The Benefits of Group Therapy in a Virtual Setting
When people think of therapy, they often picture a one-on-one conversation between client and therapist. But for many, group therapy can be just as — if not more — transformative. Especially when offered in a virtual format, group therapy provides flexibility, safety, and a deep sense of connection. If you’re working through trauma, struggling with boundaries, or feeling isolated in your healing journey, online group therapy might be a powerful next step.
What Makes Group Therapy So Effective?
Healing in community breaks the belief that you're alone in your struggles. One of the most powerful parts of group therapy is normalization — realizing others experience similar patterns, emotions, and fears. That validation, combined with structured guidance from a trained trauma therapist, can help reduce shame and encourage growth.
In trauma work, being witnessed with compassion by others can be deeply healing. You learn that you don’t have to hide, fix, or perform in order to belong — you can just be.
The Unique Strengths of Virtual Group Therapy
Online therapy makes group work accessible in a new way. For clients who feel anxious about in-person interaction or those living in rural areas, virtual groups remove logistical barriers. You can participate from home, regulate with comfort objects nearby, and choose how much to engage verbally or visually (especially helpful in the early stages of trauma recovery).
Other benefits include:
Greater access to niche or identity-specific groups
Reduced social anxiety around showing up in public
More energy to focus on the emotional work (no commute!)
Often more affordable than individual therapy
Trauma-Informed Virtual Groups
When run by an experienced trauma therapist, group sessions are structured to prioritize safety, pacing, and emotional containment. Trauma-informed groups don’t push sharing — they offer choice, consent, and support at every step.
Some groups are educational (teaching coping tools, communication strategies, or nervous system regulation), while others are process-based (offering space to explore emotions and receive peer support).
Integrating EMDR into Group Settings
While EMDR is traditionally offered one-on-one, some therapists now use Group EMDR protocols, especially for those with similar trauma backgrounds (e.g., medical workers, survivors of natural disasters, or racial trauma). These protocols use elements of bilateral stimulation and cognitive restructuring in a group format and can be especially effective in reducing symptoms quickly.
The Power of Identity-Based Groups
For BIPOC clients, being in a group facilitated by a BIPOC therapist can make all the difference. In these spaces, you don’t have to explain your cultural context or defend your emotions. There's a shared language — a shared knowing — that allows for deeper trust and authenticity. Groups centering BIPOC healing can address specific issues like racial trauma, cultural pressure, intergenerational expectations, and systemic harm.
Conclusion
Group therapy in a virtual setting is not a lesser option — it’s a dynamic, inclusive, and healing experience that brings people together in profound ways. Whether you’re navigating trauma, seeking connection, or looking for a culturally safe space led by a BIPOC therapist, group work might be the compassionate community you've been craving. Combined with the flexibility of online therapy and the structure of trauma-informed care, this approach can be a powerful part of your healing journey.
If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and personal transformation, I encourage you to reach out. I am passionate about trauma-informed care in all spaces as well as creating safety so you can process your experiences at your own pace. Please contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how online trauma therapy can help you achieve your goals.
I am dedicated to helping you create a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and resilience. Let's work together to start your healing journey.
