Group Therapy Topics For Teens That Promote Connection And Personal Growth

For many teenagers, adolescence can be a period filled with major life changes, including changes in their body, mind, emotions, and behavior. These changes can bring with them feelings of uncertainty, confusion, stress, fear, and even possible mental health challenges. But there are many resources available that can help, including group therapy. Some teens may find that group therapy allows them to explore various topics that may feel difficult to explore in other settings, such as self-esteem, body image, and relationships, among other things. Working with a therapist in a group setting of peers may also help teens to feel less alone and more connected to others experiencing similar concerns. 

While group therapy can be helpful, some teenagers or parents of teens may be apprehensive about what to expect. Read on to learn more about group therapy and several common group therapy topics for teens. 

What is group therapy for teens?

Group therapy for teens is a type of therapy in which young people can meet with a therapist in a group setting with other patients. Group therapy often involves five to 15 patients, led by one or two mental health professionals. Some groups may be focused on managing a specific mental health concern, such as depression or anxiety, while other groups may center on developing social skills, coping with loss, or improving self-esteem. Group therapy for young people can look different depending on the group, and therapy sessions may include different activities designed to help teens open up or explore concerns in a creative way. 

According to the American Psychological Association, group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for a variety of symptoms and conditions. In addition to providing professional support from a therapist, group therapy also allows teens to talk to connect with and learn from peers who might be going through similar things. It can be a way to gain a new perspective, feel less alone, and learn from the experiences of others. 

Common topics in teen group therapy

Teen group therapy sessions may cover a variety of different topics concerning the emotional and mental health of adolescents, and these specific topics can vary from one group to the next. During these sessions, teenagers can often discuss their experiences, learn new skills, and grow from each other's insights. The following are some common group therapy topics for teens.

Self-esteem

Self-esteem may be a common topic in teen group therapy as it can play an important role in adolescent mental health and development. Sessions might include activities like creating a "strengths collage" or discussing personal achievements to build a positive self-image. Having self-esteem can help teens feel more confident and prepared to handle life's challenges, such as resolving problems with friends or academic pressure.

Emotions

Teens may often experience intense emotions as they transition from childhood to adulthood. In a group therapy session, participants can learn how to make sense of their emotions. For example, they might play the "emotions charades" game to learn to identify, express, and understand their emotions, including the difficult ones like stress and sadness. They may also look at how emotions affect their thoughts, behavior, and relationships.

Communication

Communicating well is a vital life skill for teenagers that can carry over into their adult life. Group therapy sessions might use role-playing exercises to improve communication skills, helping participants express their feelings, thoughts, and opinions more effectively. They might also learn how to listen and relate to other group members. This could lead to healthier relationships with family, friends, and peers during arguments or misunderstandings.

Isolation and loneliness

In today's very digital world, more teenagers may experience loneliness and isolation than ever before. Group therapy may help to combat these feelings by creating a supportive environment where participants can connect more closely, both with others in the group and in their social lives outside the group. For example, connecting with peers in this supportive environment of group therapy may help them feel less alone, and in therapy, they may also learn new ways to connect with people more deeply through joining clubs or engaging in community activities.

Behavioral changes

Adolescence is a time that may involve changes in behavior due to influences from society, friends, or other sources. These shifts can worry both teens and their families. In group therapy, young people might discuss concerns around unhealthy habits, time management, or disorganization and learn how to manage and improve their behaviors. They can also discuss consequences related to substance misuse, school performance, and social interactions.

Anger

Anger is a natural human emotion but can become a problem if it gets out of control. Group therapy sessions might use a range of techniques to help teenagers recognize, express, and handle anger constructively. This can lead to better emotional health, improved relationships with others, and resolved conflicts with friends, parents, or other family members.

Group therapy activities and techniques

A therapist may lead group sessions with a variety of activities and techniques to keep participants engaged. Some of these activities include Fear In A Hat, Two Truths And A Lie, Gratitude Mapping, and Goal Visualization. These techniques may help teens with specific areas of their life and can often be used together or tailored to the group. 

1. Fear in a hat

The Fear In A Hat activity aims to help teens face their fears and worries in a safe, supportive setting. Each participant writes a personal fear or worry on a piece of paper and puts it into a hat. The group leader then reads each fear out loud, and participants discuss their experiences and offer support and encouragement. This activity can build empathy and understanding among group members and help improve self-awareness.

2. Two truths and a lie

The Two Truths And A Lie activity is an icebreaker that might be used to help encourage teens to talk about interesting facts about themselves while also learning about their peers. Each participant says three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is a lie. The group then guesses which statement is false by using careful listening and trust-building skills.

3. Gratitude mapping

Gratitude Mapping is an activity that can help teens recognize and express gratitude for the positive parts of their lives. Participants create a visual representation of the people, places, and events they are thankful for, using drawing, collage, or other creative methods. This activity can help teens self-reflect, develop a sense of appreciation and positivity, and it offers a chance for group discussion and support.

4. Goal visualization

Goal Visualization is a technique that guides teens in imagining their goals and making a plan to achieve them. This activity might involve group meditation or individual reflection, as each participant pictures their desired future and the steps needed to reach it. By discussing their goals within the group, teens can benefit from mutual support, encouragement, and accountability.

Though group therapy provides many advantages and chances for teens to bond with their peers, it’s not the only type of therapy that can help. Some teenagers might find other types of therapy better suited for their personal needs and situations.

Other therapy options for teens

In addition to group therapy, there are individual therapy options for teens looking for mental health support. Working with a therapist individually might be beneficial for teens who want to discuss concerns in a one-on-one setting, and some people might find it helpful to engage in both individual and group therapy, as there can be different benefits to different approaches. 

There are different types of individual therapy methods. For example, one common method is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and adjusting thoughts and behaviors. This may help teens to identify negative thought patterns, challenge them, and adopt healthier habits. Another common approach is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a type of CBT that involves mindfulness practices. With this type of therapy, teenagers may learn to better handle emotional discomfort and control their emotions. Other therapies include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure therapy, and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

Teenagers and parents of teenagers often have incredibly busy schedules, which can make it feel difficult to make time for something like therapy on top of the many existing commitments you’re already juggling. In these cases, online therapy may be a convenient option, as it allows you to have therapy sessions wherever you have internet, eliminating the need for a commute, which may make it easier to schedule. Adults interested in online therapy can connect with a licensed therapist through BetterHelp, and teenagers interested in therapy may consider exploring Teen Counseling, which serves teens from 13-19 years old with the consent of a parent or guardian. 

Plus, research has found online therapy to be an effective option for a range of concerns, including teen mental health. For instance, one such study examined the effectiveness of an internet-based CBT (ICBT) program for low self-esteem in adolescents. It concluded that “ICBT can be effective for treating low self-esteem in adolescents, decrease depression and anxiety levels, and increasing quality of life”.