by Audrey Walls, M.Ed., M.F.A.
If you’re new to the services we provide at Full Circle, we understand that the number of options and specialties available for therapy can seem overwhelming. Whether you’re an individual, couple, or family, there is some basic information that can be helpful to getting a better understanding of what types of therapeutic services might be the best fit for you. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common services here at Full Circle and how you can make the best decision for your care moving forward.
Comparing Support Groups and Individual Counseling
You may be wondering if our grief support groups are better than our individual counseling services, or vice versa. In truth, it’s a trick question because neither one is truly “better” than the other. Support groups and individual counseling both provide mental health support, though they both deliver therapy in very different ways.
At a glance, you could say that support groups…
- Are medium sized groups (8-12 members) of individuals who have all experienced a similar type of loss (perinatal, suicide, overdose, etc.)
- Can either have a predetermined length (often 6-8 weeks) or be ongoing, meeting monthly or bi-weekly with members dropping in and out as needed
- Provide opportunity to share and hear stories of loss in a community and reduce isolation, learning that others have had similar experiences
- Mostly take place in-person at our offices in Henrico, Virginia
- Are provided free of charge at Full Circle
By contrast, individual counseling approaches often…
- Are private, individualized 1:1 talk therapy sessions that last approximately 45 minutes, and can be scheduled for frequency weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or longer to suit your needs
- Do not have a predetermined length and can be attended for as long as you and your provider decide is best (anywhere from a few weeks to a year or longer)
- Provide in-depth attention and analysis, allowing you to explore your own personal journey in an individualized and compassionate environment
- Can take place either in-person or virtually via telehealth
- Can use insurance to cover appointment co-pays or can pay reduced rate or self-pay options
Both our support groups and our individual counseling appointments:
- Require an intake and screening process before the first meeting or session
- Are facilitated by mental health professionals or professionals in training who are working under supervision
- Provide professional and compassionate care with grief specific resources, strategies, and education
Individual Counseling for More Than One Person
Although it sounds like a typo, you can also seek out individual counseling for more than one person. Sometimes, individuals will come to counseling with the desire to bring an additional person with them, like a spouse, parent, child, or other family member.
Individual counseling can look like…
- Counseling for couples is available when a pair of individuals in a relationship would like to meet with a therapist at the same time
- Counseling for families often occurs when a parent-child pairing or other family relationship would like to meet with a therapist at the same time
- Counseling for children can occur where the child meets with the therapist without a parent or guardian present, although communication between the therapist and adult is always encouraged and supported
- Individuals in relationships can also seek out counseling separately, each meeting with their own counselor individually
How Do I Choose What’s Best for Me?
Choosing whether to move forward with individual counseling or grief support groups is a deeply personal decision that might take some reflection. Or, you might know immediately which you prefer! Don’t count out the impact of either option though, as many of our group participants have become individual counseling clients, and many who come to us for individual talk therapy find benefit from attending a group! There is no one size fits all.
Grief support groups might be a good fit for you if…
- You like the idea of making connections and sharing with others
- You’re looking for others who have been in a similar situation to yourself
- You’re able to meet weekly in evenings and can commit to 6-8 weeks of sessions
- You’ve already done some processing of your loss and feel ready to share your story
Individual counseling might be a good fit for you if…
- You’re interested in unpacking your own story of loss and having focused, individual time
- You tend to shy away from groups or find them overwhelming
- You’re interested in a longer, more open-ended time commitment to therapy
- Your loss feels sharp or painful and you are not ready to share openly
The good news is that if you’re still not sure at the end of this article, you can always contact us at Full Circle and we can make a suggestion based on your personal experience and story of loss. Our clinical staff is adept at making recommendations for either groups or individual counseling, or referring out to other providers in the area who might be best suited to support you on your grief journey. Whichever path you choose, Full Circle is here to ensure that you’re not alone.