The Importance Of Group Counseling

Many people have a misconception about what Group Counseling is. Group Counseling is something that many people do not take into much consideration as a way to help others. Anyone that has not been part of a group counseling, could consider hard it to speak to strangers about their problems and issues without feeling insecure or afraid to be judged. Group Counseling is a great way to bring people together; a way for people to talk about their problems and realize that they are not alone, universality. Also, seeing what others are going through, gives the participants the opportunity to listen and learn.

Group therapy is a dynamic and interactive approach for emotional healing. For teenagers and pre-teens, it can be especially effective because so much of an adolescent’s emotional development is affected by how, when, or even if they feel connected to others. Instead of meeting with a counselor for individual or family therapy, a pre-teen or teenager is welcomed into one of our groups as an equal. In group counseling, they are encouraged to explore who they are, who they want to become, and safely challenge questions or issues that come up during this tumultuous period of their lives. They are stretching their comfort levels with the knowledge that they are supported by their peers.

While talking to teenage students in middle school, were asked about the kind of topics they would like to talk about if they were able to participate in group counseling. Some of the topics included depression, self-esteem/self-image, relationships, decision-making, and dealing with peer pressure at school, among others. “Depression is one of the most common diseases these days, which are known as mental flu. Adolescence also plays a pivotal an...

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...amily and school problems, loss, peer pressure, learning disabilities, social skills problems, divorce, self-harm, and eating disorders. Groups challenge girls to speak up and find positive and creative ways to deal with their problems.

For advice and support, adolescents often turn to their friends rather than their family members. Group therapy gives teens a safe place to share their struggles and challenges. Within a group context, teens are more eager to address problems, offer feedback, and work toward solutions with creativity, patience and persistence. Teens come to rely on one another’s input and take comfort in knowing they're not alone. Over time, they often develop close relationships that help build confidence and self-esteem. Group therapy also fosters skills that promote creative problem solving, healthy social interaction and effective communications.