Group Therapy Questions: A Path to Healing and Transformation

Table of Contents

Hello there! Welcome to OC Revive, where we are dedicated to helping individuals on their journey to recovery from addiction. In this blog post, we will be exploring the power of group therapy and its impact on the healing process. If you or someone you know is seeking support in Lake Forest, CA, keep reading to discover the transformative potential of group therapy.

At OC Revive, we understand that overcoming addiction is a unique and challenging journey. We believe in a holistic approach that includes various therapeutic modalities, and group therapy plays a significant role in this process. Group therapy is a powerful therapeutic technique that fosters a sense of belonging and creates a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy involves bringing together a small, diverse group of individuals facing similar issues, such as addiction. These sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist who guides discussions and activities. The focus is on mutual support, encouragement, and problem-solving.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

1. Building a Supportive Community

Group therapy provides a unique opportunity to connect with others who truly understand your struggles. This supportive community becomes an essential pillar of strength during the recovery journey.

2. Fostering Empathy and Understanding

Sharing experiences and listening to others’ stories foster empathy and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation. Knowing you are not alone in your journey can be incredibly empowering.

3. Learning from Shared Experiences

In group therapy, individuals learn from the experiences of others. It enables them to gain insights into their behavior and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Common Group Therapy Questions

1. Is Group Therapy Right for Me?

Group therapy can be beneficial for anyone seeking additional support in their recovery journey. If you value connection, support, and learning from others, group therapy might be a great fit for you.

2. What Should I Expect in a Group Therapy Session?

Group therapy sessions are typically held in a safe and confidential setting. The therapist will lead discussions and activities, encouraging participants to share their thoughts and feelings.

3. How Many People Are Usually in a Group?

Groups are intentionally kept small, typically comprising 6 to 12 individuals. This size allows everyone to participate actively and develop meaningful connections.

4. How Long Do Group Therapy Sessions Last?

Group therapy sessions usually last about 60 to 90 minutes. The frequency and duration of sessions may vary depending on the program.

5. Can I Share My Feelings Openly?

Absolutely! Group therapy is a space where you can express yourself freely without judgment. Sharing openly can lead to breakthroughs in your healing process.

6. Will Everything I Say Be Confidential?

Confidentiality is of utmost importance in group therapy. What is discussed within the group stays within the group, fostering trust and openness.

7. What If I Feel Uncomfortable Sharing in a Group Setting?

It’s normal to feel apprehensive initially. The therapist will create a supportive environment that allows participants to share at their own pace.

How to Get the Most Out of Group Therapy

1. Be Open to Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Embrace the opportunity to be vulnerable and explore your feelings without reservation.

2. Listen and Offer Support to Others

Listening to others with empathy and offering support can be just as healing as sharing your own experiences.

3. Practice Active Participation

Engage actively in group discussions and activities. Your active participation contributes to a more enriching experience for everyone.

4. Be Patient with Yourself and Others

Recovery is a process, and everyone’s journey is unique. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this path together.

5. Apply What You Learn Outside the Group

Take the insights and coping strategies you gain from group therapy and apply them to your daily life.

The Role of the Therapist in Group Sessions

The therapist acts as a facilitator, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants. They encourage discussions, offer insights, and guide the group toward growth and healing.

Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy

Both group and individual therapy have their merits. While group therapy provides a sense of community and shared learning, individual therapy allows for more personalized attention.

Group therapy at OC Revive can be a transformational experience on your path to recovery. Embrace the power of shared experiences, support, and growth as you embark on this healing journey. We are here to support you every step of the way.

FAQs

Group therapy can be beneficial for various types of addiction. It is essential to find a program that aligns with your specific needs.

Yes, many individuals find that a combination of group and individual therapy provides comprehensive support.

Missing a session is understandable, but regular attendance is encouraged for the best results.

Insurance coverage for group therapy varies. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for details.

To get started, reach out to our team, and we will guide you through the process.

Johnny Pickett

Patient Advocate

Jamie Nelson

Case Manager

Stephen Carmel

Co-Founder & CFO

I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.

I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.

Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.

Derek Walsh

Co-Founder & COO

As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.

On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.

Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.

Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.

Brittany Astrom

Clinical Supervisor

Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.

Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.

Patrick R. Smith

Program Director

Patrick is amental health and addiction professional that has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He ahs been working in the field of addiction recovery for 19+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His Career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center i Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25 year old Patients. he also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Replase and Recovery Program”.

Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator and counselor with a pssion for reocery that has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.

Anthony Fletcher

Director Of Business Development

Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.

Levi Sweet

Director of Operations

Brian Welsh

Director of Admissions

Chandra Medina

Lead Therapist

Kelly Pearson

Therapist

Christina Gherman

Therapist

Tyler Michaelis

Founder & CEO

Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.

April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.

In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families

Tylor Ramsey

Therapist

Patrick Fernandez-Her

AMFT Therapist

Steven Simon

Admissions

Get Help Now

Admission Coordinators are available 24/7.
Take Control Of Your Life and Call Now.

Alejandro Alva, M.D.

Medical Director

Kayli Sullivan

Director of HR & Compliance

Carl Kutter

Operations Manager

Mustafa Stanizai

Case Manager

Allyson Lake

Case Manager

Ashley Becher

Admin Assistant

Kortnee Carralejo

Admissions

Madalyn Johnson

Case Manager

Matthew Lawler

Therapist - AMFT

Helen Riccobono

Therapist - AMFT

Rachel Dickinson

Therapist - AMFT

Max Howell

Case Manager

Leah Perle

Therapist

Angela Castellano

Case Manager

Tyler Michaelis

Founder & CEO

Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.

April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.

In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families