Loneliness is one of the most pervasive yet overlooked aspects of mental health struggles, silently deepening the challenges faced by many. For individuals living with trauma, this sense of isolation can feel particularly profound, as it amplifies self-doubt, erodes trust, and stifles attempts to seek support. Over years of working in mental health, I’ve seen firsthand how loneliness not only exacerbates psychological distress but becomes a self-reinforcing cycle: mental health struggles lead to disconnection, and disconnection leads to worsening mental health.

While individual therapy remains indispensable for addressing personal mental health concerns, it’s not always enough. Increasingly, I’ve found that the solutions to loneliness and isolation lie not just in one-on-one interventions, but in creating opportunities for connection through community-based approaches. Group psychological therapy, particularly when delivered through a trauma-informed framework, offers something profoundly different. It allows individuals to reconnect, rebuild trust, and gain a sense of shared humanity that is often absent from individual care. This article reflects on my own experience running a trauma-informed group program for individuals with diverse mental health presentations and offers a perspective on why group therapy is not just an addition to the therapeutic landscape but an essential tool for addressing loneliness and fostering community healing.

Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone—it’s a state of emotional isolation that often feels insurmountable. Many of my clients describe it as a silent weight, something that permeates their relationships, their sense of self-worth, and their capacity to seek help. Trauma, in particular, compounds this experience. Survivors often feel that their pain sets them apart, leaving them with a lingering sense that others wouldn’t understand or that their struggles are uniquely isolating. This disconnect fuels self-criticism, avoidance, and withdrawal, ultimately exacerbating the mental health challenges they face.

As mental health practitioners, we know that addressing these issues within the confines of individual therapy is critical but also inherently limited. Practical constraints, such as the availability of therapy sessions, coupled with the pervasive stigma around seeking help, often leave clients suffering on their own. Educating clients about realistic expectations and the role of self-compassion can go a long way—but it’s not always enough. This is where group therapy, with its relational focus, steps in to fill the gap.

I’m currently running a trauma-informed group therapy program designed for a broad range of mental health challenges. The program adopts a transdiagnostic approach, addressing shared difficulties like emotional regulation, self-compassion, and relational healing across diverse presentations. It’s been humbling to witness the growth and connection that emerges within this group, especially as participants begin to recognise that their experiences, while deeply personal, are not unique. This understanding has allowed the group to evolve into a space of shared healing and collective resilience.

The early sessions have revealed how much loneliness had shaped many of these participants’ lives. At the start, several members expressed hesitancy, unsure of what to expect or whether their struggles would “fit” into the group dynamic. By the end of the first session, however, the change was palpable. One participant, after hearing another’s story, commented: “I thought I was the only one who felt like this.” That realisation—that they weren’t alone—was a powerful first step toward breaking down the walls that loneliness had built.

In the second session, we introduced tools for emotional regulation, including grounding and mindfulness practices. While these exercises were designed for individual use, it was the collective experience of practicing them together that made the difference. Participants shared moments of personal success—using grounding techniques to manage a tough day—and were met with nods of understanding and encouragement from others. It’s these moments of mutual validation that highlight the unique strengths of group therapy: the sense of being seen, heard, and understood by peers who “get it.”

By the third session, we shifted focus to self-compassion, a topic that often challenges individuals who have spent years locked in cycles of self-criticism. Through exercises like compassionate letter writing, participants began to soften their inner dialogue. One member shared how their self-critical voice was an attempt to motivate them—a “tough love” approach—but realised it was doing more harm than good. Hearing this insight, another participant added, “That’s exactly what I do, but I never thought about why.” This mutual sharing reinforced the idea that while their struggles were personal, their journeys were profoundly interconnected.

Group psychological therapy offers something individual therapy cannot: connection. For clients who have felt the weight of loneliness for years, simply sitting in a room with others who share similar struggles can be transformative. In my current program, this dynamic has emerged naturally as participants listen to each other, offer empathy, and, in turn, receive support. Over time, the group becomes more than a therapeutic intervention—it becomes a small community where individuals can practice trust, build relationships, and experience the validation that their struggles do not diminish their worth.

In trauma-informed group therapy, the emphasis on safety and collaboration further amplifies these benefits. Participants are guided to approach each other with empathy and non-judgment, creating a space where vulnerability is not only accepted but welcomed. This environment fosters trust and connection, which are critical for addressing the relational wounds that often underpin trauma and mental health struggles.

In Australia, where mental health services are often overstretched, group psychological therapy provides a scalable and impactful solution. Beyond its ability to reach more individuals, group therapy addresses the relational dimensions of mental health that individual therapy often cannot fully resolve. It’s not just about learning coping skills—it’s about rediscovering the sense of belonging and shared humanity that so many clients have lost.

As clinicians, it’s vital that we advocate for these programs as essential, not supplementary, to mental health care. While ten individual therapy sessions might not be enough for many clients, combining these with group interventions can create a more comprehensive and sustainable model of care. It’s time to view group therapy not as a secondary option but as a cornerstone of community mental health, particularly for those grappling with loneliness and isolation.

Group therapy not only meets the growing demand for mental health services but also addresses the deep human need for connection. For those struggling with loneliness, stepping into a group can be the first step toward healing—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

TBC.

Original Post on LinkedIn