Teens today are faced with more challenges than ever from navigating peer relations, social media, academic pressures, extracurricular activities, and the constraints of growing up during a pandemic. While individual counseling can be extremely helpful for adolescents, group therapy offers many unique benefits that impact teens in positive ways.

Communication and Social Skills

In a digital age where so much communication is done online or through text, it can be difficult for young people to develop skills in relating to one another in person. The less it’s done, the more daunting it becomes, and the more likely it is that social anxiety develops.

• Group counseling provides a safe and supportive environment for teens to practice social and communication skills with each other.

Reduced Stress and Improved Coping

Issues that come up for teens on a day-to-day basis can be quite vast, and it can be a very stressful and confusing time. Being able to bring up topics and discuss these challenges with peers can not only be cathartic, but it can also provide a chance for others to offer support, give feedback, and offer ideas on how to cope. Having their problems met with understanding and empathy by their peers can reduce stress and anxiety.

• Group counseling provides opportunities for teens to talk through situations and come up with positive ways of handling things.

Connection and Increased Confidence

Especially in today’s era, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. Disconnection can lead to anxiety and self-doubt. When teens are able to connect with one another, they quickly find out that they are not alone in their feelings, and that others can relate to what they are going through. Being able to share their unique perspectives and be appreciated by others encourages teens to develop confidence and a strong sense of self.

• Group counseling provides a place where they are accepted by their peers and encouraged to be themselves which can be invaluable for teens and can go a long way in building their self-esteem.

Resource

Call the office of New Heights Counseling at 850.757.1552 or go to the New Heights website and get more information regarding group therapy for teens.