For many teenagers, addiction and mental health issues can be extremely isolating experiences. It can be difficult for a teen to grasp what’s going on inside their bodies and minds. At times it can feel like no one else in the world could possibly understand what you’re going through. This is where group therapy comes in.

Group therapy is a form of counseling or psychotherapy that involves meeting with a group of people who are struggling with similar issues. This can be an incredibly powerful experience for teens, as it can help them to feel less alone and more understood. Additionally, group therapy can provide a sense of community and support that can be extremely important for teens in recovery from mental health and substance abuse issues.

In this article, we’ll explore what group therapy is, how it works, how it can help, and the biggest benefits of attending group therapy sessions for teens.

What is Group Therapy?

From the outside looking in, group therapy may seem like a daunting experience. It may be hard to imagine opening up about sensitive topics in front of strangers. However, group therapy can be an incredibly beneficial experience, particularly for teenagers who are struggling with mental health issues.

Group therapy is defined as a form of psychotherapy in which one or more therapists treat a small group of clients together as a group. Group therapy can be incredibly helpful because it allows individuals to share their experiences with others who are going through similar issues. Additionally, group therapy provides a sense of community and support that can be beneficial for anyone who is struggling with something.

There are many different types of group therapy, but some common forms include the following:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This form of therapy focuses on helping individuals in a group to change their thinking patterns and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy: This form of therapy focuses on helping individuals in a group to improve their relationships with others.
• Support Groups: These groups provide support and information for individuals who are struggling with a particular issue.
• Psychoeducation: This form of therapy involves a mental health professional sharing information about a diagnosis with a group of patients.
• Somatic Experiencing: This form of therapy focuses on helping individuals in a group feel the negative emotions in their body, and process them physically.
• Experiential Groups: This form of therapy involves performing activities and experiences like art or music in a group setting.

How Does Group Therapy Work?

There are several different schools of thought about how group therapy should be conducted. However, most group therapy sessions will involve the following components:

• A group of people who are struggling with similar issues.
• One or more therapists facilitating the group.
• A safe and confidential space for individuals to share their experiences.
• Guidelines or rules that everyone in the group agrees to follow.
• Group therapy sessions usually last for an hour or two.

During teen group therapy sessions, young adult group members will share their experiences and thoughts with the group. The therapist(s) will then facilitate a discussion about the topics that were brought up. Group therapy can be incredibly helpful because it allows individuals to see that they are not alone in their experiences, which typically does not happen in individual therapy. Additionally, teen group therapy can provide a space for group members to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment.

What Are the Benefits of Teen Group Therapy?

Group therapy can be an incredibly beneficial experience for teenagers who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Some of the top benefits of group therapy include the following:

1. Teens Can Share Their Experiences with Others Who Understand

One of the biggest benefits of group therapy is that it allows teenagers to share their experiences with others who understand what they are going through. It can be difficult for teens to feel like anyone else could understand what they are going through. However, group therapy provides a space for them to share their thoughts and feelings with others who have similar experiences. This can be an incredibly valuable experience for teens who feel like they are struggling alone. This can also provide a boost to self-esteem and help the teen feel like they can make a positive change in their life.

For example, if a teen is struggling with an eating disorder, they may feel like no one else would understand what they are going through, even after participating in individual therapy. However, group therapy provides a space for them to share their experiences with others who are struggling with the same issue. This can be an incredibly valuable experience for teens who feel like they are struggling alone.

2. Teens Can Benefit from the Support of Their Peers

Another big benefit of group therapy is that it provides a space for teens to benefit from the support of their peers. Many teens feel like they have to deal with their struggles on their own. However, group therapy provides a space for them to share their experiences and thoughts with others who can offer support and understanding.

It can be exceptionally validating to realize that somebody else out there “gets it.” When you hear another person say, “me too!” in reference to something you thought was only happening to you, it feels like a burden has been lifted. There is a sense of camaraderie that comes from being in a group with people who understand what you are going through.

3. Teens Can Improve Their Social Skills

Another big benefit of group therapy is that it can help teens develop social skills and facilitate positive social interactions. Many teens struggle with social anxiety or shyness, which can make it difficult for them to interact with others. Group therapy provides a space for teens to practice their social skills in a safe and supportive environment. This can be an incredibly valuable experience for teens who struggle with social anxiety or shyness.

Additionally, if the group knows about a person’s social anxiety, they can help by giving encouragement, coping mechanisms, and other support. Social anxiety can make it difficult to interact with others, but group therapy can provide a space for teens to practice their social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

4. Teens Can Develop Coping Skills

Another big benefit of group therapy is that it can help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms. Many teens struggle with unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as self-harm, substance abuse, or disordered eating. Group therapy provides a space for teens to explore healthy coping mechanisms in a safe and supportive environment. Teens can receive peer feedback, healthy peer pressure, and supportive bonds that they may get anywhere else.

5. Teens Can Address Their Underlying Issues

Another big benefit of teen group therapy is that it can help young adults to address their underlying mental health issues. Many teens struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Group therapy provides a space for teens to explore their underlying issues in a safe and supportive environment with other teens. This can be an incredibly valuable experience for teens who struggle with mental health issues.

6. Teens Can Learn from the Experiences of Others

Another benefit of group therapy is that it provides a space for teens to learn from the experiences of others. Many times, individuals who are struggling with similar issues can learn a lot from each other. Group therapy provides a space for teens to share their experiences and learn from the experiences of others.

For instance, a teen who is struggling with an eating disorder may benefit from hearing the story of another person who has recovered from an eating disorder. The teen can learn about the other person’s struggles and triumphs, which can provide hope and insight. Additionally, the group can offer support and encouragement to the teen as they work towards recovery.

7. Teens Can Get Feedback from Others

Another big benefit of group therapy is that it provides a space for teens to get feedback from others. Many times, individuals who are struggling with similar issues can give each other valuable feedback. Group therapy provides a space for teens to share their experiences and get feedback from others. This is a great way to share successes, as well as strategies.

The Bottom Line

Overall, group therapy can be an incredibly beneficial experience for teens. It can provide a sense of community, improve social skills, develop healthy coping skills, address underlying issues, learn from the experiences of others, and get feedback from others. If you or someone you know is struggling with an issue, group therapy may be a great option to consider.

Clear Recovery Center’s Teen Program offers multiple programs that include often include group therapy as a way for teens from the LA area and all over the country heal and grow into confident, capable adults.