The Benefits of Group Therapy for Teens
The Benefits of Group Therapy for Teens:
Most of us are very familiar with the benefits of individual therapy: decreased anxiety, hearing an objective viewpoint from someone who is not a friend or family member, the ability to set and work towards goals and many more. It is less likely, however, that we are aware of the gains that can result from participating in group therapy for teens. Brene Brown, a researcher and thought leader in the field of social work and psychotherapy, talks often about the "power of vulnerability" and the healing effects of letting people into our inner world, the parts of ourselves that we are the most ashamed of.
In group therapy, we are given a chance to practice opening up to others in a safe and structured environment. In return, we likely find that we are not alone in how we think and feel.
According to a December 2017 article in Psychology Today, group therapy for teens can provide benefits in 5 ways:
1.They gain social confidence.
They learn to speak in groups and become more comfortable talking to peers.
2. They learn communication skills.
The adolescent years can be extremely awkward ones; things are changing physically, mentally, and emotionally. By participating in group therapy, teens can learn to identify their thoughts and feelings and express them to their peers, learning that one, they are not alone in their feelings and two, that the act of expressing themselves helps alleviate negative thoughts and feelings.
3. They positively influence each other.
How many teens do you know that are actively working on themselves? By bringing teens together to talk about their vulnerabilities and stressors, they are able to relate on a deeper level rather than connecting through negative behaviors, such as partying or other self-destructive behaviors.
4. They are able to improve their relationships.
As previously mentioned, teens who attend group therapy together develop a deeper bond than they do with other friends, whom they may not feel comfortable sharing their feelings with. Connection with others is an essential part of overall well-being and given that our technology-driven world can be extremely isolating at times, group therapy offers an opportunity for teens to connect on many different levels.
5. They experience a reduction in stress.
Being able to share their thoughts and feelings with a group of peers helps teens put their stressors in perspective and realize that they are not alone in how they think and feel. This outlet provides teens with a chance to unburden themselves to their peers and maybe even have a laugh about their situations.
As you can see, the benefits of group therapy for teens are numerous. Here at Harper Therapy, we believe in the power of group therapy which is why we are offering a teen anxiety workshop for girls during the summer months! Check out our website for dates and additional information.
