Share, listen and engage with our peers in a safe place. Participants share their issues and concerns regarding their mental wellness. When teens realize they are not alone in their feelings and can overcome their struggles, they are naturally empowered. At the BTR lounge, teens discover a feeling of relief and hope in talking to others. Not battling depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, or trauma alone, feeling safe to express themselves can help them overcome their struggles. When teens see others reach their goals, they work harder to find personal success.
What is group therapy for teens - Group therapy is an experience where people with similar issues and struggles gather in a shared and safe space. These therapy sessions are led by a trained mental health professional. Once teens realize that they can work through their problems with the support of other teens, they often become more willing to accept feedback from their peers. They love to receive and provide advice to their peers. During group therapy sessions, participants can share their experiences and knowledge with others. They can then internalize the power of their messaging.
Did you know -A meta-analysis of 56 studies over a 24 year period, reported in the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, reports that group therapy was proven more effective with children and teenagers than other forms of therapy. The average child or adolescent treated by group treatment is better off than 73% of those in control groups.
The Benefits of Group Therapy -Group Therapy is like a fitness center for social skills. Teens emerge from a positive group experience with new interpersonal tools and abilities. They speak up in class, resist negative peer pressure, and stand up for themselves. Group work also helps teens increase their capacity for self-expression and emotional assertiveness. As their social insecurities begin to dissolve, they feel comfortable talking to peers or adults.
1. Social Confidence - Group sessions give kids a place to incorporate new ways of relating and developing better social behaviors. As they build confidence and develop a knack for speaking in groups, they become more comfortable asserting themselves in social situations in their daily life.
2. Better Communication Skills -Many teenagers have difficulty
communicating their emotions and tend to bottle up their feelings. Some
behaviors such as moodiness, irritability, and defiance are often triggered by
unrelieved emotional stress. In group therapy, teens are given the rare
opportunity to explore their feelings and fears with other teenagers. As they
develop better communication skills, they experience a surge in maturity.
3. Positive Peer Influences -Peer
pressure wields epic influence in young people’s lives in both positive and
negative ways. When kids are in the company of peers who are also struggling to
improve themselves and develop healthier ways of relating, they don’t feel so
alone. Each week, group members cheer and celebrate each other’s victories.
This positive environment provides kids with the confidence they need to
overcome self-doubts and take more social initiative.
4. Improved Relationships -Isolated
teens are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression; these teens withdraw from peers in an effort to quell fears and
insecurities. Group sessions offer teens a chance to develop better quality
peer relationships. Teens trapped in poor relationships at school are given a
chance to start again and become part of a peer community off of school grounds
that appreciates and values them.
5. Reduced Stress -Teens
often feel humiliated by social and academic pressures. Group work gives teens
relief from stress by providing them with an opportunity to unburden themselves
with peers who understand them. They learn to keep difficulties in perspective
and develop a healthy sense of humor.
A New Beginning -Not all teens are
equipped with good social skills. The sooner they become skilled at managing
themselves in groups, the better. Group therapy offers teens a rare chance to
develop social confidence and self-assurance. And that’s the best gift any teenager could ask for.
A note for the parents -Parents, please pay attention to your
teen’s emotional state. Refer to the BTR tab on the website of risk factors for
some of the signs. Are they irritable?
Keeping secrets or having emotional outbursts? Is your teen is exhibiting
symptoms of depression or is suddenly withdrawn from others? Group therapy can
help them regain their confidence by being heard, understood, validated, and
walk away feeling empowered and confident.
The BTR lounge is that safe environment.
The BTR Lounge is a free service we provide. Because no teenager should ever have to go without group therapy. The BTR Lounge is every other Tuesday at 6 pm to 7 pm. Please look for the Google Meets link the day of on our Instagram page @btrClothing and on our Facebook page @broughttoreality. Or email us at broughttoreality@gmail or DM us on Instagram to add you to our reminder list so you never have to miss the lounge.
