At True Life Center we believe in utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques for your highest healing. Contact us today for information about our group therapy program.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a structured setting where a therapist guides people in sharing their common experiences. Individuals who participate in group therapy can learn from one another and build new coping strategies. Group therapy can offer a personal, comforting approach to mental health care that brings solace to those experiencing tough situations.

There are different types of group therapy to meet a variety of needs. True Life Center offers evidence-based group therapies such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT): This type of therapy helps participants restructure challenging thoughts and behaviors
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups: During this time, people engage in mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
• Support groups: These kinds of groups provide peer-driven conversations for individuals facing challenges that are similar to one another
• Psychoeducational groups: In this group, individuals are educated about mental health conditions and coping mechanisms
• Process-Oriented Groups: People in process-oriented groups talk openly about their healing process and develop both self-awareness and greater resilience

Knowing that you’re not alone can be such an impactful realization. People often find group therapy to be more helpful than they realized it could be.

Understanding the Goal of Group Therapy

The goal of group therapy is to provide a supportive setting where individuals can:

• Develop coping skills: Learning how someone else in a similar situation handles their stress, anxiety, or depression can reenergize you in moments when your motivation is lacking
• Gain perspective: Hearing others’ experiences offers new insights on your own challenges
• Foster healing in a social setting: Talking to people who just “get it” helps rebuild trust and confidence in social interactions
• Encourage emotional growth: Guided discussions promote self-reflection and awareness of where personal growth may need to happen

Group therapy can have a profound impact on your healing journey. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, decide to attend at least three sessions to get a better idea of the benefits. After that, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on whether it’s something you’ll continue long-term.

Is Group Therapy Effective for Everyone?

Group therapy provides a range of benefits that can accelerate healing and personal growth. It’s up to you to decide what your goals are, and whether spending time with people who are also on a healing journey can help. Group therapy is most effective at providing:

• Emotional support
• Reduced isolation
• Skill development
• Improved communication
• Accountability and motivation

Speaking with your therapist about how they think you can benefit from therapy with others is a good idea. They’ll be able to guide you in understanding which aspects of group therapy would be most beneficial to your healing.

How Does Group Therapy Work?

Group therapy follows a structured progression. These stages of group counseling include:

1. Forming: Participants are introduced to each other, and rules and guidelines for the group are established
2. Storming: As comfortable, people begin to share their experiences
3. Norming: Relationships are strengthened, and a sense of unity is created
4. Performing: Members actively engage in bonding conversation and practice new coping skills
5. Adjourning: The group reflects on progress and prepares for closure or transition to other therapeutic support

Group therapy is effective for various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, PTSD, substance use recovery, social anxiety, or grief.

At True Life Center, our experienced therapists curate group sessions that align with each individual’s therapeutic needs, ensuring a personalized treatment experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s normal to have questions before beginning any type of therapy. Here are some of the most common questions about group therapy.

1. How is group therapy different from individual therapy?

Group therapy involves multiple participants sharing their experiences, while individual therapy is a one-on-one session with a therapist. Group therapy allows for peer support and learnings from shared experiences, whereas individual therapy focuses solely on the personal challenges of one person.

2. Will I have to speak during group therapy?

Participation is encouraged but never forced. Most people benefit more from at least occasionally sharing in the group. Participate at your own pace.

3. How long do group therapy sessions last?

Sessions are usually 60-90 minutes, depending on the needs of the group and the type of therapy.

4. Can I do both group therapy and individual therapy?

Yes, many individuals benefit from combining both approaches for a more comprehensive treatment experience.

Mental health concerns sometimes leave you feeling disconnected from the people around you. Consistently attending group therapy with people who understand what you’ve been through, can help you feel like you’re living life again. Support groups, for example, are often a vehicle for finding joy in human connection again.

Group Therapy at True Life Center

At True Life Center, we’re excited to help you heal. All of our groups are led by licensed, experienced therapists. We offer a personalized approach in a safe, beautiful setting so that patients can grow, heal, and support one another.

Take the next step toward healing and contact us today online or by calling 858.202.1822.

The post The Benefits of Group Therapy: How Shared Experiences Can Heal appeared first on True Life Center.

At True Life Center in San Diego, we practice a trauma-informed approach that guides the support we offer our patients as they find their way to recovery.

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy is a philosophy that recognizes how impactful trauma can be on an individual’s life and health. Therapists who practice trauma-informed care prioritize creating an environment of safety and trust so you feel secure and comfortable to share your feelings and experiences during sessions. They understand how trauma influences emotions and triggers and can design treatment in a way that avoids re-traumatization and empowers you to heal.

