Since you have stumbled upon this guide, you’ve probably decided that group therapy may be a good solution for your child, but you don’t exactly know what to expect. If it is so, you can find the answers to all of your questions here.
Group therapy allows children to interact with others who are experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
But how does it work? How is it different from a classroom or a regular extracurricular activity? Will the therapist give your child the attention they need? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from finding the right group therapist to understanding how group therapy can benefit your child.
Why We Suggest Group Therapy For Children
As a parent, you may be unsure about whether group therapy is the right fit for your child. Some children thrive in individual therapy sessions, while others benefit more from group settings. So, why choose group therapy?
- Peer Support: In group therapy, children learn that they are not alone in their struggles. Seeing their peers go through similar issues helps reduce feelings of isolation and can significantly boost their self-esteem.
- Skill Development: Group therapy provides a space where children can practice social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution, in a safe environment.
- Variety of Perspectives: In group therapy, children are exposed to a variety of perspectives and experiences. This can help them develop empathy and understand that there are different ways to handle challenges.
- Cost-Effective: Group therapy sessions tend to be more affordable than individual therapy, which can be an important factor for some families.
The Group as a Safe Haven
Looking for proof?
One of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is the creation of a safe space where children feel accepted and understood. Take, for example, a real-life case of a successful therapy group that ran for five years through funding from Los Angeles Child Development Center.
This group consisted of children with a variety of struggles: one child was incredibly shy, another struggled to speak in public, one child was coping with obesity and the shame associated with it, while others came from homes with parents in rehab or abusive environments. They were really different, but all shared a deep fear for the world around them.
In this group, the children gradually developed a strong sense of camaraderie. They learned that they could rely on their peers for support, even when everything else in their lives seemed to be falling apart. Through trial and error, the group members learned valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and emotional survival. They realized that, even in their darkest moments, they weren’t alone. This kind of emotional support can be life-changing for children.
Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy?
Children, obviously.
And yet, some more than the others.
Group therapy for children is highly effective for a variety of emotional, behavioral, and psychological conditions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the children who might benefit:
Children with Social Anxiety
They can’t raise their voice, or even raise their hand in class?
Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to help adolescents with social anxiety overcome their fear of interacting with others. Research shows that teens who participate in group CBT report reductions in anxiety both during and after treatment.
Children with Depression
You have observed that your child doesn’t want to do anything, and if they do, they do so in excess. Everything is boring, brushing their teeth takes hours, they don’t like the food, they don’t invite home any friends.
Group therapy can be particularly effective for children dealing with depression. In a group setting, children can share their experiences and develop coping mechanisms with the support of both their peers and a therapist. Group-based cognitive behavioral programs have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and maintain improvements over time.
Children with ADHD
They get distracted in class, can’t wait for their turn, and shout the answer without raising their hand. Not to forget that they constantly interrupt your conversations at dinner.
Children with ADHD often struggle with social skills and impulse control. In group therapy, they can practice following directions, taking turns, and recognizing emotions in others, fostering sympathy, and building patience, which can help them improve their behavior both at home and in school.
Children with Emotional Instability
Does your child threaten to leave the house, go through anger episodes, get physically violent, or cannot express their feelings at all?
Group therapy has also been shown to reduce aggression and disruptive behavior in children who struggle with emotional instability. Studies show that boys in particular benefit from group therapy focused on emotional regulation and self-esteem building.
Children Witnessing Divorce
Even if your child isn’t showing outward signs of distress, children going through a family divorce often struggle with feelings of abandonment, confusion, and anger. Group therapy for children going through divorce can provide them with a safe space to express their emotions and learn that they aren’t alone in their experience.
Divorce affects children in different ways depending on their age and developmental stage. Younger children may struggle with feelings of self-blame, while older children may experience anger or feelings of betrayal. In group therapy, children can explore these feelings in a structured setting, and through psychoeducational interventions, they can learn healthy coping strategies to navigate the changes in their family.
What Happens at Group Therapy for Children?
A typical group therapy session for children is designed to be engaging and interactive, incorporating various activities tailored to the needs of the group. Although they can have various structures, Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Icebreakers: At the beginning of each session, the therapist may introduce icebreakers to help the children feel more comfortable and ease into the session. These activities are designed to reduce anxiety and encourage children to open up.
- Progress Check-ins: Therapists often begin by checking in with each child to assess their progress. This could involve discussing journal entries, talking about their week, or reviewing any challenges they faced since the last session.
- Group Activities: Group activities are designed to help children practice important skills such as problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation. Role-playing exercises, craft building, and group discussions are common ways children work together to address their challenges.
- Expressive Activities: For children with anxiety or depression, creative activities like drawing or painting can be a powerful way to express their emotions. These activities are often incorporated into group therapy to help children process their feelings.
- Bonding Activities: To strengthen group cohesion, therapists may use storytelling or role-playing activities that allow children to discuss their problems in an indirect, non-threatening way. For example, children may be asked to describe their ideal family or create a story where they can safely explore their emotions.
