Individual Counseling vs Group

🧍‍♀️ INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

✅ What It Is:

One-on-one sessions with a therapist. Sessions are usually 45–60 minutes and happen weekly or biweekly.

💡 Best For:

• Deeply personal or private issues

• Trauma, grief, PTSD

• Anxiety, depression, or mood disorders

• Addiction recovery (especially early stages)

• Building trust with one provider over time

• Custom treatment plans

📌 Pros:

• Private, focused on your story

• Flexible pace and goals

• Can dig deeper into issues like trauma or childhood

• Easier to be open if you’re shy or guarded

⚠️ Consider:

• Can feel intense or vulnerable

• Might feel slow at first, especially if trust is hard

👥 GROUP THERAPY

✅ What It Is:

Led by a trained therapist, group therapy usually includes 5–12 people with shared struggles (e.g. addiction, anxiety, trauma, grief). Sessions are often 60–90 minutes.

💡 Best For:

• Learning you’re not alone

• Practicing communication and emotional skills

• Peer support and feedback

• Building community and accountability

• Cost-effective or used alongside individual therapy

📌 Pros:

• Powerful sense of connection and shared experience

• Real-time practice in relationships

• Often more affordable

• Great for addiction recovery, social anxiety, and grief

⚠️ Consider:

• Less privacy

• Not always a good fit for deep trauma (unless trauma-specific)

• Some people find it hard to open up in a group

🧭 Which One Should You Choose?

If You…	Try…
Feel isolated or want peer support	Group therapy
Need privacy or personalized support	Individual therapy
Have trauma or complex issues	Start with individual
Are in recovery (e.g., addiction)	Both — combo works well
Want to work on social skills	Group can be helpful
Can’t afford weekly private sessions	Group may be more accessible

🔄 Best of Both Worlds

Many people start with individual therapy, then add group therapy once they feel more stable or want peer support.

Would you like help finding:

• A therapist that offers both?

• A support group or group therapy near you (in Dundalk or online)?

• A combined recovery plan?

The Epec Clinic provides medication-assisted therapy and individual counseling.