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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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Friendship and love—two of the most profound human experiences—are often seen as separate forces, yet they are deeply interconnected. While both enrich our lives in unique ways, they also blend together in a manner that enhances our understanding of ourselves and our relationships. In many ways, friendship and love are two sides of the same coin, both centered around mutual respect, trust, and emotional bonding.
Friendship is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. It is the foundation upon which love can be built. True friendship is a safe space for vulnerability and acceptance. It’s where we can be ourselves, share our dreams, and even our fears, without the pressure of expectation. In friendships, we find the freedom to grow, experiment, and evolve, knowing that we are supported by others who appreciate us for who we are.
Friends are the people who stand by us through thick and thin. They offer us comfort, laughter, and encouragement when life feels overwhelming. They know our quirks, our flaws, and our strengths, and yet, they choose to stick around. In this sense, friendship is one of the purest forms of love—unconditional, unpretentious, and without ulterior motives. It’s not about what you can gain from the other person, but about what you can give and share in return.
Love, often seen as a more intense and romantic counterpart to friendship, shares many similarities but comes with its own complexities. It is the deepening of connection that comes with emotional and physical intimacy. While friendship is characterized by mutual care and understanding, love takes these elements to a different level, often involving the desire to build a life together, share experiences, and create lasting memories.
In romantic love, the dynamics are different. There is often an added layer of passion, attraction, and exclusivity. Yet, love at its core is still rooted in the same principles that define a strong friendship—respect, support, and trust. The difference lies in the depth of the bond, the emotional stakes, and the commitment that come with it.
Love can bring joy and fulfillment, but it can also bring challenges. It requires a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. True romantic love is built on the same foundation of trust and communication that is essential in friendship. Without these qualities, love cannot truly flourish. In many cases, the best romantic relationships are those that evolve from deep, genuine friendships. Partners who were once friends know each other well, understand each other’s needs, and have a solid foundation of trust to build on.
While love may be viewed as the more intense emotion, it’s important to recognize that it often begins as friendship. The emotional connection, mutual respect, and understanding that form the basis of strong friendships naturally create the environment for love to grow.
In romantic relationships, it’s not uncommon for partners to first establish a deep friendship, which then blossoms into love. This gradual transition allows both individuals to learn about each other without the pressures or expectations that can sometimes complicate romantic relationships. The bond that is built over time fosters a sense of comfort and security, allowing both individuals to love each other in a way that feels authentic and lasting.
Moreover, friendships that develop into love are often more resilient. Since the individuals involved already have a deep understanding and appreciation for each other’s values, preferences, and flaws, they are better equipped to handle the challenges that may arise in a romantic relationship. When love emerges from friendship, it feels like a natural progression—an evolution of the connection, not a sudden shift.
One of the most beautiful aspects of both friendship and love is that they can coexist. In many healthy relationships, love is strengthened by the foundation of friendship, and friendship deepens through love. Partners who are also best friends are able to share their most intimate thoughts and experiences, not just as lovers but as trusted companions. They can laugh together, support each other, and weather life’s challenges with a sense of camaraderie that makes the bond even stronger.
Friendship provides the stability and trust necessary for love to flourish, while love brings a level of emotional intimacy that enriches friendship. The balance between these two forces is key to building lasting, meaningful connections with others.
Friendship and love are not static—they are dynamic, evolving, and ever-changing. They are woven into the fabric of our lives, influencing our choices, guiding us through difficult times, and celebrating with us during our moments of triumph. Whether experienced independently or together, both friendship and love remind us of the importance of connection and the power of genuine human bonds.
In the end, both friendship and love teach us the invaluable lessons of vulnerability, trust, and commitment. They remind us that the most meaningful relationships in our lives are those that allow us to be truly ourselves and offer us the space to grow, love, and be loved in return.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, intensive outpatient program, teen therapy, and a DBT-Self Guided Program. All our sessions are therapist-led, held virtually, and meet over video chat at the same time each week. All our sessions are therapist-led and are held virtually and meet over video chat at the same time each week. For group therapy, we have groups on many topics including Dialectical Behavior Therapy "DBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Anger Management, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Narcissistic Abuse, Self-Compassion, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Supporting A Loved one with BPD, among others. Each group is led by a licensed therapist that typically has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of specialties, and the group meets at the same time each week for an hour with the same members and therapist.
As reported by our members, 70% experienced significant progress within 8 weeks, including reduced anxiety & depression symptoms.
Our care coordinators can help assist you to craft the perfect treatment plan for you that's tailored to your needs. We provide speedy matches to quality care, and also provide the flexibility to switch your therapist or group at anytime ensuring that you're always meeting with the right therapist fit at a time that's convenient for your schedule. Whatever type of therapy you’re seeking, Grouport offers a range of options to suit your schedule and preferences. Explore our programs to find the support you need. If you need help finding the right type of therapy, schedule a free call with a care coordinator here.
We offer online group therapy sessions for relationship challenges to help participants learn to improve interpersonal effectiveness.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.
