Individual or Group Therapy? Understanding Different Ways to Receive Support

Author : Hamza Ihsan | Published On : 20 Oct 2026

When exploring therapy, one important question is whether individual sessions or group-based support may be more suitable. Both formats can offer useful opportunities, but they provide different experiences and may serve different purposes.

Individual therapy usually involves one person working directly with a therapist. Group therapy brings several participants together under the guidance of a qualified professional. The most appropriate format depends on the therapy approach, personal goals, practical needs, and the provider's recommendations.

Understanding these differences can help individuals and families ask better questions before choosing a service.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy involves sessions between a therapist and one person. This format allows the therapist to focus on that person's circumstances, goals, and responses during the session.

The activities and pace can be adjusted according to the person's needs. Some people may find it easier to discuss personal concerns in a private setting, while others may prefer a more social experience.

Individual sessions can also provide time to explore specific questions in detail. However, suitability depends on the person's needs and the therapist's professional assessment.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy involves a therapist working with several participants in a planned therapeutic setting. The group may focus on shared goals, structured activities, communication, or other areas relevant to the service.

Depending on the approach, participants may learn from different perspectives and take part in activities alongside others. Group sessions can also create opportunities to practise skills in a social environment.

However, group therapy is not automatically suitable for everyone. Group size, participant needs, session structure, and privacy arrangements all matter.

A provider should explain how the group operates and whether the format fits the person's goals.

How Different Therapy Services May Use These Formats

Not every therapy approach uses individual and group sessions in the same way. The available formats depend on the provider, the participant's needs, and the purpose of the service.

Art Therapy: Individual and Shared Creative Work

Art Therapy uses creative processes within a therapeutic relationship.

In individual sessions, creative activities can be selected around a person's specific therapeutic goals. Group art therapy may offer opportunities for shared creative experiences and interaction, where suitable.

The purpose is not simply to produce artwork. The therapist considers the person's needs and the therapeutic aims of the session.

Before joining a group, ask how personal artwork is treated, whether participants are expected to discuss their work, and what privacy boundaries apply.

Dance and Movement Therapy: Personal and Group Experiences

Dance and Movement Therapy uses movement as part of a therapeutic process.

Individual sessions may allow activities to be tailored closely to one person's needs. Group sessions may involve shared movement experiences or structured activities, depending on the therapist's approach.

Participants do not necessarily need dance experience. Activities should be appropriate to individual abilities, comfort, and circumstances.

Ask the provider what participation involves and whether alternative activities are available if a particular movement does not feel suitable.

Occupational Therapy: Personal Goals and Group Activities

Occupational Therapy supports participation in meaningful everyday activities.

Individual sessions may focus on a specific task, practical challenge, or personal goal. Some providers may also offer group activities designed around suitable shared needs.

For example, a group session might involve practising an everyday activity in a structured environment. The usefulness of this format depends on the activity, the participants, and the support available.

An occupational therapist can explain whether individual or group work is more appropriate for the person's goals.

Play Therapy: Choosing a Suitable Setting for Children

Play Therapy uses play-based methods within a therapeutic framework, often to support children.

Some children may receive individual play therapy, while other structured therapeutic programmes may involve groups where appropriate.

The choice should reflect the child's circumstances, the purpose of the service, and the therapist's assessment. Group participation should not be assumed to be the right option simply because a child enjoys playing with others.

Parents and carers can ask how the format was selected, how sessions are structured, and what role they may have in supporting the process.

Key Differences Between Individual and Group Therapy

The following comparison highlights common differences. Actual arrangements vary between services.

Neither format is automatically better. The right choice depends on the person's needs and the service being considered.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing

Personal Goals

Start by identifying what you hope to achieve. If the goal requires focused attention on a specific concern, individual sessions may be worth discussing.

If the goal involves practising an activity alongside others, a group format may be appropriate when offered and recommended.

Comfort With the Setting

Consider how the person feels about working individually with a therapist or participating with other people.

Some individuals prefer a private setting, while others may enjoy shared activities. Preferences can change, so it is useful to discuss concerns openly with the provider.

Level of Support Available

Ask how the therapist manages individual needs during sessions. In a group, find out whether participants receive suitable guidance and how activities are adjusted when necessary.

The provider should explain what support is available without promising that one format will meet every need.

Cost and Availability

Individual and group sessions may have different fees and scheduling arrangements. Ask about costs, session length, cancellation policies, and any additional requirements.

A lower price should not be the only reason to choose a group. The format also needs to suit the person's goals and circumstances.

Can Someone Change From One Format to Another?

In some services, it may be possible to move from individual sessions to group activities or use both formats at different stages.

For example, a person might begin with individual support and later explore group participation if it aligns with their goals. Another person may continue with individual sessions because that remains the most suitable option.

Any change should be discussed with the therapist. The decision may depend on progress, current needs, available services, and professional recommendations.

There is no universal timetable for changing formats.

Questions to Ask a Therapy Provider

Before booking, consider asking:

• Which session formats do you offer?

• Why might individual or group therapy suit my needs?

• How are activities adjusted for different participants?

• What privacy arrangements apply to group sessions?

• What are the costs and scheduling options?

• Can the format be reviewed if my needs change?

Clear answers can help you understand what to expect and decide whether the service is appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Individual and group therapy offer different ways to receive support. Individual sessions can provide focused attention, while group formats may create opportunities for shared activities and interaction.

Art therapy, dance and movement therapy, occupational therapy, and play therapy may be delivered in different formats depending on the provider and the person's needs.

Before deciding, consider your goals, preferences, practical circumstances, and the therapist's recommendations. A thoughtful discussion with the provider can help identify a format that suits the person rather than forcing the person to fit a particular format.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is individual therapy better than group therapy?

Not necessarily. Each format has different features, and suitability depends on the person's needs, goals, and the type of service.

2. Can group therapy support personal goals?

Yes. Group sessions can address individual goals within a shared setting when the programme is designed to accommodate participants' needs.

3. Is group therapy usually cheaper?

Fees vary between providers. Ask about the full cost and what each session includes rather than assuming one format will always be less expensive.

4. Can children take part in group therapy?

Some programmes offer group-based support for children, but suitability depends on the child's circumstances and the therapist's assessment.

5. What if I feel uncomfortable in a group session?

Tell the therapist about your concerns. They can explain available options and discuss whether another format may be more suitable.