Studies often show that teens benefit greatly from group therapy with their peers.  In groups, teens get to share their feelings and thoughts with other teens who are experiencing similar feelings.  I have facilitated several groups for teen girls and have found them to   be a great addition to individual therapy for my teen clients.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy involves one or two therapists working with a  small group of clients.  Groups can target specific problems like anxiety or substance abuse and some groups focus on improving social skills, or helping clients cope with challenges such as low-self esteem, regulating their emotions or shyness.  I currently facilitate 3 groups,  2 for adult women and 1 for adolescent girls

Groups can be time limited, with a predetermined number of sessions or they can be ongoing with no predetermined end date.  My group for adolescent girls is ongoing however we do take a break in the summer and pick up in September.  In addition to providing support, groups can  teach and instill proven strategies for coping with specific problems.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Joining a group sometimes feels intimidating at first, but group therapy can provide many benefits.

• Universality:  Sometimes teens  feel their problems are unique to them and this can lead to feeling lonely. Being a part of a group of people who have similar problems helps  teens  to feel  supported, and understood.
• Sharing: Through the use of different activities, teens learn  to appropriately articulate feelings they may have  difficulty expressing to adults.
• Forming Relationships: Groups provide an  environment that allows teens  to have positive social interactions with peers that can  create supportive bonds.
• Social skills: Groups provide a setting where teens  are able to learn through social interactions. The therapist will model active listening, provide constructive feedback, and offer support. Members also provide feedback to other members.  Group members will be able to pick up  on these behaviors and use them  in-group  and in their everyday lives.
• Improved self-esteem: Group therapy allows teens  to help others.   Sometimes teens  feel  they can’t help others because they have needed  support themselves. However, in a group they realize that they have skills and experience that may be helpful to their peers.  This will help to enhance their self esteem and feelings of self worth.
• Increased coping skills: Through the use of structured activities, the therapist teaches proven strategies to cope with specific problems. Group members will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe environment and receive feedback. Eventually  group members  will begin incorporating these strategies into their daily lives.

Through group therapy, adolescents can communicate in a way that normalizes their  feelings and experiences. They are able to learn about themselves, the impact their behavior has on others, and are able to receive feedback from peers.  It is completely developmentally  appropriate for teens  to prefer feedback from their peers rather than from  adults.  If your teen  is struggling with anxiety, depression, socialization, or has recently experienced loss or change; she may benefit greatly from group therapy.