Rather than treating just the symptoms, a trauma-informed therapist looks at the whole being. At True Life Center, we are committed to helping patients find healing in their minds and bodies.

Types of Therapy for Trauma

There are several effective types of therapy for trauma, and often, a combination works best. Common trauma therapy modalities include:

• Cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies (CBT & DBT): Therapeutic approaches that help identify unhelpful thought patterns and teach people healthy coping skills to manage uncomfortable emotions
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional hold
• Holistic therapies: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga therapy, and acupuncture all work together to address the mind-body connection of trauma. These practices work to calm the nervous system and promote peace of mind

At True Life Center, we utilize all of these methods in creating a personalized plan for you. We address the varied aspects of who you are.

Trauma-Informed Therapy Techniques

Trauma-informed counselors use a myriad of techniques to help patients cope with trauma symptoms and process memories at a pace that doesn’t retraumatize. They work to teach new coping skills, improve emotional management, and design sessions so that you feel in control. Common trauma-informed therapy techniques include:

• Grounding exercises: These are exercises that help anchor you in the present (focusing on your breath or immediate surroundings) to ease the impact of anxious feelings or difficult memories
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help greatly reduce stress and calm your mind and body
• Somatic therapies: Gentle yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or other gentle body-focused activities support the nervous system and help to release tension

Healing with a Trauma-Informed Therapy

At True Life Center, our therapists take a compassionate, team-based approach. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and holistic providers collaborate to create a well-rounded treatment plan that includes counseling, any needed medical support, and wellness practices. At True Life, there’s always someone in your corner to help ignite transformation within you.

Healing from trauma may take time, but with the right support, it’s very possible. Over time, you’ll begin to notice your anxiety decreases, your mood improves, and you regain a sense of control. Nightmares and flashbacks might fade, your sleep can improve, and you start to feel like yourself again. Even small steps are meaningful signs of progress.

Trauma-Informed Therapy at True Life Center

After trauma, you need a way to recalibrate your stress response system. At True Life Center, this means neurobiological integration (NBI). When you find peace for both the mind and body, the result is deeper healing. We want to help you go from surviving to thriving.

Quality care is so important. If you’re in Southern California, True Life Center in San Diego offers trauma-informed care in a convenient outpatient setting. True Life Center’s experienced team offers compassionate, integrative support. Call 858.202.1822 today to get started, or visit us online.

The post What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy and How Can It Help You Heal? appeared first on True Life Center.

In 2020 alone, there were 99,017 alcohol-related deaths, and in 2021, there were 108,791.¹ With people drinking to help manage their feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and helplessness during unprecedented times, it’s no wonder that COVID’s impact on alcohol use continues to be felt. At True Life we can help you find freedom from unhealthy coping skills that no longer serve you. If you or someone you loved one is still feeling the impact of COVID, call 858.202.1822 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego, CA. 

COVID and Alcohol Use Disorder 

For many, stress, isolation, and uncertainty became catalysts for excessive drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) during COVID. It’s not uncommon, during any period of intense pressure, for people to turn to coping strategies that are unhealthy for a sense of relief, even if it’s temporary. This can look like excessive shopping, eating, substance use or any number of things that, left unchecked, can spiral out of control. Unless people are taught healthy coping strategies to help manage their stress, it’s likely they’ll engage in behavior that isn’t healthy. 

During the first week of COVID lockdowns there was a 54% increase in alcohol sales in and a 262% increase in online alcohol sales.² Though people often believe alcohol consumption will help to reduce their stress, what’s more accurate is that alcohol can actually cause mental health issues to worsen by:  

• Causing disruption to the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which leads to increased feelings of anxiety and depression 

• Impairing sleep quality, which is critical for mental health and emotional regulation 

• Initiating structural and functional changes in the brain that intensify mental health symptoms. 

• Worsening symptoms of PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions by lowering emotional resilience 

If you’re still feeling the impact of pandemic-induced AUD, reach out to True Life at our alcohol addiction treatment center in San Diego, CA. 

Is Alcohol Use Still Increased? 

In 2024, the Keck School of Medicine, University Southern California, reported that COVID’s impact on alcohol use has persisted into 2022, with sustained high rates of drinking across demographics, including age, race, and gender.³ 

The pandemic amplified stress and gave individuals more time at home with easy access to alcohol any time of the day. It created a perfect storm for dependency issues. If you’re wondering if perhaps you’re experiencing AUD, here are a few warning signs to watch out for: 

• Drinking more frequently or in larger quantities than intended 

• Struggling to cut back or stop drinking despite negative consequences 

• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to alcohol use 

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking 

If these signs are familiar, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Early intervention can prevent further health complications and provide a clearer path to recovery. There is hope. 

Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder in San Diego 

Seeking help for alcohol addiction is a courageous step. At True Life Center, we understand that the pandemic happened to all of us and we’re here to help you recover with empathetic support. Our evidence-based therapies and holistic care address the root causes of your addiction. Our programs include: 

• Customized care plans – Tailored to meet your specific needs. 

• Holistic therapies – including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to support the mind-body connection. 

• Evidence-based treatments – Such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 

• Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) – Flexible treatment options to fit your lifestyle 

Our integrative model for alcohol addiction treatment goes beyond symptom management by fostering long-term recovery and wellness. 

Call True Life Center for Alcohol Addiction Treatment 

Located in the heart of San Diego, True Life Center offers a luxurious and supportive environment designed to help patients heal. You’ll benefit from the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, including doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and holistic practitioners, all dedicated to bringing you the highest quality care. 

You can reclaim the years that COVID took by reclaiming your sobriety. Call 858.202.1822 or use our online contact form.  

Sources: 

1. National Institute of Health (NIH) – Risky Alcohol Use: An Epidemic Inside the COVID-19 Pandemic 
2. JAMA Network – Changes in Adult Alcohol Use and Consequences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US 
3. Science Daily – Pandemic-era increase in alcohol use persists, research shows

The post COVID’s Impact on Alcohol Use appeared first on True Life Center.

Are you ready to transform your life? Connect with us and find the change you’ve been looking for. There’s profound healing in learning new skills. Call 858.202.1822 to hear more about our options for life skills training in San Diego, CA.

What You Should Know About Life Skills Training

What is life skills training? Programs like this equip you with the practical skills necessary to manage daily challenges and enhance your overall quality of life. This approach focuses on developing abilities such as communication, stress management, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Our program at True Life Center emphasizes an interdependent approach, ensuring that you not only thrive personally but also within your community.

What’s Included in Life Skills Training?

Life skills training generally encompasses a variety of essential components that contribute to personal and social development. A trained professional leads participants through sessions that enhance communication skills, improve problem-solving techniques, and promote effective time management. Stress management and emotional regulation are integral aspects, as participants learn strategies to cope with anxiety and maintain mental wellness. Financial literacy, including budgeting and managing expenses, is also covered to promote participants’ independence and stability.

Life skills training empowers people to navigate everyday life with confidence and resilience by fostering self-sufficiency.

What Are the Benefits of Life Skills Training Programs?

Engaging in a life skills training program offers numerous benefits that contribute to personal and professional growth. Here are some key advantages:

• Improved emotional regulation – Learn to manage emotions effectively, reducing anxiety and enhancing mental clarity.
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities – Develop critical thinking skills that enable you to tackle challenges with confidence.
• Better communication – Strengthen relationships by improving your ability to communicate clearly and empathetically.
• Increased resilience – Build resilience to adapt to life’s changes and overcome adversity.
• Greater self-awareness – Gain insight into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
• Holistic well-being – Achieve a balanced lifestyle that nurtures both physical and mental health.

Participating in a life skills training program isn’t just about acquiring skills—it’s a compassionate journey toward discovering your fullest potential and embracing a more empowered, harmonious life.

What You Should Expect from Our Life Skills Training Program in San Diego, CA

True Life Center’s life skills training program in San Diego, CA, is crafted to support your unique healing experience. Our team of expert clinicians, psychiatrists, and holistic providers collaborates to create a personalized program tailored to your specific needs, which include:

• One-on-one therapy sessions with a clinician to address personal concerns and goals.
• Group therapy and support, allowing for connection with others on a similar journey.
• Educational workshops covering essential life skills topics.

Our supportive environment encourages growth, vulnerability, and transformation. We focus on your strengths and aspirations, empowering you to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. We believe that by equipping you with fundamental life skills, you can create positive change in your own life and the community around you. Our approach ensures that you emerge from the program with a greater understanding of your authentic self and a renewed sense of purpose.

Connect with True Life Center and Start on Life Skills Training in California

Life skills training programs offer a transformational opportunity to enhance your mental health and live a more fulfilled life. At True Life Center, we’re committed to providing comprehensive support that addresses the whole being. Our life skills training program in San Diego, CA, is a gateway to discovering your potential and igniting lasting change. Are you ready to take the first step toward a more empowered and balanced life? Contact us online or call 858.202.1822 today to start your healing experience in California.

The post Benefits of Life Skills Training Programs appeared first on True Life Center.