So, Just What Is Group Therapy, and How Can It help Troubled Teens?

Group therapy is a unique and relatively new approach used to help troubled teens overcome personal issues while they simultaneously learn how to be empathetic to others' needs. The therapy consists of a small group of troubled teens - who all suffer from similar emotional and behavioral disorders - and a therapist who facilitates their healing process. Groups therapists keep group numbers small so that they can maintain control of sessions, as well as give individual attention to each patient.

The Effective Approach to Group Therapy

Group therapy has been around for almost 50 years. However, it wasn't until recently that studies proved group sesstions to be just as effective, and in some cases, more efficient in treating troubled teenagers than traditional, individual therapy. There is no wonder as to why an increasing amount parents are turning to group therapy for their struggling adolescent boy or girl.

Group Therapy Culture

Our nation's youth live in a culture that has a group supported mentality. Generally speaking, they go to work or school with other peers every day and then come home to a support network made up of family members. In other words, teens are constantly reliant on the support of others. Group therapy is just an extension of what they are already used to - overcoming adversity with the assistance of those who are empathetic to their situation.

Why is Group Therapy So Compelling for Troubled Teens? 

Teenagers, especially those who are deemed as 'troubled,' generally do not trust adults and view them as an opposing authority figure. This is why traditional therapy is sometimes ineffective for troubled teens who may consider a therapist as just another authoritative figure who is out to get them. However, contrariwise to conventional treatment, group therapy allows teens to interact and discuss their problems with peers who are also struggling with similar issues; A peer supported therapy session creates an environment with less tension further allowing teens to feel comfortable enough to open up about underlying issues.

What Issues Can Group Therapy Help Troubled Teens With?

Group therapy is highly effective in creating a dialogue with teens who suffer from the following topics: 

• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Excessive anger issues
• medical problems, like that of cancer or diabetes
• eating disorders, such as bullimia or anorexia
• depression
• low-self esteem/ self-worth

Additionally, group therapy is an impactful treatment for trauma victims and has proven to be effective in treating teens who have lost a close friend or a family member, as well as those who have suffered physical or sexual abuse or experienced a parental divorce.

The Additional Benefits That Group Therapy Provides Troubled Teens

In addition to treating their emotional and mental ailments, group therapy also develops invaluable life-skills in teenagers. Through Group therapy, adolescents can learn to develop the following traits:

• improved Social Skills 
• additional ways to cope with adversity
• a broader perspective on life
• the understanding of why they struggle with the things they do
• motivation skills needed to make life adjustments

For Further Reading...

Group therapy provides a unique setting in which troubled teens can learn from and support each other to get help with a specific problem. Group therapy consists of a small group of teens with similar issues and a therapist who facilitates the therapy process.

Via: https://www.verywell.com/what-is-group-therapy-p2-2610446