I became acquainted with the group therapy format out of curiosity. By the time I came to the group, I already had some experience working with a psychologist, so I was well acquainted with my inner world (at that time I considered myself almost enlightened... naive soul!), but Something was bothering me. Firstly, communication with people did not always go smoothly. Because of this, I was sometimes upset (more often than not), worried about what impression I was making on others, and in general, social life caused a lot of unnecessary anxiety. Secondly, I was tormented by psychosomatics. Not the same, of course, as before personal therapy, but still. And thirdly, the most difficult thing for me: I fell into terrible shame when communicating with the opposite sex. It seemed to me that specks of dust needed to be blown off the girls, and any of my claims would certainly make the young ladies horrified, and some would even faint, they were all so fragile. And you can’t refuse them. And there was no question of not giving up a seat to a girl on public transport, otherwise I would already faint. But I didn’t really hope to solve these problems in the group. In the end, how could strangers help the enlightened me (practically Buddha, it’s funny to remember)? So, I’ll look, I’ll look down, I’ll find out what’s what, well, that’s all. At the first meetings, I, like everyone else, told something about myself, shared feelings and emotions, some of my experiences, but not to say that very something personal and deep. I’m not here for long, and I don’t know the guys around me at all. This, however, did not stop me from suddenly discovering how pleasant it was for me to share my stories, doubts and worries in the group - they listened to me, in some places they supported me more, in others less, but overall I felt accepted. It was also nice to realize that no one was going to change me or reproach me, and in the same way no one would take advantage of my openness. In addition, everyone had something to share, and, oddly enough, the problems of others even calmed me down - now I was not so alone in my experiences. As a result, I relaxed, and this relaxation somehow smoothly transferred into my life outside groups, communication with colleagues became less hassle, and in general I stopped seeing people as my judges (I somehow got used to the idea that everyone has their own cockroaches). Trust in the group grew, and so I felt that I could try to complain and on more personal topics. It was a little scary. Of course, it’s one thing to talk about the fact that I’m embarrassed to ask my boss for time off, and another thing to admit that my indigestion doesn’t go away for weeks and my blood pressure goes up. This is shameful (I’m 26, and I’m already falling apart), and the image of an imperturbable man with such a set is difficult to maintain (and also an enlightened one), and in general, they will laugh. They didn’t laugh. They supported me and gave me time to work with one of the presenters. Suddenly it became noticeably easier, and not even from the session itself, but from the fact that I finally stopped fighting myself and trying to hide the pain in my side and was able to publicly be like this - sick, unhappy and weak. And it turned out that I had more than enough strength, all I had to do was give up this game called “look how cheerful and energetic I am.” But a real step forward (even five) was an experiment for me when I risked refusing one of the group members. Everyone seemed to support her, they were ready to give her time to sort out something of her own, but I didn’t. At that time I had an interest in something else, and for the first time I decided not to give up on myself, just so as not to “offend” the young lady. Lord, I was ready to burn with shame, but, unexpectedly, the tragedy did not happen. She shared what it was like for her. It turns out that it’s normal - the man does not try to please her, but politely but confidently refuses her. It even intrigued her. And that’s how I learned that a therapy group is a great place to test out your fantasies, fears and concerns. How do others see me? What if I do this? And so? Here’s a brief history of my acquaintance with this format. Have you had group or personal experience?/