What are the disadvantages of group therapy?

Here are some of the disadvantages of group therapy:

  • Group therapy is not suitable for people with shyness or social anxiety disorders. Such people can be overwhelmed by the attention, especially if they are dealing with trauma.

  • Group therapy can be less effective if members experience personality clashes. These clashes can be a distraction from the main objective of the program.

  • It can be extremely difficult to guard confidentiality in a group setting. Even if all participants agree not to share private information, there is always a risk that somebody will violate the pact.

  • Group sessions can undergo scheduling challenges.

  • Group therapy reduces intimacy between the client and the therapist by sharing the therapist's attention with other people. This may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

  • Group therapy encourages social loafing, where some participants ride along without actively participating in the therapy.


Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.