Exploring the Benefits of Group Therapy for Anxiety

A Supportive Approach to Building Confidence, Coping Skills, and Connection

Anxiety can feel isolating, overwhelming, and difficult to talk about—especially when you believe you’re alone in your experience. But what if healing didn’t have to happen in isolation? Group therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based path toward managing anxiety by blending structured therapeutic work with the healing power of connection.

At City Behavioral Health, we offer a range of group therapy options for clients struggling with anxiety, including skills-based DBT groups, process groups, and blended formats. Here’s what makes group therapy such a valuable—and often transformative—option.

Understanding Group Therapy for Anxiety

Group therapy brings together a small number of participants (typically 6–8 at CBH) who are guided by a licensed clinician through structured sessions. Depending on the format, the group may focus on skills-building (such as DBT), open process and emotional exploration, or a blend of both.

Participants share experiences, learn from others, and practice coping tools in a safe and supportive environment. For those with anxiety, group therapy can be particularly beneficial in addressing social fears, learning interpersonal effectiveness, and reducing the sense of being “alone” in your struggle.

1. Reduces Isolation and Normalizes Experience

One of the most common beliefs among individuals with anxiety is that no one else feels the same way. Group therapy gently challenges this belief. When you hear others describe experiences similar to your own, you gain perspective—and reassurance that you’re not alone.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, peer support can reduce symptoms and increase motivation for change. Source: https://adaa.org/find-help/support

2. Teaches Evidence-Based Skills in Real Time

CBH’s DBT Skills Groups are especially helpful for those managing generalized anxiety, panic, and social anxiety. These structured sessions teach concrete tools from four modules:

Mindfulness
Distress Tolerance
Emotion Regulation
Interpersonal Effectiveness

By learning in a group, participants get to practice skills with others, receive feedback, and build accountability—all of which increase retention and application in daily life.

3. Promotes Social Confidence Through Exposure

Many people with anxiety engage in avoidance behaviors—particularly in social settings. Group therapy serves as a gentle form of exposure, helping clients confront fears like speaking up, being seen, or expressing emotions in front of others.

Unlike overwhelming or forced exposure, the group setting is supportive and gradual. Over time, clients often report increased confidence in their interactions both inside and outside of the group.

4. Fosters Empathy and Mutual Support

CBH’s process groups help clients explore their emotional responses and relational dynamics in real time. These groups foster empathy, helping participants become better listeners and more emotionally attuned to others’ experiences—skills that directly improve interpersonal relationships and reduce anxiety in social contexts.

5. Provides a Low-Pressure Space to Practice Boundaries

Group therapy is also an excellent space to practice:

Saying “no” without guilt
Speaking up when something feels uncomfortable
Learning to balance sharing and listening
Receiving constructive feedback

These moments mirror real-world interactions, allowing clients to build confidence in a safe, moderated environment.

6. Supports Consistency and Accountability

Attending weekly group sessions helps establish a rhythm and sense of responsibility—not just to yourself, but to your peers. This structure can be especially motivating for clients with anxiety who might otherwise withdraw or cancel individual appointments.

At City Behavioral Health, we believe that collaboration is a cornerstone of care. Our group therapy model reflects this principle by creating a community of support that evolves with each member’s growth.

Choosing the Right Group for You

At CBH, we offer:

DBT Skills Groups (for adults and adolescents)
ERP Groups (for OCD and anxiety)
Relapse Prevention Groups
Process Groups
Creative Arts Therapy Groups

All groups are facilitated by experienced clinicians and tailored to meet your unique treatment goals. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ll help you determine the best fit during your initial assessment.

A Transformative Step Toward Healing

Anxiety can make you want to retreat—but group therapy offers a way forward. By connecting with others, learning practical tools, and practicing new behaviors, you’ll begin to experience not just symptom relief, but meaningful growth.