There are many different types of treatment for teenagers who struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression or substance-abuse problems. Individual therapy and family therapy are two popular types of treatment for adolescents. Group therapy is one type of treatment that is sometimes overlooked but can be extremely beneficial for adolescents who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Universality
One of the benefits of group therapy is universality, which is a term that therapists use to describe the process when group members realize that they aren't alone in their struggles. Knowing that other teenagers are addicted to alcohol or struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder is a benefit that comes from group therapy. Members realize they are not odd or weird because they have problems. Other adolescents have the same problems. When there is a group of teenagers who struggle with similar issues, it helps to make the group more cohesive. They relate to each other and learn to support each other.
Advice
Most teenagers are more likely to take advice from a peer than an adult. A teen's therapist can tell him that he should cut back on his drug use, because he's putting his life in danger, but he's more likely to hear and take the advice if it comes from a peer. Adolescents may not be as defensive if they're getting advice from other teenagers who have already dealt with the same types of problems.
Social Skills
In group therapy, each group member takes on similar roles they play in their families and among their friends. For example, a teenager who's the scapegoat in her family will probably become the scapegoat in the group. Each group member's personality comes out over time within the group structure. The teen who always interrupts her friends and teachers will probably interrupt the other group members and the group leader. This is a huge learning opportunity, because the group members and the leader can help the member understand how others perceive her. She can build healthier social skills and apply them in the real world.
If a group member is shy, slowing participating in group therapy is a way to build social skills in a safe environment. Once the teen begins to trust group members, she might open up and discuss her own problems.
Observation
Adolescents who don't take an active role in the group environment can learn from observing the group. The teen doesn't have to participate in a conversation, role play or activity in order to learn from the other members. Every day he shows up, there is a chance he'll take something positive away from the group.
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