Individual vs Group Therapy: How to Choose What’s Right for You
- Karen MacKeigan
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Starting therapy is a brave and meaningful step toward healing. But once you’ve decided to begin, the next question often comes up: should you try individual therapy or group therapy? Both offer powerful opportunities for growth, but they work in different ways and can meet different needs depending on where you are in your journey.
Understanding Individual Therapy
Individual therapy, sometimes called one-on-one counselling, involves meeting privately with a therapist. The focus is entirely on you, your experiences, and your goals. Sessions are confidential, allowing you to speak openly without worrying about how others might react.
This approach is especially helpful if you want to explore sensitive topics or trauma, need support through a major life change, or prefer a private setting to build trust and comfort with your therapist. The personalized nature of individual therapy allows your therapist to tailor their approach and pace to fit your unique needs.
Over time, individual sessions can help you recognize patterns, improve self-awareness, and develop new coping strategies. It’s often the right fit for people beginning therapy for the first time, or those who need focused support for specific challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma recovery.
Understanding Group Therapy
Group therapy brings together several individuals who share similar experiences, such as coping with grief, relationship challenges, or stress. Sessions are guided by a trained therapist who helps foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
Hearing from others can be incredibly healing. Many people find comfort in realizing they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. Group therapy can also help build communication skills, empathy, and confidence in expressing emotions.
If you’re seeking connection, validation, and the opportunity to learn from others, group therapy can be an empowering experience. It’s also an affordable way to access therapy and can complement one-on-one sessions.
Choosing What’s Right for You
There’s no single answer to which type of therapy is “better.” The right choice depends on your personality, comfort level, and goals.
If you value privacy and individualized attention, individual therapy may be the best fit.
If you want shared understanding and community support, group therapy might offer what you’re looking for.
If you’re unsure, some people start with individual sessions and transition into group therapy later, or do both simultaneously for a more balanced approach.
Remember, both paths can lead to healing. What matters most is finding a space where you feel supported, respected, and safe to explore your emotions.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to begin your therapy journey in Toronto, consider what kind of support feels right for you. Whether it’s one-on-one sessions that offer personal guidance or a group setting that encourages shared growth, both can help you move forward.
At Lotus Essence Counselling and Psychotherapy, our goal is to create a compassionate space where healing begins. Visit our Individual Counselling page to learn more or reach out to book an appointment today.
About the Author
Karen MacKeigan, RP (Qualifying), RSSW, is a trauma-informed Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Registered Social Service Worker based in Toronto. With over five years of experience supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse through her work at The Gatehouse, Karen brings an empathetic, client-centered approach to psychotherapy. She draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities to create a warm, safe, and collaborative space where clients feel heard and supported. Karen holds a BA in Psychology, an MA in Counselling Psychology, and diplomas in both Early Childhood Education and Addiction and Mental Health.
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