Considering entering a type of therapy can bring a lot of things together — relief that there is help available; concern about the experience itself; and question as to whether it fits.
Group therapy for teens is one of the many options that many families consider for their teens when they need support and want to feel less isolated from what they are going through.
What Teen Group Therapy Is (And What It Isn’t)
A teen therapy group is an organized, clinician-led setting where adolescents gather on a regular basis to discuss, develop new coping skills, and experiment with more healthy relationships with themselves and others.
It is not a location in which an adolescent would be required to share their personal experiences, and it should not be felt as “on the hot seat.”
Many groups allow for silent participation as a valid initial method of engagement.
A helpful next step would be to inquire as to the primary focus of the group (support, skills, a specific subject matter, etc.)
What Happens In A Typical Session?
Many sessions begin with a brief check-in, followed by a specific theme (i.e., stress, friendships, self-esteem, managing intense feelings.)
The facilitator (usually a licensed therapist) outlines boundaries (respect, confidentiality, turn-taking) and intervenes if conversations become dangerous or non-productive.
Before the teen begins participating, the nature of confidentiality typically is addressed.
Teens are usually encouraged to maintain confidentiality of information shared during the group.
Providers may have limitations (e.g., when someone is at-risk of harm); this is normal, and a quality program will address this clearly.
One practical next step would be to request a plain language explanation of confidentiality and safety rules prior to allowing your teen to participate in the group.
What Teens May Learn And Practice:
Groups can provide teens with practical tools such as learning to recognize spiraling thoughts (a central concept of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)), developing emotion regulation skills (frequently found in DBT-type skills training), and learning how to communicate their needs while preventing escalation of conflict.
Additionally, teens may practice problem-solving, boundary-establishment, and repair of misunderstandings.
It is acceptable that your teen may not be ready to utilize all of the skills immediately.
Learning frequently begins by identifying patterns.
It may help to inquire about the skills that the group utilizes most commonly, and how your teen can apply these skills outside of the group environment.
Who Can Benefit From A Group?
Groups can benefit teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, social stress, grief, questioning of identity, family conflict, and recovery-related issues.
Groups can be a great addition to individual therapy for teens when isolation is a major issue.
Some families consider therapy groups for teens because they want their teen to have a peer connection, but do not want the focus to be on a diagnosis.
While evidence and outcomes can vary depending upon the teen and the group, it is reasonable to think in terms of “may be beneficial” rather than guaranteed.
You might consider describing your teen’s primary concerns to a clinician and ask if a group is a viable option at this time.
Finding A Good-Fit Group
A good fit is important.
Consider factors such as the group being comprised of teens of similar ages, the purpose of the group, the licensure of the facilitator, and the format of the group (skill-based vs. open support).
Additionally, you may find it helpful to ask about group size, expected attendance requirements, and how the facilitator will handle conflict, bullying dynamics, and side conversations.
Some families prefer online formats for convenience, anonymity, or comfort.
In those cases, therapy groups for teens can be one component of a larger support system, particularly when maintaining consistency is difficult in-person.
Before moving forward, consider creating 3 questions that you would like answers to and use them in a brief call or consultation.
Assisting Your Teen To Feel More Comfortable About Participating
Resistance does not always indicate “no”.
Often resistance indicates a fear of being judged, a fear of saying something incorrectly, or a fear that an adult will overreact.
Identifying these fears gently can be helpful: “this could be uncomfortable initially, and you don’t have to share anything beyond what you are comfortable sharing.”
When the topic feels too overwhelming, it is also acceptable to pause, breathe, and come back to the conversation at a later time.
When working with teens, it can be helpful to focus on items that are within the teen’s control (i.e., length of the session, types of participation possible, and what will occur if they feel overwhelmed).
A simple starting point is to agree on a small trial (i.e., two-three sessions) prior to determining if the group has been helpful.
Conclusion
A good group doesn’t fix everything overnight, but it can offer something steady: shared experience, practical skills, and the feeling that a teen isn’t carrying this alone. For many families, therapy groups for teens are less about “being changed” and more about being supported while learning new ways to cope and connect.
Safety disclaimer:
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Author Bio:
This post was contributed by Earl Wagner, a content strategist who specializes in developing data-driven content strategies. His work with organizations in the mental health sector helps increase awareness about resources for both teens and adults.
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