- Goodbye Activities: Sessions often end with positive closure activities, such as singing, expressing gratitude, or journaling, to leave the children feeling uplifted and connected.
How Do I Find a Group Counselor?
Finding the right group counselor for your child is a critical step in the process. Group therapists are mental health professionals with specialized training in both therapy techniques and child development.
When looking for a group counselor, consider the following:
- Qualifications: Group therapists should have formal training in developmental psychology or human development, with a focus on childhood and adolescence. Look for professionals who have completed internships or supervised experiences in settings where they have worked with children and groups.
- Experience: Ask the therapist about their experience working with children in group settings. It’s important to find someone who understands the unique dynamics of group therapy and knows how to manage a diverse group of children with different needs.
- Group Size and Composition: Talk to the therapist about how they select children for their groups. Groups that are too large may prevent your child from receiving adequate attention, while groups that are too small may limit social interaction. It’s also important to ensure that the children in the group are facing similar challenges to ensure that the group dynamic is supportive and productive.
- Location and Accessibility: If in-person sessions are important to you, find a therapist who offers group sessions near your home or your child’s school. If in-person therapy isn’t accessible, many therapists now offer online group therapy options, which can be just as effective.
What If I Don’t Have Access The Right Counselor?
In some cases, children may not be able to attend in-person therapy due to physical limitations, geographic isolation, or specific health conditions. Fortunately, online group therapy for children is a growing option that offers the same benefits as traditional therapy.
Online group counseling can be particularly helpful for children with anxiety, as it allows them to engage in therapy from the safety and comfort of their own home. Sessions are conducted through video conferencing platforms, where children can interact with their therapist and peers just as they would in an in-person setting.
If you’re interested in online group therapy for your child, reach out to a therapist who offers virtual sessions or explore telehealth platforms specializing in child mental health. To inquire about our online group sessions, contact us here.
Why Go Online?
Online group therapy offers a convenient and accessible option for parents who may not have local group therapy options available. With internet access, your child can still benefit from therapy without the need to leave home. This can be particularly helpful for children who experience anxiety or for families living in rural or underserved areas.
Virtual group therapy has become more popular in recent years and offers the same professional guidance and peer support as in-person sessions, making it a viable alternative for many families.
What to Discuss with the Counselor Beforehand
Before your child begins group therapy, it’s possible to have an open discussion with the therapist about your child’s needs. Here are some key questions you might want to ask:
- What specific issues should I be concerned about with my child’s behavior?
- How long do you think therapy will take for my child to make progress?
- What are the specific goals of the group?
- How many children are in the group, and will my child receive enough attention?
- Can I check in with you about my child’s progress?
- What can I do to support my child at home between sessions?
Having a thorough conversation with the therapist will help you feel more confident in the process and ensure that the group is a good fit for your child.
Invest in Your Child’s Potential
Group therapy for children is an invaluable tool for helping kids navigate their emotional and social challenges. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or the stress of life circumstances, group therapy offers them the chance to learn, grow, and heal in a supportive environment.
By investing in your child’s potential now, you’re setting them up for a brighter future where they can confidently face their challenges and succeed. Take the first step by finding the right group therapist and giving your child the support they need to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
While individual therapy provides one-on-one interaction between the child and therapist, group therapy offers a more social, interactive experience. In group therapy, children learn to communicate, cooperate, and solve problems with their peers, giving them real-time opportunities to practice and improve social skills. Group therapy also helps children realize that they are not alone in their experiences, which can be especially reassuring for children dealing with anxiety, depression, or family issues.
It’s normal for children to feel nervous or uncomfortable at the beginning of group therapy, especially if they are shy or anxious. However, therapists are trained to create a welcoming and supportive environment, using icebreakers and fun activities to help children relax and feel more comfortable. Over time, children typically warm up to the group, building trust and forming connections with their peers.
When looking for a group therapist, ensure that they have specialized training in both child development and group therapy techniques. It’s important to ask about the therapist’s experience working with children in a group setting, as well as their qualifications in developmental psychology or counseling. You can search for group therapy programs through local mental health clinics, schools, or online platforms that specialize in children’s mental health services. You can also benefit from innovative solutions like UnderStory Kids’ play therapy sessions.
Parents are typically not present during group therapy sessions, as this allows children to speak more freely and interact with their peers without feeling self-conscious. However, therapists will often communicate with parents to update them on their child’s progress and provide guidance on how to support their child’s growth at home. Parents are also encouraged to discuss any concerns or observations with the therapist before or after sessions.
If your child has specific needs, such as anxiety about attending in-person therapy, or if your family lives in a remote area, online group therapy may be a great option. Many therapists offer virtual sessions, allowing your child to participate from home. If online therapy is something you are considering, ask potential therapists if they offer this option and how it works in terms of technology and interaction.
