New CBT Therapy Group for Queer People of Color, Starting February 4th

Frequently asked questions

How is group therapy different than a traditional support group?

Group therapy and support groups both bring people together to share experiences, but they differ in their purpose, structure, and facilitation:

‍Clinical Guidance: In group therapy, sessions are led by a licensed mental health professional with specialized training. The therapist guides discussions, offers insights, and uses evidence-based techniques to help members explore and work through personal challenges. In traditional support groups, a facilitator may guide the conversation, but they may not be a clinician, and the focus is usually more on peer support than structured therapy.

‍Goal-Oriented: Group therapy is structured around therapeutic goals, such as managing anxiety, depression, or trauma. Therapists design activities and discussions to help members develop coping strategies and work toward mental health objectives. Support groups, on the other hand, are generally centered on sharing experiences rather than achieving specific clinical outcomes.

‍Evidence-Based Techniques: Group therapy incorporates clinical methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other approaches that are scientifically validated to improve mental health. Support groups are more focused on mutual encouragement and empathy, which can be helpful but are not clinically structured.

‍Confidentiality and Safety: Both group therapy and support groups prioritize confidentiality, but group therapy may have stricter guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment for deeper personal work.

‍Personalized Feedback: In group therapy, the therapist provides personalized feedback to help each participant understand their patterns and explore new ways to manage their mental health. In support groups, feedback typically comes from other group members and is based on shared experiences.

Group therapy combines the benefits of peer support with clinical insights, making it a valuable choice for those looking to work on specific mental health goals in a supportive environment.

How many people will be in my Allswell therapy group?

You'll be among 4-8 peers and guided by 1 dedicated provider. You have full control over how much personal information you share with your peers. Ensuring your comfort and privacy is our top concern.

What does this group cover?

This therapy group focuses on the intersectional experiences of queer POC, creating a space to explore identities, relationships, and family dynamics while learning tools to build resilience and self-affirmation.

‍Key Topics Include:

Navigating Identity
‍Understanding how race, ethnicity, and queerness intersect. Addressing internalized negative beliefs and fostering pride.

‍Building Emotional Awareness
‍Identifying and processing intense emotions like shame or anger. Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion to manage stress.

‍Countering Minority Stress
‍Examining the impact of societal discrimination, internalized biases, and systemic barriers. Developing tools to challenge negative thought patterns influenced by racism and queerphobia.

‍Strengthening Relationships
‍Improving communication with family, partners, and friends. Setting boundaries and navigating cultural expectations.

‍Affirming Community and Self
‍Identifying affirming activities and supportive networks. Building confidence to engage in LGBTQ+ spaces authentically.

Through a mix of group discussions, CBT exercises, and identity-affirming practices, participants will leave equipped to better understand and navigate the unique challenges of being queer and POC.

How long do groups run?

Our groups typically run for 8 weeks at a time. You can choose to continue on with your group for as long as you like.

Do I have to commit upfront to all 8 weeks?

Yes, we do ask for a commitment to the full 8-week program. At Allswell, we believe that consistency and connection are key to meaningful progress, which is why our program is designed to foster a deeper level of understanding and trust between group members over time.

That said, we understand that needs can change. If at any point the group isn’t meeting your needs, you’re welcome to exit the program. We simply ask for 48 hours’ notice before your next session so we can support a smooth transition. Just reach out to us at hello@joinallswell.com, and we’ll be here to help.

Why group vs. 1:1 therapy?

1) Studies show group therapy, especially for the LGBTQ community, holds greater benefits, offering a circle of support from those facing similar challenges, diminishing feelings of being alone and boosting morale. Allswell helps you find your community!

2) When it comes to affordability, Allswell leads the way, making mental health support 5X less expensive than average therapy sessions ($150).

3) Engaging in group sessions allows individuals to hear varied perspectives, reinforcing that their struggles are shared and understood by others.

Are your therapy sessions confidential?

At Allswell, we take your privacy and confidentiality seriously. All group sessions are conducted in secure, confidential environments, and we enforce strict privacy protocols to ensure that what’s shared within the group stays within the group. Your trust is our priority, and we are committed to safeguarding your personal information every step of the way.

Have more questions?

Send us an email at hello@joinallswell.com or call or text us at 646-783-8454.