Teen Mental Health And The Benefits of Group Therapy
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FACED BY TEENS TODAY
Teens today are facing a wide range of mental health issues. From depression and anxiety to substance abuse and more. These issues can be caused by a number of factors. From stress at home and school to technology overload and social media addiction. Teens are also more prone than ever to self-destructive behaviors. Behaviors such as cutting, bullying, and suicide attempts. It is important to recognize the signs of mental health issues in teens and to provide support and resources to help them cope.
REASONS TEENS MAY NOT WANT TO SEE AN INDIVIDUAL THERAPIST
Teens may not want to be in individual therapy for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is that they are uncomfortable discussing personal issues with an adult. They may not feel the need to go to therapy or may not recognize the value of it. Or they feel embarrassed or worried about being judged by an adult. Many teens, not having been in therapy before, may not understand the confidentiality of therapy
and may worry that the therapist will tell their parents or other adults about their issues. Therapy also takes time and commitment. This may be difficult for teens that are already busy with school, after-school activities, and social lives.
BENEFITS OF GROUP THERAPY
Group therapy has many benefits for teens. It can be a meaningful form of therapy on its own or in conjunction with individual therapy. In fact, in a meta-analysis of various efficacy studies conducted over 20 years, the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology reported that group therapy was shown to be more effective than any other forms of therapy for children and teens and that those treated were 73% better
off than those who did not receive treatment at all. Within the group, teens build meaningful connections and create a safe space to talk about their feelings and experiences.
Through skills-based group therapy, teens can gain insight into their own problems and learn to develop constructive ways of dealing with difficult situations. In the context of the group, teens can learn to express themselves more openly, improve their communication skills, and develop a better understanding of their peers' perspectives. In addition, teens can gain a sense of belonging and peer support, learn to accept themselves and improve their self-esteem. This is especially impactful for those teens experiencing shyness, peer rejection, social isolation, and bullying. Overall, group therapy can be a great fit for many teens learning how to deal with their struggles in a healthy and supportive way.
WHY MIGHT TEENS PREFER GROUP TO INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
It can be easier to open up to a group of people who share a common experience. Rather than meeting with a therapist one-on-one. Group therapy can also provide a sense of camaraderie, as teens can support each other in their journey to better mental health. Furthermore, group therapy can be more cost-effective and convenient than individual therapy. If your teen is struggling, they do not need to suffer alone. To get more information on Thought Partners’ small therapy skills-focused groups, reach out to us today!
Citation: Matthew J. Hoag; Gary M. Burlingame (1997) Evaluating the Effectiveness
of Child and Adolescent Group Treatment: A Meta-Analytic Review, Journal of Clinical
Child Psychology, 26:3, 234-246, DOI: 10.1207/s15374424jccp2603_2
Start Group Therapy For Teens in Marin County, CA!
There are many challenges that come with being a teen. Peer pressure, different life transitions, bullying, and more. At Thought Partners, we understand that being a teen can be difficult. Our team of skilled therapists can help provide you with the support and guidance you need in a group environment to help you face your challenges. To get started with group therapy for teens follow these three simple steps:
- Contact us to schedule an appointment for group therapy
- Meet with one of our skilled teen therapists in a group setting
- Begin to overcome the challenges you face as a teen!
Other Therapy Services at Thought Partners in California
We know that mental health struggles may affect more than one member of your family. Our therapists at Thought Partners understand and offer a variety of therapy services to help everyone. We offer services such as anxiety therapy, pregnancy and postpartum therapy, individual therapy for adults, therapy for new mothers, couples therapy, and more. If you have any questions about our services please don’t hesitate to contact us. To learn more about us check out our blog or FAQs!