive complaints, where sharing experiences with others can reduce feelings of isolation
- Processing similar life experiences, such as loss, trauma, or other difficult events
- Difficulty setting boundaries or recurring patterns in relationships, where feedback from fellow group members can be especially instructive
Whether group therapy is the right approach is always decided together with the therapist, based on the individual’s situation. Group therapy is not the right starting point for everyone, sometimes individual stabilisation is needed first.
Group therapy alongside individual treatment
Group therapy is rarely used in isolation. It is often combined with individual sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist, and sometimes with pharmacotherapy. The combination can reinforce both: individual sessions allow for a deeper look at personal history, while the group offers a space to practise new behaviour and insights in real time. Depending on the situation, other methods such as EMDR, ACT, or couples and family therapy may also be used alongside group therapy.
What to expect in a first group session
A first session usually starts with introductions. The therapist explains how the group works, its ground rules, and its goals. Everyone is typically given the opportunity to briefly share why they are joining, though this is never mandatory and no detail is required. It is completely normal to feel nervous the first time, opening up in front of people you do not yet know takes courage. Therapists are aware of this and build the group up gradually, prioritising a sense of safety before moving into deeper topics.
In later sessions, the work involves exercises, conversation, and sometimes homework assignments, depending on the chosen method. The therapist makes sure everyone gets a chance to participate and that the atmosphere remains respectful and safe throughout.
Confidentiality within the group
Confidentiality is essential to a well-functioning group. What is shared within the group stays within the group. Clear agreements about this are made at the start of the process, and every participant commits to them. These agreements create the space needed to be open, even about subjects that are difficult to talk about.
Group therapy at Mavera GGZ
Mavera GGZ B.V., located at Rozenlaan 115 in Rotterdam, offers care in Dutch, Turkish, English, Ukrainian, Polish, Uyghur, and Arabic. A referral from your GP (huisarts) is required for specialist mental healthcare, including group therapy. Mavera GGZ is contracted with health insurers DSW and RMA/RMO, and has a payment agreement with Zilveren Kruis and VGZ. Keep in mind that treatment falls under the mandatory deductible (eigen risico), which is €385 in 2026.
The average waiting time for an intake is around three weeks, with treatment typically starting within roughly three months. During the intake, you and your therapist will discuss together whether group therapy, individual therapy, or a combination best fits your needs.
Do you have questions about group therapy, or want to know if it suits your situation? Contact us by phone on 010 – 254 38 96 or by email at info@maveraggz.nl. If you are in crisis, always call 112 (in the Netherlands) or go to A&E.
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