How Group Work Propels You Forward
We’ve all been part of a group at some point in our lives. We’ve had to work together with others towards a common goal. Whether it’s been participating on a sports team, getting involved in a group at church, handling a project with coworkers, or volunteering for a cause … there is a lot that can be learned from being part of a group.
Working together in groups helps you complete tasks you wouldn’t be able to do alone. You get the expertise of others that is sometimes out of our own skillset. You feel part of something bigger than yourself. You’re working towards a shared goal. You’re working towards the same mission.
Group work shows us that shared commonality can be transformational.
So what does group work look like in a coaching or therapy environment?
As defined by Jennifer Britton, “Group coaching is an intimate conversation space, focused on goal setting, awareness building, and accountability.”
I get asked about group coaching all the time. It’s something I am very passionate about. I believe group coaching can be so beneficial for people who want to make some positive changes in their lives.
A lot of women can be intimidated by the thought of joining a group of strangers, but I hear from my clients time and time again how they’re always surprised by how rewarding the group experience can be. In a lot of ways, the group dynamic can be more beneficial than the individual one-on-one counseling session.
Group Coaching propels us forward in these three ways:
GROUP WORK CREATES CONNECTION
We are created for connection. When we walk alongside others we grow ourselves. It increases our intimacy, compassion for others, and grace for ourselves.
Being part of a group makes us feel seen. Not alone. That increases our health and well-being plus highlights our personal strengths.
Connection opens us up to change. So many people feel like they're the only ones feeling the way that they do. We aren’t meant to be stuck or stagnant in our lives. When we feel ourselves in a hard season of life (um, hello 2020!) having a network of people who share in the same experiences can help propel us forward.
GROUP WORK GIVES US PERSPECTIVES WE HADN'T CONSIDERED
So many people experience mental or emotional health difficulties but rarely talk about them. When we hear from people dealing with similar struggles, we can learn their strategies for positive change. We find the motivation to push ourselves forward when we hear of others doing the same thing.
Improves our self-awareness. Self-awareness is something most people struggle with. Truly knowing ourselves is a very hard task. But learning about ourselves through the eyes of others in a group coaching setting opens our eyes to not only how others see us, but how we see others. “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.” - Abraham Maslow
We learn to see the world through a lens of truth. Just because we believe something doesn't make it true. There are many different opinions and it's okay!! Learning to relate to others and their differing opinions is another major benefit to coaching in a group setting. The world would be boring if we were all the same!
We gain tools to think differently. When we’re in a group coaching setting, we learn a lot about creative thinking. We learn new possibilities we wouldn't have considered on our own. Think about what we do when we want to learn a new skill: we seek out knowledge from external resources...videos, books, teachers, etc. In the group setting, each of the sessions is an external source to teach us to think differently and learn from one another.
GROUP WORK ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION
Group work not only eases the feeling of isolation, but it can also help us sharpen our skills when it comes to working with others in a guided environment.
Adding any sort of life-change into our daily routine can be hard. Group coaching offers accountability and support. It helps us realize that we’re not making these changes on our own and we have people to fall back on when we need help.
Dealing with conflict in a healthy way is a learned skill. Having the tool to know how to handle conflict resolution is another incredible benefit of group coaching.
Group coaching is an incredible option for those struggling with something in their lives and need help and support. Group coaching is typically a lesser price-point than traditional 1:1 counseling sessions and allows us to not only have access to a therapist or coach but to a community of like-minded people. It engages the natural social constructs that humanity is built upon. When surrounded by others, this social construct encourages a level of belonging and awareness that isn’t always available to someone using an individualized counseling option.
I have loved working with my group coaching clients over the years. It’s one of my favorite parts of my job. I love seeing women come together to learn and grow from the lessons and tools they develop.
They break the toxic patterns keeping them stuck.
They’re able to develop tools to create healthier relationships in their lives.
They’ve realized their purpose in this life and built the businesses of their dreams.
They’ve removed the blocks holding them back from true happiness and joy.
It’s not just hyperbole. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve watched it work.
If you’re someone who is struggling with anxiety.
If you’re feeling lost or stuck.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the cycle of your day-to-day life.
If you're ready to feel confident in knowing your purpose for your life and having the tools to make it happen…
…I’m ready for you.
The doors are NOW OPEN for my next Get Unstuck Group Coaching session.
This six-week program will help you focus on self-care, strengths, personalities, purpose, values, passions, goals, and accountability in a small, group, live Zoom format.
It will also give you tangible tools to help you dive deeper into your life without fear and anxiety in the driver’s seat.
In the Get Unstuck Group Coaching, we’ll walk step-by-step through how to get clear about what you want your life to look like and have an action plan on exactly how to get there.
The structure of the group coaching looks like this:
Weekly LIVE Group Coaching Calls
Milestone & Topic Specific Deliverable Tools
Hands-on, Guided Accountability
You’ll walk away from the six weeks feeling empowered, self-aware, focused, free, energized, confident, and grateful for your own life!
>>You could be just 6 weeks away from living the life you're meant to live and knowing exactly how to get yourself there!<<
Join me inside the Spring 2021 Get Unstuck Group Coaching. The first LIVE session kicks off via Zoom on Wednesday, April 14 at 1 pm.
Can’t wait to have you join me and let’s work together to create the life you know you’ve been created for!
You are amazing! Start living like it!
Kim Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Certified Life Professional Coach (CPLC) who loves helping others live their lives with passion and purpose. She lives with her husband and two teenagers outside of Nashville, in Franklin, Tennessee, where she loves seasons, rolling hills, and the warmth of the South. Follow Kim at www.kimanderson.life, on Instagram @kim_anderson_life, and on Facebook@ KimAndersonLifeCoachingto learn more about what she offers.
