Group Therapy Allows You To Experience Multiple Role-Playing Scenarios

Talking, listening, and reflecting in a therapy session can help you to understand the challenges that are present in your life and how to better react to them, but role-playing can allow you to take these ideas and put them into practice. Many therapy sessions involve role-playing between the patient and the therapist, but group therapy provides even more opportunities of this nature. When you take a group therapy session, you may have the chance to roleplay certain scenarios not only with the therapists who lead the session but also with your fellow participants. Here are some challenging scenarios that you can practice in this way.

Defining Boundaries

Having firm boundaries can be a challenge to some people, and while it might be easy to think of what boundaries you have, it can be another thing altogether to explain them to those in your life. This is a perfect thing to practice in a role-playing scenario at group therapy. Whether you're practicing telling a co-worker how you don't want to carry the weight in a group assignment or practicing telling your spouse what types of language toward you are inappropriate, you'll have opportunities to work with different therapy participants — which can mean that they'll react in different ways to help you practice.

Disciplining Children

It can be difficult to discipline your child, especially if you have a mild personality and he or she is strong-willed. This can especially be true if you're a single parent, as you won't have a partner who can be an ally in this situation. Role-playing disciplinary conversations can increase your confidence in interacting with your child in this manner. As you work with different peers who are playing the role of your child, you'll get experience in saying what you want to say strongly and confidently, while remaining calm in the wake of the reaction from the "child."

Stating Your Opinion

If you have people in your life who are naturally argumentative, you may frequently feel as though you can't state a contrary opinion without being talked over. This is a frustrating feeling that may impact your relationships with these individuals. Therapy is a perfect place for role-playing how to state your opinion. Your various partners may resist what you say as they attempt to play the role of someone who is argumentative, and you'll have the chance to be calm and confident.

If you're looking for help in better expressing your needs, wants and opinions, consider adult counseling services near you. These counseling groups can help you to find the confidence and assertive drive that you're looking for.