What is so special about Group Therapy for Adolescents?

It’s healing. They feel less alone. It is social and fun. It is therapeutic without them realizing they are in therapy. They laugh. They cry with others. We do group hugs on hard days. Peer support. Peer problem-solving. It takes bravery to speak in front of a circle of strangers. It fosters deep empathy for others. It is good for them to hear about other people’s problems—it usually makes them grateful for their own struggles. 

It helps them become better listeners and friends. It helps them like themselves more. It’s more affordable for families. Reduces stress. Builds grit. Shame blasting as they speak their truth. They can commiserate. It is grounding. It helps construct their identity, as that grows in the context of their peers. Reduces loneliness and isolation. It is hard, but in the best way possible-they learn that they can do hard things. Real-time social skills practice. 

It takes courage to speak in front of same-aged peers about your feelings. They make eye contact with one another.  It feels spiritual and reverent. Builds compassion for self and others. It’s authentic. Helps regulate big emotions. No cell phones allowed—100% real connection. We do creative exercises. Reduces overwhelm.  We listen to music and lyrics. They find their voice and learn to use it. Assertiveness training. Builds self-control. When conflict arises in a group, we repair it together. Leadership training. Peer modeling. Builds social confidence. It feels safe. They learn new skills. 

Depth of sharing about friendships, family relationships, and dating. Builds coping skills and resilience. Strengths are acknowledged by others. They hold each other accountable for what they are working on personally. They witness each other’s lives. Helps transform their unhealthy patterns. Space to explore new ways of relating to peers. Altruism—selfless concern for the well-being of others. 

It is all about connection. Unconditional acceptance for who they are.  

They feel loved.