Groups

What is Groups Therapy?

Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy the consists of multiple members led by one or more therapists. The group dynamics and peer interactions are used to increase the understanding of mental illness and improve social skills. 

Supportive Therapy gives children and teens support to cope with day to day stress. It also helps to identify helpful and unhelpful behaviors, and improve self-esteem.

Therapy is not a quick fix. Often, it can be a complex, rich process. Over time, therapy can reduce symptoms, provide insight, and improve a child or adolescent’s functioning and quality of life.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Initially, joining a group might feel intimidating. However, there are many benefits to group therapy that individual therapy may not provide. Pre-adolescents and adolescents are typically able to express their emotions verbally and tend to gravitate towards peer feedback and support. Groups targeting this age range will likely consist of a combination of talk therapy and structured activities.

• Universality: Children and adolescents often feel their problems are unique to them and this can lead to feelings of isolation. Being a part of a group of people who have similar problems make children feel validated, supported, and understood.

• Increased coping skills: Through the use of structured activities, the therapist teaches strategies to cope with specific problems. Group members will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe environment and receive feedback. With time group members begin incorporating these strategies into their daily lives.

• Foster Relationships: Groups provide a structured environment that allows kids to have positive social interactions with peers and form supportive bonds. Through the use of developmentally appropriate activities, children will be able to articulate feelings and social feedback that they may have difficulty expressing to adults. 

• Social skills: This setting can assist children in learning through social interactions. The therapist models active listening, provides constructive feedback, and offers support. Group members also provide feedback on social behaviors. Over time, children pick up on these behaviors and begin to implement them both in-group and in their everyday lives.

• Improve Social Confidence/ Self-esteem: Group therapy offers a platform for children to help others. In a group setting they realize that they have skills and experience that may be helpful to their peers. The power of helping others is therapeutic and enhances self-esteem and self-worth.