[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Peer pressure. Doing well in school. Family issues. There are tons of reasons that teenagers feel emotional and become withdrawn from their family and friends. Group therapy for teens helps adolescents realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Destinations for Teens provides many treatment and counseling services for teens who need support. Contact us 877.466.0620 to discover the program that is right for your teen.
What Is a Group Therapy Program?
A group therapy program is an approach to counseling that is very effective when used with teens. Teens participating in group therapy sessions consistently benefit as they grow and develop intellectually and emotionally. Young adults suffering from issues such as feeling socially isolated, shy, bullying, peer rejection, anger management, and identity conflicts will all benefit from group therapy programming. Initially, teens often feel like they cannot be helped. However, activities such as icebreakers, role play, and various games help teens socialize with others. Facilitated by a therapist specializing in adolescence, the group is provided with the rules and structural supports to be considered a safe space.
What Happens During Group Therapy Sessions?
By providing emotionally and physically safe spaces, therapists facilitating group therapy for teens can introduce discussions and explore issues that teens are often uncomfortable addressing. If your teen is interested in participating in a group therapy session, they can:
- Inquire about the group size
- Identify the issues addressed by the group
- Determine what they would like to share with the group
Participants will learn to properly communicate their ideas, build trust and grow through various activities. Activities in group therapy can promote communication, trust, and personal growth. Group activities including dancing, cooking, painting, acting, and playing music will promote creative expression. In addition, role-playing and various games will build trust amongst group members.
Three Benefits of Group Therapy for Teens
There are many benefits for teens to participate in group therapy programs. Three distinct benefits of group therapy programming for teens include:
Reducing Feelings of Isolation
When an adolescent experiences a traumatic experience, they often become reserved and unable to manage their feelings. As a result, they resort to isolating themselves from others. A recent study conducted by Pew Research found that teen depression has increased by 59 percent since 2007. Group therapy can help teens realize that they are experiencing similar situations in their lives. It provides teens with the opportunity to share their internal struggles with others and then develop strategies to navigate their feelings. Working with others, teens can discover that their struggles are normal.
Peer Wisdom Is Magical
Once teens realize that they can work through their problems with the support of other people, they will become willing to accept feedback from their peers. Teens love to receive and provide advice to their peers. During group therapy sessions, teens can share their experiences and knowledge with others. Teens can then internalize the power of their messaging, making them feel wise to their peers.
Inspiration To Deal With Internal StrugglesÂ
When teens realize they are not alone in their feelings and that they have ideas that can help others, they are naturally empowered. In group therapy, teens often discover a feeling of relief and hope in talking to other teens about their experiences. Knowing that they are not battling depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, or trauma alone helps teens overcome their struggles in a supportive environment. When teens realize their goals have been achieved by their peers, they work harder to find personal success.
Destinations For Teens: Group Therapy Programs For Every Teen
Parents should pay attention to their children’s emotional state. Are they irritable? Keeping secrets or having emotional outbursts? If your teen is exhibiting symptoms of depression or is suddenly withdrawn from others, group therapy can help them regain their confidence. At Destinations for Teens, we offer a number of therapeutic services for teens such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness
- Art therapy
- Yoga therapy
Contact us at 877.466.0620 to learn more and help your teen navigate their mental health journey in a supportive environment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]