Therapy at an adolescent residential treatment center will include various different methods, including individual, group, and family therapy. Group therapy is one of the most beneficial settings for teens because it allows them to practice communicating and navigating situations similar to those in their daily lives.

Comparing Group and Individual Therapy

When your teen is in mental health treatment, they’ll likely engage in therapy in multiple settings, including group and individual sessions. Different settings allow teens to work on different skills and explore parts of their mental health in ways they probably wouldn’t on their own.

Both individual and group therapy are valuable to the treatment process. One-on-one sessions with a therapist bring opportunities to go deep, while group therapy helps teens practice new skills and encounter situations that are similar to what they would experience outside of therapy. Your teen’s treatment plan will include group and individual sessions that might include different types of therapy, including talk, behavioral, and experiential methods.

Benefits of Individual Therapy

Working with a therapist in a private setting gives teens a chance to talk about some of their more personal concerns. Individual therapy can be beneficial to their healing journey by:

• Offering validation and support from an unbiased professional.
• Encouraging self-reflection and exploration of deeper issues.
• Providing a confidential space to discuss sensitive or difficult topics without fear of judgment.
• Building a strong therapeutic relationship with the therapist, leading to more trust and effective communication.
• Exploring their individual concerns rather than the concerns of a larger group.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy brings together individuals who are struggling with similar issues, allowing them to relate to one another and offer support. Group therapy can help by:

• Encouraging social skills development by giving teens the opportunity to interact with their peers in a therapeutic setting.
• Normalizing struggles and reducing shame by realizing that others are going through similar experiences.
• Encouraging empathy and understanding toward others’ perspectives and experiences.
• Allowing for feedback and different perspectives from other members of the group, providing valuable insights for personal growth.

The Major Advantage of Group Therapy

Sometimes, teens have a tough time making progress when they’re only engaging in individual therapy. While this is a safe, private setting, it doesn’t provide the same opportunity for interaction and “normal” situations they might encounter in their daily life. For instance, if a teen struggles with social anxiety, a conversation with a trusted therapist won’t be the same as navigating a candid group talk.

Group therapy, by nature, is closer to daily life than individual sessions. Hanging out with friends, speaking up in class, and trying to figure out awkward situations happen all of the time at school and home. Practicing their social skills and talking about some of things they may be shy or embarrassed about during group sessions can help teens build confidence and resilience. Additionally, the support from others in group therapy can strengthen a teen’s sense of belonging and decrease feelings of isolation.

Group Therapy Activities for Teens

Every session will be a new experience for your teen. They may work on coping skills, social skills, or learn about recognizing thoughts and feelings. Group sessions aren’t always just talking, though. There are often scenarios, games, or activities that keep teens engaged.

• Sunken ship/desert island – Teens receive instructions about a scenario in which their ship has been stranded on an island with specific supplies. They’ll work together to solve a presented problem.
• Role-playing – With either assigned roles or a topic, teens will cast, direct, and act out a skit or scene.
• Create an album – Teens create album artwork and a compilation of songs that have meaning and represent their current emotional state. They can then share and discuss their choices with the group.
• Guided mindfulness – A therapist leads the group through a guided meditation or relaxation exercise, teaching teens how to calm their minds and bodies.
• Social skills practice – Neurodivergent teens may work on practicing social skills in a safe, supportive environment. They’ll learn how to start and maintain conversations, read body language, and navigate social situations.

Sometimes, groups are simple. Teens meet, talk about a topic led by a therapist, and interact with one another. Other times, groups include more activities that are therapeutic and specific to their treatment goals.

Teen Therapy at Family First

Therapy can be one of the most effective tools in your teen’s mental health treatment plan. At Family First Adolescent Services, teens engage in individual and group therapy sessions. Our team of licensed therapists and mental health professionals are trained to work with adolescents, providing a safe and supportive environment for your teen to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Contact us online or call 888.904.5947 to find out how to get started.