Support Groups in Markham, ON

As the holidays approach, gaining self-care and mindfulness strategies are important as deadlines continue to pile up. Prepare yourself with this complimentary mindfulness boost to ward off stress as well as to feel energized for the holidays. Space is available for 5 participants to ensure a safe, quiet, and relaxing atmosphere in our luxiourious Markham Office. Please contact us for details as well as to register for the event as space is limited. Please dress in comfortable attire, ensure cell phones are on silent, and book a self-care hour.
Photo of Leigh-Ann Brunke - Leigh-Ann Brunke, EMDR & Trauma Specialist, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MC, CHyp, BA, BSS
Hosted by Leigh-Ann Brunke, EMDR & Trauma Specialist
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MC, CHyp, BA, BSS
Group meets in Markham, ON L3P
As the holidays approach, gaining self-care and mindfulness strategies are important as deadlines continue to pile up. Prepare yourself with this complimentary mindfulness boost to ward off stress as well as to feel energized for the holidays. Space is available for 5 participants to ensure a safe, quiet, and relaxing atmosphere in our luxiourious Markham Office. Please contact us for details as well as to register for the event as space is limited. Please dress in comfortable attire, ensure cell phones are on silent, and book a self-care hour.
(289) 272-7379 View (289) 272-7379
For those who dream of starting a family, doctor's visits, fertility tests, and procedures are seldom part of the picture. And yet, roughly 1 in 6 couples experience infertility in Canada, defined by the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sex. Despite how common infertility has become, feelings of shame and secrecy continue to surround the diagnosis. Our virtual support group runs for five weeks and helps you learn practical tools to support your healing journey and access a powerful sense of community. Learn more at fresh-insight.ca/supportgroup.
Photo of Kristina Virro - Kristina Virro | Psychotherapy & EMDR, Registered Psychotherapist, MSc , MA, RP
Hosted by Kristina Virro | Psychotherapy & EMDR
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc , MA, RP
Group meets in Markham, ON L6B
For those who dream of starting a family, doctor's visits, fertility tests, and procedures are seldom part of the picture. And yet, roughly 1 in 6 couples experience infertility in Canada, defined by the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sex. Despite how common infertility has become, feelings of shame and secrecy continue to surround the diagnosis. Our virtual support group runs for five weeks and helps you learn practical tools to support your healing journey and access a powerful sense of community. Learn more at fresh-insight.ca/supportgroup.
(289) 724-4954 View (289) 724-4954
If you are someone who has questioned your substance use patterns in the past, our ‘Sober Curious’ support program may be for you! Did you know that addiction is not the result of moral failing or lack of willpower, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Learn more! Get support with others struggling with many of the same issues in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Photo of Sue Morrison, Registered Psychotherapist, RPq, CAC, RPC
Hosted by Sue Morrison
Registered Psychotherapist, RPq, CAC, RPC
Group meets in Markham, ON L3P
If you are someone who has questioned your substance use patterns in the past, our ‘Sober Curious’ support program may be for you! Did you know that addiction is not the result of moral failing or lack of willpower, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Learn more! Get support with others struggling with many of the same issues in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
(289) 207-0554 View (289) 207-0554
This group of amazing young adults meets on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ONLINE ONLY. This group is for young adults suffering with anxiety and/or low self-esteem who are looking for peer support, to learn coping strategies and to develop tools to help work through and build themselves to a more powerful place. Facilitated by Melanie Tinianov, Registered Psychotherapist. ONLINE ONLY.
Photo of Melanie Tinianov, Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Hosted by Melanie Tinianov
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
This group of amazing young adults meets on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ONLINE ONLY. This group is for young adults suffering with anxiety and/or low self-esteem who are looking for peer support, to learn coping strategies and to develop tools to help work through and build themselves to a more powerful place. Facilitated by Melanie Tinianov, Registered Psychotherapist. ONLINE ONLY.
(855) 683-2448 View (855) 683-2448
We are a group of therapists who are passionate about our work
Photo of Elaine Lam, Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Hosted by Elaine Lam
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
We are a group of therapists who are passionate about our work
(647) 490-6520 View (647) 490-6520
12 Week DBT Skills Coaching. Struggle with managing or controlling Intense emotions? Struggling with getting through distressing situations? Having difficulty maintaining relationships? Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable most of the time? Having difficulty concentrating or remembering things? Experiencing loss of interest in everyday activities? Lacking energy? If so, this DBT skills Training may be what you need. Who can benefit from DBT Skills coaching? People Struggling with Borderline personality disorder, Suicidal behaviors, Self-harm, Substance use, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Depression Eating disorder. We offer DBT 12/24 Week Coaching DBT Skills Coaching for Children and DBT Skills Coaching for Adults.
Photo of Chris Onumejor, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MBA
Hosted by Chris Onumejor
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MBA
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
12 Week DBT Skills Coaching. Struggle with managing or controlling Intense emotions? Struggling with getting through distressing situations? Having difficulty maintaining relationships? Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable most of the time? Having difficulty concentrating or remembering things? Experiencing loss of interest in everyday activities? Lacking energy? If so, this DBT skills Training may be what you need. Who can benefit from DBT Skills coaching? People Struggling with Borderline personality disorder, Suicidal behaviors, Self-harm, Substance use, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Depression Eating disorder. We offer DBT 12/24 Week Coaching DBT Skills Coaching for Children and DBT Skills Coaching for Adults.
