What comes to your mind when you picture a counseling session? Most likely, you think about the way popular culture portrays it: a one-on-one session with a counselor sitting in a chair with a notepad, across from the client who is reclining on a couch.

Individual counseling is the most popular form of counseling, but it’s not the only one. Sometimes, group counseling can provide support, camaraderie, and understanding that can benefit your healing journey in a myriad of ways.

Not only can you benefit from the skills and experience of a trained counselor, but you can also hear from others who are walking similar paths and struggling and learning the same way you are. Loneliness is a very real and common experience, but there is strength in numbers and in knowing that you’re not alone in your experience.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 943-2452

Schedule an Appointment

Learn About Christian Group Counseling

Our culture has become more individualistic and isolated than ever. Living in community and learning from other believers is a powerful antidote to sinning or struggling in silence.

Many people have questions about Christian group counseling—what is the structure? How does group counseling work? What kinds of topics are covered, and is group counseling as effective as individual counseling?

Keep reading to learn more, and at any point, feel free to call us at McKinney Christian Counseling with questions.

What is Group Counseling?

Here are some of the most common questions and answers about group counseling sessions at McKinney Christian Counseling:

Do groups form around specific topics?

Yes, groups are usually built around a common theme, concern, or struggle shared by the individuals in the group. That way, people can choose a group based on their needs and comfort level.

How many people are in each group?

The average number of clients in each group is usually between four and nine.

How do sessions work?

Just like during individual counseling, the counselors at McKinney Christian Counseling facilitate each session, using their knowledge and experience to tailor it to the issues at hands and the needs of each person. Also, the way each session flows will depend on group participation and dynamics.

Before the group begins, you’ll usually have a chance for an individual meeting with the counselor. You can introduce yourself and talk about your concerns, what brings you to counseling, what you hope to achieve through the process, and more. You can also ask any questions you might have.

The exact approach to group counseling will vary based on the needs and personalities within the group, but groups usually meet for one to two hours per week. Sometimes the number of sessions is determined beforehand.

What about confidentiality?

Every licensed counselor is bound by client-counselor confidentiality laws, and this is no different in group counseling. Confidentiality among group members is discussed during the first session. All group members agree to respect each other’s privacy, and asked not to disclose who is in the group or what is shared there.

Does group counseling replace individual counseling?

Sometimes, but not always. If you’re unsure which type of counseling to choose, contact us to find out more about our available groups and recommendations for you. Some clients choose to participate in both individual and group counseling for additional support.

Emotional growth is a process. Sanctification is a process. Both require safety, honesty, and vulnerability. Opening up emotionally to others can be scary, but you can do it at your own pace, and many clients are surprised by how therapeutic it is just to share their stories with others in a confidential environment.

With that in mind, here are some of the outcomes we hope to see through the group counseling process:

  • The ability to be vulnerable with others.
  • Achieving healing, change, and growth in the group’s focus area.
  • The practice of listening well to other group members and other people in your life.
  • The willingness to be held accountable and to hold others accountable.
  • Showing consistent honesty with yourself and others.
  • Practicing empathy, seeing things from others’ perspectives.
  • Participating in authentic community.
  • Connecting with God through faith and community.

Think of group counseling as both a support system and a safety net. By the time the group ends, the goal is for you to have experienced healing, growth, and positive change in a way that will carry into the rest of your life and relationships.

The benefit of group Christian counseling in McKinney, Texas is the professionalism and experience your Christian counselor has to guide the process. This enables sessions to remain focused and intentional while allowing flexibility to meet the needs of each individual. It also enables you to practice an unselfish focus on the feelings and experiences of others, as well as giving you a voice as a valued member of the group who also deserves care and compassion.

Here are some of the most common themes we form our groups around at McKinney Christian Counseling:

  • Addiction
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Couples issues
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma
  • Weight loss

Group availability depends on a variety of factors. Whether you have a specific topic in mind or just want to find a like-minded group you feel comfortable in, feel free to fill out our contact form [link] or give our office a call to ask about group counseling availability. If a specific group you’re interested in is not available, there may be a related one that could fit your needs, or you might want to take advantage of individual counseling.

Positive Outcomes of Group Counseling

Imagining yourself sitting in a circle of people and sharing your struggles might make you feel a little nervous, but rest assured that your counselor’s goal will be to make you comfortable and facilitate helpful, natural conversations.

Group counseling can also be a great way to ease into individual counseling if that’s something that feels intimidating for you.

Here are some common outcomes that we work towards in our groups and often hear feedback about from clients:

Improved self-expression and social skills. While this is not usually the main focus of group sessions, it’s a significant byproduct that often occurs, also improving your confidence and self-esteem.

Empathy and relating to others. When you listen to the stories, struggles, and victories of other group members, you can practice active listening, seeing things from others’ perspectives, and spurring each other on. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)

Ongoing support and new friendships. Although not all group members form friendships outside of the group, this sometimes happens, leaving you with a friendship or support system that can help you even after the counseling process has ended. Community is invaluable in our isolated culture, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Practicing relationship skills. Not only can you learn about concepts like emotional intelligence, active listening, healthy communication, and conflict resolution, you can practice them in a group setting, leading to personal growth and change in your life outside of counseling.

Relating to others. As we’ve mentioned, struggles in life can make you feel lonely and set apart from others in your life. Joining with other believers in a group counseling setting will reinforce that you’re not alone in your struggles and you can overcome them with God’s grace.

Contact Us About Group Counseling Sessions Today

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 NIV)

Over and over in the New Testament, we are reminded about the importance of fellowshipping with other believers and encouraging each other in the faith. While this primarily takes place within the local church, group counseling in a Christian counseling setting in McKinney can be a life-giving, grace-filled place to receive professional guidance and community support as you walk through a process of personal change.

For more information about Christian group counseling at McKinney Christian Counseling, contact us online or call us today.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 943-2452

Schedule an Appointment