This is a post about the benefits of shutting your mouth.

This is also a plug for group therapy.

I facilitate two groups a week. One is for those suffering from addiction, and the other is for family members of addicts. Members of both groups come in to get support and hope, and to give the very same.

And they do get and give.

Facilitating a group is a delicate process. The role of the professional is significant but often must be small.

This is difficult, because I like to talk.

But the true goal for the group leader is to create an environment in which the group members can help each other. So I help create the environment, and I spend much time holding my tongue, facilitating through nonverbal cues.

Help within the group comes from listening, empathy, support. Help comes from universality - those moments when someone shares something deep and dark and embarrassing, and others nod and smile and say yeah, me too.

There is great power in numbers, in a group of people positioned to help each other. I often leave the groups energized, sometimes feeling validated myself despite my role in the group.

Never underestimate the healing power of the group. And never underestimate the healing power of holding your tongue.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

Sign up for the Spiritual Sofa newsletter to receive each blog post before it's posted here!