Teen group therapy involves a therapist leading a group of teenagers in counseling sessions. Sometimes teenagers all deal with one specific issue, such as a mental illness or a substance use disorder. In other cases, group therapy covers general issues that can apply to any member.
The therapist sets rules in order to accomplish structure and provide the group with a safe space to communicate. As well, therapists who lead teen group therapy are trained to work with this age group. They understand the intricacies of this age, the challenges they often face, and how to communicate with them on their level.
The size of each group varies. Each session generally lasts about an hour, although some may be longer. Group therapy can take place in a therapist’s office on an outpatient basis. Conversely, it can be a vital part of a residential program. In this case, the teenagers live in a facility while receiving round-the-clock care. They usually attend both individual and group therapy as part of their treatment.
In group therapy, everyone is encouraged to open up about issues, emotions, and situations they deal with that can be troubling or confusing. This includes past or ongoing events, as well as general emotional turbulence. Examples of topics brought up include dealing with anxiety, feeling depressed, navigating college and career choices, romantic relationships, and bullying. Additionally, many teenagers deal with alcohol or drug abuse, which can be addressed during group therapy.
While teenagers often feel prone to shutting down when being asked to open up by their parents, they often find group therapy to be a different experience. This makes it a valuable choice for parents when they want to help their kids open up and deal with their problems.
Benefits of Teen Group Therapy
Multiple benefits can come from a young person attending teen group therapy. The first involves helping teenagers feel less alone. People in this age group often feel alone in what they feel or experience in life. This can lead them to think they’re the only person going through something. This often leads to individuals isolating themselves. Group therapy helps show them that they are not alone. Opening up to a peer group reduces feelings of isolation and lets the person know they do not suffer alone. Understanding that their troubles are not uncommon helps them destress and be more open to solving their issues.
Another benefit of teen group therapy lies in the give and take that happens in sessions. Teenagers often feel most comfortable within their own age group. In group therapy, they learn to speak openly and offer their input and advice to others in the group. In turn, they often become more open to receiving advice from others in the group. Members of the group become comfortable as part of a team. This is a skill set that can be applied outside of treatment in school, career, and social situations.
Feeling a part of a group helps teenagers become more open to socializing outside of therapy. This can lead to being more comfortable joining groups, participating in sports, doing volunteer work, and taking on part-time jobs.
Many facilities that offer teen group therapy also provide family therapy. When a young person participates in both of these types of therapy, they can make major improvements in their lives. Both they and their family members can learn improved communication skills and work together as a family to heal past differences. Group therapy makes teens better prepared to ask for what they need, be accountable for their actions, and establish healthy boundaries.