Through honest communication and the trusting relationships that develop between members within a group, we explore the reasons why we think and feel a certain way. We discover and accept parts of ourselves. We learn what impression we make on others. We recognize the ways in which we express ourselves and interact, and the "stance" we adopt in dealing with others within and outside the group (the group as a microcosm of society).

A self-awareness group consists of people who are at different stages of the healing process.

Within the group we witness the progress of other members. Acknowledging everyone's personal effort and progress strengthens confidence in our strengths and gives hope to everyone, especially those in the early stages of treatment.

Sometimes unpleasant, painful life events or disturbing/frightening thoughts and impulses seem insurmountable, causing us to experience feelings of inferiority, hopelessness, helplessness, frustration, and even anger. We feel weird/unlucky, and the only ones who are faced with such issues. Being in a group with people who are experiencing and feeling the same things, or have faced similar issues can be comforting, and helps to feel a sense of belonging and to realize that we are not alone.

Some of us may feel socially isolated or awkward and experience low self-esteem and embarrassment or anxiety when presenting in front of an audience or a group. With the feedback we receive from the therapist and team members about our behavior and expression, we can discover what blocks our communication with others. Within the group we try new ways of communicating, we get in touch with the ways of interaction that other members use in their daily lives, and we discover the communication style that suits us and is appropriate for each situation.

Some members upon joining the group may feel that they have nothing worthwhile to offer or that they are a burden to others and remain absorbed in observing their shortcomings.

Group therapy is the only form of therapy that enables clients to be useful to others. Members in the group offer and receive support from each other, and prioritize the needs of each individual member, enhancing their self-esteem and confidence in themselves and the group.

The team resembles a family environment. Many times within it we revive and explore experiences from our personal family context that have contributed to the development of our personality. With understanding and acceptance we discover the reasons that have contributed to the adoption of certain behaviors on our part, and we try new ways of communicating and connecting within a group that seem more suitable for us in the present.

The cohesion that characterizes a therapeutic group with a common goal concerns the feeling of belonging, understanding, and acceptance experienced by the members within it. The value that each member has for everyone else and the team as a whole, but also the value of the team for each individual member.

In a self-awareness group members share strong feelings that they may be experiencing at the given time in their lives or that emerge during the session and concern their interaction with therapists, with other members, or with their life outside of the group. Through the group's emotional expression and reflection on what happened and triggered the emotional reaction, the member(s) can be relieved of pain, guilt and anxiety.

Members help each other by sharing information, suggestions, advice.

Observing group members' attitudes, behavior, and handling of personal issues can inspire and reinforce imitative behavior by other members. In addition, the sharing of thoughts and feelings (even unpleasant or uncomfortable ones) by both the therapist and members, and the ability to manage them by the group, motivates the imitation of this emotional self-disclosure behavior.

The group provides a safe environment where members can negotiate and receive support as they face fundamental issues of life and death. They are called to see life and its limitations more honestly, respecting their needs, and realizing that the responsibility for their life, actions and choices is in their own hands.