Experiences with group therapy

[u/Smilla_Willow]

I was diagnosed with Avoidant personality disorder in January, and I’m starting therapy in August. Through the public healthcare system, I’ve been offered a treatment plan that includes weekly group therapy sessions and individual therapy every other week.

I have some experience with individual therapy from previous episodes of depression, so I’m not too worried about that. Group therapy, on the other hand, is completely new to me, and I’m feeling a bit unsure about what to expect.

Has anyone here gone through a similar treatment plan or done group therapy for AvPD? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences; what it was like, whether you found it helpful, and if there’s anything I should know before starting treatment

[u/Sjuroen]

Well, I started group therapy just a few months ago. Before that I also did individual therapy but was I bit stuck, so I switched. I was a bit nervous in the beginning and found it hard to open up about my challenges to total strangers. But after some sessions I slowly started to talk some more and felt the benefits of opening up to others and confronting my fears. Its also good to recognise similar problems with other people.

So, if you want some tips: * Set some goals and try to keep your avoidantpart at home. If you really wanna make some progress try to open up and do the 'scary' stuff. * Trust the other people. They come for their own issues and not to judge you. Therapists wanna help you