
What Is Group Therapy?
How Group Therapy for Teens Can Help
Group Therapy Benefits for Teens
Group therapy is a space in which you can practice your emerging social and interpersonal skills. It’s a place where you can learn to engage with others and work on active listening. When you participate, you learn to think through your comments and reflect on your actions. Learning to communicate effectively leads to better relationships and boosts self-confidence, which is essential in adolescence.
Teens participating in group therapy activities can find connections and support with their peers. In therapy, you can express yourself freely in a safe space with other like-minded individuals. Connecting with others lets you know and understand that you are supported and are not alone in your mental health journey. According to an analysis of 56 studies over two decades, adolescents participating in group therapy were coping better than 73% of teens who were not in this kind of therapeutic program. Sharing experiences is a powerful tool to help you understand that whatever you are going through, others have also dealt with similar issues.
In addition, group therapy is an excellent strategy for therapists. During group therapy, the therapist can observe how you interact with your peers. Therapists can see how the group is interacting in real-time and help you navigate social interactions and conflicts. This observation gives them tremendous insight into why you are struggling, and how to best support everyone.
Who Benefits from Group Therapy?
- Bullying
- Identity confusion
- Social isolation
- Depression/anxiety disorders
- Addictions/substance abuse
- Emotional disturbance/mental illness
- Eating disorders