Group Therapy in Washington, DC
Why Group Therapy Matters
In Washington, DC, life can move at a pace that feels almost impossible to keep up with. Between demanding careers, personal goals, and the effort it takes to maintain relationships, many people feel stretched thin. Even when you’re surrounded by people, it can be surprisingly easy to feel isolated. Group therapy in DC offers a different kind of space, one where you can slow down, connect with others, and realize you’re not carrying your struggles alone.
Unlike individual therapy, group therapy provides a living, breathing laboratory for change. You get to see how your patterns show up with others, receive honest feedback, and experiment with new ways of relating all in real time. With the guidance of a trained psychologist, groups become a place where genuine growth and connection happen.
What Group Therapy Looks Like With Me
If you’re new to group therapy, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to expect. I draw on years of advanced training in interpersonal process groups facilitation, considered the gold standard for deep therapeutic change. My role is to guide the group so that it remains supportive and constructive, while also encouraging the kind of honest interactions that lead to lasting change.
In the groups I co-lead in Washington, DC, you’ll find:
- A safe, confidential space. Everyone in the group agrees to respect and protect confidentiality so members can share openly.
- Support and relief. Hearing others name struggles that feel so familiar often brings comfort and you realize you’re not the only one with anxiety, sadness, or self-doubt.
- Real feedback. Group members reflect back how they experience you. This kind of feedback, free of outside agendas, can be eye-opening.
- A chance to practice. Whether it’s setting boundaries, showing vulnerability, or finding your voice, the group gives you opportunities to try new behaviors in a safe setting.
Over time, many people notice the changes they make in a group spill into the rest of their lives improving how they show up at work, with friends, or in close relationships.
Common Concerns Addressed In Group Therapy
People come to group therapy with a range of concerns, but the themes are often more universal than they first appear. Some join because they feel anxious much of the time, caught in racing thoughts or uneasy in social situations. Others arrive weighed down by depression, struggling with low energy, lack of motivation, or a persistent sense of disconnection. Social anxiety can be another entry point where fears of judgment or the instinct to avoid situations altogether are common reasons people seek the safety of a group.
I also meet many people who wrestle with self-esteem. They may hold themselves to impossible standards, battle perfectionism, or carry a harsh inner critic that never lets them rest. For others, body image is at the forefront. Feeling uncomfortable in their own skin or unsure of how to relate to others with confidence can make daily life exhausting.
Even though each story is unique, there’s a striking moment when members realize just how much their struggles overlap. What begins as an individual worry often transforms into part of a shared journey. In hearing one another’s stories, members begin to see that the very experiences they feared would set them apart are what actually draw them closer together.
The Unique Value Of Group Therapy
You might wonder: why choose group therapy over individual therapy? Both can be effective, but groups offer something distinct.
- Learning in real time. Instead of just talking about your relationships, you get to experience them in the group and practice new skills right away.
- Honest, agenda-free feedback. Friends and family care about you, but they often bring their own perspectives. Group members reflect back how they truly experience you, offering insight you might not get elsewhere.
- A sense of belonging. Many people feel isolated in DC’s fast-paced environment. Group therapy provides community, understanding, and encouragement.
- Accessibility. Groups are typically less expensive than individual sessions, making ongoing therapy more accessible.
Research consistently shows that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many challenges, especially anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. It can also be an important next step for people already in individual therapy, offering a way to deepen and accelerate progress.
Who I Work With In Groups
Most of my group members are adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s; often professionals navigating the unique pressures of DC life. Some are brand new to therapy, while others add group work alongside their ongoing individual sessions. What brings them together is a shared desire to grow, connect, and practice relating in healthier ways.
I currently co-lead two in-person evening groups each week in downtown DC, each capped at 8 members. Groups are ongoing, which means there isn’t a set end date while members typically commit for at least three months to see meaningful change. Sessions are 75 minutes, creating space for deeper conversation than a standard therapy hour allows.
My Training & Approach
I have extensive postgraduate training in interpersonal process groups, which are considered the gold standard for group therapy. These groups focus less on a structured “topic” and more on the here-and-now interactions between members. What happens in the room often mirrors what happens in members’ lives outside the room, making it a powerful place for practice.
Alongside my co-leader, my role is to keep the group safe and constructive while encouraging moments of risk-taking, because that’s where growth happens. I’ve seen members discover new confidence in speaking up, in setting boundaries, and even in expressing emotions like anger that once felt off-limits. Over time, those skills extend beyond the group into everyday relationships.
Why I Value Group Therapy
Group therapy is one of my favorite parts of my practice. Personally and professionally, I’m a strong believer in the power of groups. I’ve benefited from them myself, and I’ve seen how profoundly they help others. For many people, group therapy provides something a little more challenging and a way to stretch yourself in the presence of others who understand what that feels like.
I consider it a privilege to witness members support one another, take risks, and celebrate progress together. For me, there’s nothing quite like seeing people connect in ways that shift how they see themselves and their relationships.
Begin Your Group Therapy Journey
If you’ve been feeling stuck, isolated, or disconnected, joining a group can be the step that helps you move forward. Whether your struggles center around anxiety, depression, or difficulties in relationships, group therapy offers a supportive environment where you don’t have to face those challenges alone.
Take the step to experience the support, feedback, and connection that only group therapy can offer. Reach out today to learn about current openings in my Washington, DC groups.
Contact: 571-882-1648 | dralexafram@gmail.com
Office: 1701 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
(Above Farragut North at K & 17th ST NW)
Group Therapy In Washington, DC FAQs:
How many people are in each group?
Most groups have 4–8 members, which allows for enough variety of perspectives while keeping the space intimate.
How long do groups run?
Groups are ongoing, meaning there isn’t a set end date. Members usually commit for at least 3 months to see meaningful progress.
Do I need to be in individual therapy too?
Not necessarily. I would meet with you individually a couple times before group therapy to prepare you for joining a group, and during that time would also make a recommendation about individual therapy if you are not currently in it. You do not need to be in individual therapy with me to participate in one of my groups if you already have an individual therapist.
What if I’m nervous about speaking in a group?
That’s very common. Group therapy is actually one of the best places to work on those fears, because you can practice in a safe, supportive setting.
How is group therapy different from a support group?
Support groups often provide encouragement but do not typically have the same focus on helping people grow through practicing vulnerability that a therapy group does.
Do you offer virtual group therapy?
At this time, my groups meet in person in Washington, DC. I’ve found that being in the same room helps create deeper connections.
What issues can group therapy help with?
Many people come seeking help for anxiety, depression, social anxiety, low self‑esteem, or body image concerns. These are among the most common reasons people join my groups in Washington DC.
What if I don’t feel comfortable?
It takes time to settle into a group. I encourage members to share their hesitations openly, which often leads to connection rather than disconnection.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy. Contact me for current rates.
How do I join a group?
Reach out by phone or email, and we’ll set up a brief consultation to see if group therapy is the right fit for you.