In clinical psychology and counselling, which of the following is an important advantage of group therapy compared to individual therapy?

Introduction / Context:
Group therapy is a form of psychological treatment in which a small number of clients meet together with one or more therapists. It is widely used for various issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and social skills training. Compared with individual therapy, group therapy offers several distinct advantages that benefit both clients and therapists. This question examines whether learners can recognise that multiple benefits occur at the same time rather than a single isolated advantage.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The context is group therapy in mental health treatment.
- Options mention social support, less time, economical nature, and an option that combines all three.
- We assume a typical therapeutic group led by a qualified mental health professional.
- The question asks which advantage or combination of advantages is correct.

Concept / Approach:
Group therapy provides more than one benefit. First, it offers social support; members can share experiences, realise that others face similar challenges, and feel less lonely or isolated. Second, group therapy is time efficient for therapists because they can work with several clients in the same session rather than seeing each one individually for the entire hour. Third, it is usually more economical for clients because the cost per person per session is often lower than individual therapy fees. Since all three listed advantages are valid, the best answer is the option that states that all of the above are advantages of group therapy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider whether group therapy creates a sense of support and shared understanding among members. Step 2: Recall that multiple people attend the same session, which allows the therapist to help several clients at once. Step 3: Recognise that because costs are shared among group members, fees are often lower per person than for one to one sessions. Step 4: Confirm that all three statements describe genuine advantages of group therapy. Step 5: Choose the option that states that all of the above are advantages.

Verification / Alternative check:
Mental health textbooks and counselling manuals frequently list the benefits of group therapy, including universality (realising that others share similar problems), interpersonal learning, and cost effectiveness. Clinics often advertise group therapy as more affordable and as a way to gain support from peers in addition to professional guidance. These descriptions match the three listed advantages in the question, confirming that they can all be accepted as correct at the same time.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Choosing only social support ignores the clear practical benefits regarding time and cost.
- Choosing only less therapist time per person misses the important emotional and social benefits of being in a group.
- Choosing only economical overlooks the psychological value of peer interaction and shared experience.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may think that exam questions usually highlight only one best advantage and may hesitate to choose an all of the above option. Others may not be familiar with the structure of group therapy and may underestimate either the emotional or economic aspects. It is helpful to remember that group therapy is designed to maximise several benefits together: support, efficiency, and affordability. When multiple accurate statements are presented, the combined option is often the most complete answer.

Final Answer:
An important advantage of group therapy is that All of the above are advantages of group therapy.