(289) 277-5779 View (289) 277-5779
Elementary School Social-Emotional Classes Our youngest learners will benefit from self- awareness exercises, self -expression, social -recognition of cues as well as executive-function skills that will help them pay attention, remember instructions & directions as well control their behavior. Middle School Social-Emotional Classes Our students in middle school continue developing their social-emotional skills-including managing emotions, solving problems, making decisions, and gaining assertiveness skills to prepare them for social success and academic readiness of high-school challenges.
Photo of Alice Wiafe - Positive Kids Inc, Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, PsyD(c)
Hosted by Positive Kids Inc
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, PsyD(c)
Group meets in Markham, ON L6C
Elementary School Social-Emotional Classes Our youngest learners will benefit from self- awareness exercises, self -expression, social -recognition of cues as well as executive-function skills that will help them pay attention, remember instructions & directions as well control their behavior. Middle School Social-Emotional Classes Our students in middle school continue developing their social-emotional skills-including managing emotions, solving problems, making decisions, and gaining assertiveness skills to prepare them for social success and academic readiness of high-school challenges.
(647) 578-7867 View (647) 578-7867
I offer clinical supervision groups for RP's, RP (Q)'s, and other mental health professionals. I run a relaxed and supportive learning group environment with encouragement for each clinician to openly share their thoughts, ideas or feedback, ask case related questions, and ask general therapy questions.) Groups will generally start in January or September. Groups run virtually, which means you can live anywhere in Ontario. Please visit my website for details.
Photo of Jaime Lee - Jaime Lee - Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor, Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Hosted by Jaime Lee - Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Group meets in Markham, ON L6E
I offer clinical supervision groups for RP's, RP (Q)'s, and other mental health professionals. I run a relaxed and supportive learning group environment with encouragement for each clinician to openly share their thoughts, ideas or feedback, ask case related questions, and ask general therapy questions.) Groups will generally start in January or September. Groups run virtually, which means you can live anywhere in Ontario. Please visit my website for details.
(647) 930-0153 View (647) 930-0153
As a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, we have more than 15 psychotherapists and social workers to compliance with flexible schedules and variety of specialties. Our mission is to provide a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people. We respect and are sensitive to your race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion, and sexual orientation. Individualized treatment approaches will be developed for each and every client accordingly. We encourage our clients to give us feedback—regardless positive or negative— in order to allow us to provide you with the best treatment possible.
Photo of Chelsea Ziwei Zhu, Registered Psychotherapist, M Ed, RP
Hosted by Chelsea Ziwei Zhu
Registered Psychotherapist, M Ed, RP
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
As a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, we have more than 15 psychotherapists and social workers to compliance with flexible schedules and variety of specialties. Our mission is to provide a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people. We respect and are sensitive to your race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion, and sexual orientation. Individualized treatment approaches will be developed for each and every client accordingly. We encourage our clients to give us feedback—regardless positive or negative— in order to allow us to provide you with the best treatment possible.
(289) 302-7375 View (289) 302-7375
Hopewoods is a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, featuring registered psychotherapists, social workers and clinical counsellors with diversified specialties in counselling. We provide individual, couples and family therapy with individualized treatment approaches to act in concert with each and every client. Our goal is to demonstrate an accessible, convenient and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people.
Photo of Sharon Xiao-Rong Zong, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW, MSW
Hosted by Sharon Xiao-Rong Zong
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW, MSW
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
Hopewoods is a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, featuring registered psychotherapists, social workers and clinical counsellors with diversified specialties in counselling. We provide individual, couples and family therapy with individualized treatment approaches to act in concert with each and every client. Our goal is to demonstrate an accessible, convenient and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people.
(416) 209-2068 View (416) 209-2068
As a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, we have more than 15 psychotherapists and social workers to compliance with flexible schedules and variety of specialties. Our mission is to provide a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people. We respect and are sensitive to your race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion, and sexual orientation. Individualized treatment approaches will be developed for each and every client accordingly. We encourage our clients to give us feedback—regardless positive or negative— in order to allow us to provide you with the best treatment possible.
Photo of Stacy Wen-Chiung Hsu, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Hosted by Stacy Wen-Chiung Hsu
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
