Teen Orientation for Group Therapy
what is group therapy?
Group therapy is a form of therapy that involves a small number (usually 6-8) of people meeting together to gain support, confidence, knowledge and skills. Teens often experience being alone with problems or feelings. They lack a place where they can meet with other teens and talk about what’s going on in their lives. Research shows that being supported by others is very powerful and can get us through alot. That’s what group is all about.
Why group? Well, if you’ve felt alone, down, worried, stressed out, overwhelmed or helpless, group can help. Someone in your life…your parents, teachers, therapist or psychiatrist feels that you could benefit from group therapy. Hopefully, as you read through the following sections, you’ll discover how group can help you!
three areas we work on
In group we have three big areas that we work on. Those are:
Self-Control
Recognizing and Dealing with your Emotions.
Learning how you react emotionally to different situations.
Self-Esteem
Having a positive image of yourself.
Feeling confident enough to make changes in your attitudes and behaviors.
Social Skills
Developing an awareness of how other people think and feel.
Learning to build healthy and rewarding relationships.
what happens in group?
Groupworks is a Worksheet Free Zone (Mostly)! Research shows that teens learn best by “doing” in real-life situations. We try not to spend alot of time on reading boring handouts and worksheets! Group is a great place to share your worries, concerns and insecurities and to learn to deal with them. It’s also a great shot of positive energy each week!
what are the rules?
Privacy-What happens in group stays in group. The names and information of all group members must remain private! No pics, videos or any other forms of recordings are allowed in group.
Contact Outside Group-We don’t prohibit contact outside of group. If members choose to have contact…bring it into group for discussion. Never do therapy on another group member and don’t use group members as a crisis line. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable with outside group contact, talk with the group leader. Romantic involvement with group members is discouraged because it really messes with your ability to do therapy together in the group.
Electronic Communication-Texting, social media, etc. The same rules apply for outside contact. Be very careful about privacy on social media. Keep it healthy!
Language-Speak freely! Keep it respectful and speak up if you’re offended by someone else. This is your therapy you need to speak freely.
Food & Drink-Yes. Be neat and clean up after yourself.
Alcohol & Drugs-We recommend avoiding them. If you do, please don’t come to group under the influence.
Participation-Be vocal, active, engaged and involved and most of all…Be REAL! This is your group and your therapy. Use it! Don’t pretend or worry about bringing others down. Group is a place to get help and that means bringing all of you into each meeting!