What is Process Group Therapy?
Originally written by Phil Landry, M. Ed., LPC — Updated in 2025 in collaboration with the MT team
Since you’ve made it here, I’m going to guess you already know a little about the benefits of therapy. What you may not be as familiar with is the cooler, older sibling of individual therapy: group psychotherapy. To get clinical for a second, I’m talking about the interpersonal process group, or “process group” for short.
You’re in good company if you don’t have much experience in group therapy. Most people know what it is in theory, but have never actually tried it. My hope is that this post can give you a sense of what process groups are like and why they’re worth seeking out.
And if you’ve been curious about trying one for yourself, here’s some timely news: in the new year, our very own therapists Amy and Tara will be leading a 12-week Interpersonal Process Group right here in Houston.
This group is designed for all our high-achieving professionals out there who want to explore their relationships to themselves and the world around them, practice vulnerability, and finally break through some of the relational patterns that keep showing up. More on that later but first, let’s talk about what a process group even is.
How does process group therapy work and what should participants expect?
Picture this: A group of people gathering regularly (sometimes weekly, sometimes bi-weekly), and instead of sticking to polite small talk, the group intentionally makes space for real, honest, sometimes messy conversation. There’s a group leader to help facilitate the conversation flow and navigate anything tricky that comes into play so that members can share how they’re actually feeling in the moment, including their reactions to one another.
I sometimes joke with friends that being in a process group is like being transported to another planet. Where else in everyday life do you get to be so transparent in the name of growth? It can feel strangely otherworldly. But it’s also extremely powerful as a place to stretch a bit and see yourself fully as you navigate what’s coming up for you and in your life.
How process groups differ from other groups
There are a few different kinds of groups out there, and it helps to know the difference:
Support groups (such as an interpersonal process group) give people with shared experiences (say, grief, relational trauma, or addiction) a space to share and support one another. The therapist’s role is usually light, mostly keeping time and ensuring safety.
Psychoeducational groups are more like classes where the therapist has a set curriculum to teach about a certain topic.
Both have their place. But process groups are different. They’re intentionally unstructured so that what happens between people in the group becomes the focus. Instead of just talking about what happened at work last week or what’s coming up next month, the group pays attention to what’s happening right now between members.
-> If you’re not sure when the right time to start therapy or coaching is, this post is for you.
Why focus on the here-and-now?
The focus of a process group is on the real-time interactions between members because that’s where patterns show up. In everyday life, most of us don’t slow down to notice how we come across to others, how we react when someone pulls away, or how we feel in moments of silence. This is particularly true for high-functioning professionals with certain roles in their career and personal life that require a certain level of masking what they really feel and think to show up in the way they need to in order to get things done.
In a process group, you have the opportunity to really notice it all. For some, this is the first time you feel truly seen and can see yourself fully. As these realizations are coming to light, you get to talk about it together.
What that looks like:
Maybe you realize you always rush to fill space when it’s quiet.
Maybe you notice you hold back from sharing when someone else is being vulnerable.
Maybe you hear feedback that your “kindness” sometimes feels a little forced.
These are things you’d rarely learn in regular conversations, or that you’d never be told out loud. In group, they become fuel for growth.
-> Learn more about communication and how it's impacted by stress
Process groups as social laboratories
One of my favorite ways to think about a group is as a social lab. It’s a place to experiment with new ways of relating. If you’re usually passive, here’s a place to practice speaking up. If you’re often quick to jump in, maybe you experiment with holding back. If conflict terrifies you, group gives you the rare chance to lean in, knowing the therapist and other members are committed to keeping the space safe.
How cool is that! These experiments might feel small in the moment, but they create huge ripple effects outside of the group.
What are the main benefits of joining a process group?
Over time, process groups offer chances to:
Notice the defenses that get in the way of connection.
Explore old relational wounds that pop up as “transference” (reacting to someone in group as if they were your dad, your ex, or your boss).
Discover your unique lens or filter on the world and test out whether it holds up in the group’s shared reality.
Learn what actually increases (or decreases) closeness in relationships, and practice those skills in real time.
At the risk of overstating it, it’s hard to imagine a more direct way to grow in relationships than to practice them week after week, with others who are showing up to do the same.
-> Feel supported in coming back to yourself when you’re feeling disconnected
How can you join a process group?
Every process group looks a little different depending on the leaders and members, so it’s worth finding one that feels like a good fit for your needs and comfort level. If you’re not in Houston or can’t join a Modern Therapy process group, a good tip is to look for facilitators who encourage consultation calls. This is something that helps you get a feel for their style, values, and whether the atmosphere matches what you’re looking for.
For example, Modern Therapy’s 12-week interpersonal process group for high-achieving professionals (think: people who look “successful” on paper but still feel a pull toward deeper connection and authenticity) is a great way to connect.
You can always ask your therapist, coach, or local community members about upcoming groups that may feel aligned with your goals. Our admin team here at MT is also here as a resource on upcoming groups hosted by our team of therapists or elsewhere.
-> Connect with our admin team about groups
Frequently asked questions about process groups
Who typically leads or facilitates process groups?
Process groups are usually led by licensed therapists who have specific training in group therapy. Their job isn’t to lecture or dominate the conversation, but to create a safe, supportive space where members can open up and practice new ways of relating.
What topics are usually discussed in process group therapy sessions?
The beauty of process groups is that there isn’t a rigid agenda. Instead, members bring in whatever feels real and relevant. These are things like struggles with communication, boundaries, family dynamics, loneliness, or stress at work. Because the focus is on how these themes play out in the room, you’ll notice patterns in the way you connect with others and get feedback in real time.
Are process groups effective for addiction treatment?
Yes, process groups can be an important part of recovery, especially when combined with other supports. While they’re not a substitute for specialized addiction treatment programs, they give people a place to practice honesty, connection, and vulnerability, skills that are crucial for long-term healing. Many people in recovery find that process groups help them build healthier relationships and reduce the isolation that often fuels addictive patterns.
Do I even have a big enough struggle for group?
Group isn’t about comparing whose life is harder. It’s about how you relate. If you want deeper connection, you’ll fit right in.
What if I feel too vulnerable?
Totally normal fear. Group is built to be a safe place to take those risks. You’ll never be pushed faster than you’re ready.
What if I don’t click with the group?
That’s a fair question. We don’t expect you to click with everyone in the group—most people don’t! In fact, noticing who you naturally feel drawn to (and who you don’t) can be a really rich part of the process. It gives you insight into your own patterns and what qualities help you feel connected. To make sure the group itself feels like a supportive fit overall, we always start with a consultation call before you commit.
How can organizations use process groups to improve workflow?
When most people think of process groups, they picture therapy. But the same principles can actually help teams at work. Just like in therapy groups, people bring their habits, blind spots, and communication styles into the workplace.
Creating a structured space where colleagues and stakeholders can talk openly, give feedback, and reflect on how they’re working together can reduce friction and improve collaboration. Think of it as hitting “pause” to check in on how you’re working, not just what’s getting done.
-> Check out how we work with workplaces and teams to support ongoing growth
Closing thoughts
If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves right now, you’re in the exact right place. That blend of emotions is the sign you’re onto something meaningful.
Process groups are, in my opinion, one of the most powerful and underrated forms of therapy out there. If you’re ready to explore how you show up in relationships and to practice something new in real time, our interpersonal process groups might be the perfect next step.
To learn more or reserve your spot, please email us at hello@mymoderntherapy.com or call us at 281-576-8607.
I hope you’ll take the leap.