Whether you’re seeking support for emotional regulation, trauma recovery, or interpersonal challenges, group therapy offers a unique opportunity to heal alongside others who are on similar paths.
With group therapy in Franklin, you’ll find compassionate professionals and structured programs designed to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered.
What Is Group Therapy in Franklin?
Group therapy is a form of mental health support where several people meet regularly with a trained clinician to explore emotions, learn coping skills, and build connection through shared experience. Unlike individual therapy, group therapy emphasizes community and mutual growth.
Group therapy in Franklin can take many forms, from psychoeducational skills groups to deeper processing groups focused on trauma and emotional regulation. These groups often center on evidence-based models like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which teaches practical skills in mindfulness, emotional balance, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Participants might be adults, teens, or parents, depending on the group focus. Whether you’re learning coping strategies or simply discovering that others share similar experiences, group work offers a powerful environment for growth and connection.
Before Your First Group Therapy Session
1. Understand the Format
Most group therapy sessions in Franklin are structured with a clear agenda. A typical session might include:
- Check-ins from each member
- Introduction or review of a skills topic (e.g., emotion regulation)
- Group discussion and exercises
- Reflection and plans for applying skills during the week
This structure helps create safety and predictability, especially important if you’re feeling nervous about your first session.
2. Prep Through an Intake (if required)
Some practices require an intake or consultation before joining a group. During this intake, clinicians learn more about your goals and recommend the best group fit for your needs.
This step ensures you’ll be placed in a group where you feel comfortable and supported.
3. Manage First-Time Nerves
It’s normal to feel uncertain before your first group session. You might wonder:
- “Will I fit in?”
- “Do I have to share a lot?”
- “What if I don’t know what to say?”
Remember: you’re not expected to share more than you’re comfortable with. Groups are designed so that listening is just as valuable as speaking.
What Happens in Your First Group Therapy Session
1. Warm Welcome and Introductions
Your first session will likely begin with a warm welcome from the therapist and a chance to introduce yourself. You might be asked to share just a little about your name, what brought you to therapy, and what you hope to gain.
Therapists are trained to make introductions feel safe and supportive.
2. Establishing Group Norms
Early in the session, the therapist will review group norms such as:
- Confidentiality
- Respectful listening
- Optional participation
- How feedback is offered
These guidelines help everyone feel secure, respected, and accepted.
3. Opening Discussion or Skill Lesson
A key part of the session is usually a skill or topic introduction. In DBT-based group therapy in Franklin, this might include a brief lesson on mindfulness, how to manage overwhelming emotions, or strategies for building healthier relationships — followed by group discussion or practice exercises.
4. Group Sharing (Optional)
You’ll have opportunities to share, but only to the extent you feel comfortable. Listening to others often helps reduce feelings of isolation and may reveal insights you hadn’t considered.
Some people find comfort in the shared vulnerability, while others prefer to observe at first. Both experiences are valid.
5. Closing and Next Steps
Before the session ends, your group will likely reflect briefly on what was discussed and how to practice new skills in daily life. You may be encouraged to jot down goals or skills to try before the next meeting.
Benefits You Might Experience From Group Therapy in Franklin
A Sense of Belonging
One of the biggest gifts of group therapy is shared experience. Hearing others describe similar struggles can ease feelings of loneliness and remind you that healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation.
Skill-Building with Real Feedback
Group therapy often focuses on learning and practicing practical skills in a setting where you can get real-time feedback. This makes new habits more likely to stick.
Reflection and Growth Through Others
Listening to others’ perspectives can expand your own self-awareness and help you see patterns or possibilities you might miss in one-on-one therapy.
Long-Term Resilience
Beyond immediate support, skills and connections from group therapy often translate into lasting emotional resilience, improved relationships, and greater confidence facing life’s ups and downs.
Support Through The Village of Kairos
The Village of Kairos offers several group formats that emphasize connection, learning, and healing. Our clinicians are trained in DBT and trauma-informed care, providing structured skills groups for adults, teens, and parenting support.
Groups include:
- Adult DBT Skills Groups focused on mindfulness and emotional regulation
- Teen DBT Skills Groups tailored for adolescents facing life’s challenges
- Parenting and Family Support Groups for healthier family dynamics
- Neurodivergent-Focused Skills Programs that honor diverse experiences
Ready to take that first step? Contact us at The Village of Kairos to find a group that fits your needs and begin a healing journey with others in Franklin.