As a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, we have more than 15 psychotherapists and social workers to compliance with flexible schedules and variety of specialties. Our mission is to provide a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people. We respect and are sensitive to your race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion, and sexual orientation. Individualized treatment approaches will be developed for each and every client accordingly. We encourage our clients to give us feedback—regardless positive or negative— in order to allow us to provide you with the best treatment possible.
(416) 209-2068 View (416) 209-2068
At Chapters Counselling Services, we believe that Life is a journey, and the compass with which we navigate the different stages (Chapters) of our lives are embedded in our thoughts and emotions. The destination of life’s journey for everyone is in finding their purpose. There are times in this journey when we feel overwhelmed by life events and situations, and navigation appears difficult. Those are the times we need a therapist to help us make meaning of those thoughts and emotions to enable us to find the path to fulfilling our life’s purpose.
Photo of Nelly Pooyeh Jalalipour, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Hosted by Nelly Pooyeh Jalalipour
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
At Chapters Counselling Services, we believe that Life is a journey, and the compass with which we navigate the different stages (Chapters) of our lives are embedded in our thoughts and emotions. The destination of life’s journey for everyone is in finding their purpose. There are times in this journey when we feel overwhelmed by life events and situations, and navigation appears difficult. Those are the times we need a therapist to help us make meaning of those thoughts and emotions to enable us to find the path to fulfilling our life’s purpose.
(365) 400-1266 View (365) 400-1266
As a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, we have more than 15 psychotherapists and social workers to compliance with flexible schedules and variety of specialties. Our mission is to provide a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people. We respect and are sensitive to your race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion, and sexual orientation. Individualized treatment approaches will be developed for each and every client accordingly. We encourage our clients to give us feedback—regardless positive or negative— in order to allow us to provide you with the best treatment possible.
Photo of Jianping Su, Registered Psychotherapist, EdD, RP
Hosted by Jianping Su
Registered Psychotherapist, EdD, RP
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
As a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, we have more than 15 psychotherapists and social workers to compliance with flexible schedules and variety of specialties. Our mission is to provide a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people. We respect and are sensitive to your race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion, and sexual orientation. Individualized treatment approaches will be developed for each and every client accordingly. We encourage our clients to give us feedback—regardless positive or negative— in order to allow us to provide you with the best treatment possible.
(416) 209-2068 View (416) 209-2068
Fruits From The Roots provides an enriching platform for Graduate-Level-Counselling Students to develop clinical skills within the areas of telehealth and online counselling. All students selected into the training program have acquired sound knowledge in counselling theories and modalities and are working towards obtaining their direct clinical client hours. Their clinical work is supervised by Darlene, Clinical Supervisor. Counsellor-in-Training rates are $90.00/hour or $250 for a package of 4 hourly sessions. All rates incur applicable taxes. Interested in having a session with a Counsellor/Psychotherapist-in-training? Contact Darlene directly at clientservices@fruitsfromtheroots.com.
Photo of Darlene Cyrus-Blaize - Fruits From The Roots Psychotherapy & Supervision, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, EdD, MA
Hosted by Fruits From The Roots Psychotherapy & Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, EdD, MA
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
Fruits From The Roots provides an enriching platform for Graduate-Level-Counselling Students to develop clinical skills within the areas of telehealth and online counselling. All students selected into the training program have acquired sound knowledge in counselling theories and modalities and are working towards obtaining their direct clinical client hours. Their clinical work is supervised by Darlene, Clinical Supervisor. Counsellor-in-Training rates are $90.00/hour or $250 for a package of 4 hourly sessions. All rates incur applicable taxes. Interested in having a session with a Counsellor/Psychotherapist-in-training? Contact Darlene directly at clientservices@fruitsfromtheroots.com.
(647) 699-0321 View (647) 699-0321
Mental Health First Aid is a 9-hour, evidence-based certification course designed to provide participants with tools to support those experiencing declining mental well-being and crises. It covers responses to issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, panic attacks, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Offered virtually or in-person to organizations and the public, contact me at kimeiko@pm.me to enquire.
Photo of Kimeiko Hotta Dover - Self Care with Kimeiko - Direct Billing, Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, PsyDip
Hosted by Self Care with Kimeiko - Direct Billing
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, PsyDip
Group meets in Markham, ON L3T
Mental Health First Aid is a 9-hour, evidence-based certification course designed to provide participants with tools to support those experiencing declining mental well-being and crises. It covers responses to issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, panic attacks, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Offered virtually or in-person to organizations and the public, contact me at kimeiko@pm.me to enquire.
(365) 363-3990 View (365) 363-3990
This is an online 8 week group that meets once a week for 2 hours. It is a group program that helps one develop their capacity for greater calm as they are taught practical skills to help manage stress. MBSR is often recommended for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions. It includes both a separate silent retreat and the intake interview, and the program also includes mindful movement exercises which can be modified accordingly, to meet individual needs for comfort and safety if necessary.
