Adolescent Support Group
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, socialization, or has recently experienced loss or change; he/she/they may benefit greatly from group therapy. This type of treatment is very effective in treating various problems and providing coping skills while also creating a safe environment that fosters peer relationships.
This group is for adolescents ages 14 to 18 who experience one or more of the following:
- Divorced/blended families
- Social and peer pressure
- Substance abuse problems
Benefits of group therapy include:
- Improved self-esteem
- Forming supportive relationships
- Enhanced social skills
Group therapy is very effective for adolescents for many reasons. Teens have a good cognitive grasp of what emotions are and can distinguish subtle differences between feelings. At the same time, they are also learning how to think abstractly and process their own thoughts which often leads to conflicting feelings. As a result, feelings can be confusing and overwhelming for adolescents.
Through group therapy, teens can communicate with their peers in a way that normalizes these feelings and experiences. In a safe and supportive environment, they learn about themselves, the impact their behavior has on others, and are able to receive feedback from peers who know what they are going through. At this time in their development, it is appropriate for adolescents to prefer feedback from peers rather than adults, which is another reason adolescents are often times more open to this treatment modality.
The Teen Support Group meets in-person on Sundays from 6:00-7:00pm and the size is limited to ten (10) participants. The groups are led by Melissa Hill, LCSW, ACHT, a leading expert in the area of adolescent development. She has over 30 years of clinical experience working with teens in both inpatient and outpatient settings.