We believe healing happens not just in solitude, but in community. Group therapy is one of the core offerings within our therapy programs in Indianapolis. Whether you're just beginning your recovery journey or looking for additional support after inpatient care, group therapy offers a space to connect, reflect, and grow alongside others who understand what you’re going through. 

Read on to learn more about what group therapy is, the types of sessions we offer, how the process works, and why so many people in recovery find it to be a powerful part of their treatment. 

Joining a group therapy session for the first time can feel intimidating. We make sure every participant knows what to expect and feels welcomed from the moment they arrive. 

Here’s how it typically works: 

• Group size: Most sessions have 6-10 participants, allowing for both intimacy and diversity of experience. 
• Facilitators: Sessions are led by licensed clinicians or counselors trained in group facilitation and addiction recovery. 
• Confidentiality: Everything shared in group stays in group. Trust and respect are emphasized from day one. 
• Participation: Clients are encouraged but never forced to share. You can choose to listen as you become more comfortable. 
• Rules and structure: Clear group therapy rules are established to ensure safety, respect, and productivity. This includes using respectful language and showing up on time. 

Group sessions may be themed on topics such as relapse prevention, emotional triggers, identity work, or they may be more open-ended, depending on the needs of the participants. Activities can include journaling, role play, mindfulness, or group therapy activities for addiction such as trust-building games or scenario planning. 

Support groups, whether formal therapy groups or peer-led community meetings, play a vital role in sustained recovery. They provide more than just a place to talk; they offer a sense of belonging, accountability, and ongoing encouragement that can make all the difference in moments of doubt or transition. For many, support groups serve as the bridge between treatment and real-world resilience. 

Here are just a few of the most meaningful benefits of support groups for addiction recovery: 

• Ongoing motivation: Hearing others' stories of progress, struggle, and success reinforces your own reasons for staying sober. It’s powerful to witness someone who’s further along in their journey and just as powerful to reflect on how far you’ve come.
• Built-in community: Isolation and loneliness are among the biggest challenges people face after treatment. Support groups create a space where participants can connect through shared experiences, build friendships, and rediscover trust in others without fear of judgment.
• Sense of purpose: Healing isn’t just about receiving support. It’s also about giving it. Many people find a renewed sense of meaning by mentoring newer group members, sharing hard-won insights, or simply showing up consistently to be present for others.
• Skill reinforcement: Tools learned in therapy, like how to manage cravings, set boundaries, or communicate assertively, become second nature through repetition. Support groups give you real-time opportunities to practice and apply these skills in a safe and supportive space.
• Relapse prevention: Recovery isn't always linear. When setbacks occur, a support group can be a lifeline, reminding you that one slip doesn’t erase your progress. Group members can help you regroup, reengage with care, and rebuild your plan without shame.
• Improved emotional regulation: Talking through feelings in a group can reduce emotional buildup, making it easier to manage anger, sadness, guilt, or fear in healthier ways. Over time, this can lead to greater self-awareness and stability in daily life.
• Access to hope: Perhaps most importantly, support groups offer hope. Seeing others maintain long-term recovery and knowing that they once stood where you stand now can be a powerful motivator. It reminds you that recovery is possible, even on the hardest days. 

Juniper Grove Recovery offers both structured clinical groups and referrals to community-based support programs that continue after treatment ends. Whether you’re just beginning your recovery or looking to maintain it long term, we’ll help you find a support system that fits your needs, your pace, and your goals.