Why Group Therapy Is So Powerful—and Sometimes Scary; Getting Too Close to the Fire

Group therapy can be one of the most transformative experiences in your healing journey—and sometimes it’s frightening. It brings you closer to your tender spots, those deep and painful truths you often try to avoid. When you begin to approach these emotional “fires,” the heat can feel unbearable. Sadly, sometimes this is when folks retreat.

You might say you are too busy, or that finances are tight. And often, those are real concerns. But underneath those reasons, there’s often a more vulnerable truth: fear. Fear of facing what hurts. Fear of being truly seen. Fear that if others witness your flaws, you will be judged, rejected, or abandoned. I’ve even seen people protect themselves by saying, “I already know all of this.” That, too, can be a defense against the discomfort of vulnerability.

This happens in individual therapy, even with one safe and empathetic professional. But in group settings—therapy groups, support groups, or personal growth retreats—this dynamic can feel even more intense. Why? Because now it’s not just one person who might see you. It’s several. And that can feel frightening.

Group members often worry: Did I say too much? Did I show too much of who I really am? What if they don’t accept me? Yet, what I hear over and over again from those who stay is this: “I’m so glad I stayed.”

These are the people who were once terrified—who feared rejection, felt unsure they had anything meaningful to contribute, and doubted their ability to “do group right.” And yet, they stayed. And through that choice, they discovered a kind of growth that often goes beyond what’s possible in one-on-one therapy.

Group members say group therapy helps “cut away blinders.” They talk about the gift of being reflected back by others—of seeing themselves more clearly through the lens of shared human experience. They say it helps build empathy, fosters self-acceptance, and translates into real change in other areas of life.

One group member put it beautifully: “Group is an empathy builder.”

He found deep common ground with people who were very different from him—and that changed him. I wish more of the world could do that. But it starts with us.

What I see again and again is this: the members who thrive in group become guides for others. They help usher newcomers in with warmth, compassion, and safety. They know that while confrontation can spark growth, it's much more powerful when paired with care. That’s the kind of space I seek to cultivate—a space where you can stretch, risk, and grow.

But I can’t walk through the fire for you. No one can.

What I can say is:

“Come on in. The water’s fine.”

“This is a safe place for you to grow.”

“If others can do it, so can you.”

Ready to start your healing journey?

Reach out today for a free consultation or learn more about how we can work together at Counseling With Tycee.

Radiantly Yours, Tycee

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist  Certified Couples and Sex Therapy Informed Professional  Co-Creator of The Sensual Woman Series 

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