Many people start their psychotherapy in individual therapy.
You might start your therapy
participating in a group.
You might be in individual therapy and add participation in a group to increase learning about yourself.
See the
advantages of each below.
Jerry Sachs, L.C.S.W.
Group vs Individual Psychotherapy
Individual therapy is a one-to-one relationship with a therapist. It’s private, focused, and paced entirely around you. Individual therapy helps you understand yourself.
Individual therapy provides privacy and focus: Everything centers on your story, your history, your goals. You and the therapist control the depth and pacing: You can slow down, zoom in, and work intensively on personal material. It provides safety for very tender material: Especially helpful early on or during crisis.
Sessions typically focus on:
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Emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, shame, anger, or loneliness
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Relationship challenges and recurring interpersonal patterns
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Life transitions, identity questions, and decision-making
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Understanding how past experiences influence present feelings and behavior
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Developing healthier coping strategies, boundaries, and ways of relating
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Group therapy brings several people together with a therapist to work on shared or overlapping concerns.
Change happens in real time, with real people.
Outside the group - Members are encouraged to bring into the group the issues they struggle with in daily life—relationships, family, work, finances, and major life decisions. What feels confusing or painful outside the group becomes something you can explore, understand, and work through together. You get support, perspective and feedback in a safe and productive space.
In the group, the patterns you struggle with—avoidance, people-pleasing, anger, withdrawal, feeling invisible—naturally show up in the room. You don’t just talk about relationships; you experience them live. Members offer honest, respectful feedback about how they experience you, creating powerful opportunities for insight and change.
Hearing others articulate thoughts or feelings you’ve kept hidden can be deeply relieving. Shame softens, self-blame loosens, and compassion grows. This isn’t reassurance from a therapist—it’s recognition from peers.
Group therapy is also a laboratory for practicing new ways of relating: setting boundaries, expressing vulnerability or anger, asking for help, and repairing missteps with support and guidance. Over time, the group becomes a source of belonging and accountability. People notice your growth, challenge you when you retreat, and support you as you change.
Individual therapy helps you understand yourself.
Group therapy helps you experience yourself in relationship—and change there.
Individual and Group Therapy Combined
Take all the benefits of Individual and group therapy and combine them. The insights gained from individual therapy plus the here and now work in group adds to your success.
Q & A
Fees:
Group Therapy is affordable:
It is less expensive than individual therapy.
Insurance: It can be less expensive than individual therapy paid for with insurance depending deductibles and co-payments.
If your therapy pays for individual therapy it likely will cover group therapy.
Online Therapy: Fees for group therapy can also be less than, or similar to online therapy.
Individual Consultation: Your situation and fees for group will be discussed in the free individual consultation.
Here to Support Your Journey
Jerry Sachs, Clinical Social Worker
I match you with a group that meets your needs. I provide a safe and trusting atmosphere. Groups meet virtually at various times of the day and week. I am a group therapist with more than 20 years of experience leading groups that benefit their members.
Group therapy is safe and productive. Even if you have had bad experiences in other family, work or friendships groups. Group therapy can enhance your individual therapy.
Education and Experience:
Jerry Sachs, L.C.S.W. - Group and Individual Psychotherapist
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Group Therapist, 92nd Street Y, New York City
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Group Therapist , Washington Square Institute for Mental Health. New York City, NY
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Advanced Group Therapy 2 Year Training Program –Washington School of Psychiatry
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Group Psychotherapist, Family Life Center, Columbia, MD
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Group Psychotherapist, Regional Center for Infants and Young Children, Rockville, MD
Bachelors of Arts - Columbia University
Masters of Social Work - New York University
Professional Affiliations:
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American Group Therapy Association.
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Board Member-Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society - EGPS
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Brooklyn Discussion Group of EGPS
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Mid Atlantic Group Therapy Society