Joining and participating in group therapy can be intimidating. Attending group therapy and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can be overwhelming. However, when you are willing to believe in yourself and trust the process, you can take the first steps in your healing journey. This happened for “John.” His willingness to join our IOP and participate in group therapy was a leap of faith that paid off!
John had never participated in group therapy. He thought about joining an IOP for roughly 6 months but feared the unknown. He finally decided to give it a chance once he recognized that his gambling issues were more significant than he realized and had started to impact his marriage.
John found himself “really moved” by group therapy. In the process group, he experienced a space to connect with and hear from others in a meaningful way. This processing space allowed John to further explore, understand, and get feedback from others that helped him better understand his gambling and the ways in which it impacted his marriage and overall life. In IOP, he and other group members were given therapeutic skills they could adapt and implement in their daily lives.
Shortly after John graduated from IOP, he reached out and shared that he “hasn’t gambled one bit since I left IOP. I really valued the experience.” He further shared how having a supportive group and space to learn without judgement helped him feel more confident in his abilities. John is an example of how taking a leap of faith, trying something new–like group therapy–and being open to different experiences can lead to significant change and healing.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing: The Vital Role of IOP and PHP in Mental Health
Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization programs (IOP/PHP) are a vital bridge between inpatient hospitalization and outpatient therapy. These programs:
- Help reduce the reliance on inpatient psychiatric care, which can often be overwhelming and disorienting.
- Allow individuals to stabilize in a less restrictive, more empowering environment.
- Provide a space that is supportive, where mental health challenges are validated rather than stigmatized.
Foresight’s Intensive Treatment Services (ITS) team philosophy is “Together we begin to learn, grow, and heal.” These words are meant to instill hope and connection for all who join us on this journey. Our programs are meant to provide more than group therapy–they foster a nonjudgmental community where individuals feel seen, heard, and connected. This community allows people to feel more comfortable to open up and receive feedback and encouragement. They learn new tools and how to implement them, challenge their negative self-talk, and begin to have confidence along their healing journey.
Help is Available When You’re Ready
Our Intensive Treatment Services might be an option for those requiring a higher level of care.
If you are unsure about reaching out for help, a great place to start is with your primary care doctor/physician (PCP). Your PCP has tools to help with assessment and diagnosis and can help review mental health resources.