Photo of Christina Skoulos - Christina Skoulos, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT
Hosted by Christina Skoulos
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
This is an online 8 week group that meets once a week for 2 hours. It is a group program that helps one develop their capacity for greater calm as they are taught practical skills to help manage stress. MBSR is often recommended for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions. It includes both a separate silent retreat and the intake interview, and the program also includes mindful movement exercises which can be modified accordingly, to meet individual needs for comfort and safety if necessary.
(647) 691-4349 View (647) 691-4349
Hopewoods is a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, featuring registered psychotherapists, social workers and clinical counsellors with diversified specialties in counselling. We provide individual, couples and family therapy with individualized treatment approaches to act in concert with each and every client. Our goal is to demonstrate an accessible, convenient and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people.
Photo of Lesley Jinxia Li, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Hosted by Lesley Jinxia Li
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
Hopewoods is a Toronto based psychotherapy and consulting team, featuring registered psychotherapists, social workers and clinical counsellors with diversified specialties in counselling. We provide individual, couples and family therapy with individualized treatment approaches to act in concert with each and every client. Our goal is to demonstrate an accessible, convenient and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for all people.
(289) 536-3974 View (289) 536-3974
For those who dream of starting a family, doctor's visits, fertility tests, and procedures are seldom part of the picture. And yet, roughly 1 in 6 couples experience infertility in Canada, defined by the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sex. Despite how common infertility has become, feelings of shame and secrecy continue to surround the diagnosis. Our support group not only helps you learn practical tools to support your healing journey but also a powerful sense of community.
Photo of Kristina Elizabeth Virro - Kristina Virro | Psychotherapy & EMDR, Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP , RHN , MA, EMDR
Hosted by Kristina Virro | Psychotherapy & EMDR
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP , RHN , MA, EMDR
Group meets in Markham, ON L6B
For those who dream of starting a family, doctor's visits, fertility tests, and procedures are seldom part of the picture. And yet, roughly 1 in 6 couples experience infertility in Canada, defined by the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sex. Despite how common infertility has become, feelings of shame and secrecy continue to surround the diagnosis. Our support group not only helps you learn practical tools to support your healing journey but also a powerful sense of community.
(289) 302-7030 View (289) 302-7030
It is a four session educational/experiential group, which helps parents to reach psychological flexibility in facing with inflexible children. By participating in this group, parents can rise optimistic, self-confident and happy children.
Photo of Negar Reisi Dehkordi, Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Hosted by Negar Reisi Dehkordi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Group meets in Markham, ON L3T
It is a four session educational/experiential group, which helps parents to reach psychological flexibility in facing with inflexible children. By participating in this group, parents can rise optimistic, self-confident and happy children.
(647) 931-1852 View (647) 931-1852
This is an online 8 week group that meets once a week for 2 hours. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is helpful as an evidence-based group therapy modality for learning to manage anxiety and prevent the relapse of depression. Participants are provided with tools, skills, and strategies to help prevent depressive relapse, as well as to help reduce acute depression, anxiety and stress. A commitment to attendance, participation, and home practice activities is required. This group includes both a separate silent retreat and the intake interview.
Photo of Christina Skoulos - Christina Skoulos, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT
Hosted by Christina Skoulos
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT
Group meets in Markham, ON L3R
This is an online 8 week group that meets once a week for 2 hours. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is helpful as an evidence-based group therapy modality for learning to manage anxiety and prevent the relapse of depression. Participants are provided with tools, skills, and strategies to help prevent depressive relapse, as well as to help reduce acute depression, anxiety and stress. A commitment to attendance, participation, and home practice activities is required. This group includes both a separate silent retreat and the intake interview.
(647) 691-4349 View (647) 691-4349

See more therapy options for Markham

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Markham?

To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, postal code, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.

Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.

How does group therapy work?

Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.

Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioural exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.

Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between $90 and $100 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organisations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or non-profit organisations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.

Does insurance cover group therapy?

If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your group therapy sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for group therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.

How long does group therapy last?

The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.

The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalised and specialised care.

The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.