How Group Therapy Helps Kids Grow

Group therapy gives children and adolescents a chance to connect with others their age in a supportive, therapist-led environment. It helps reduce feelings of isolation, builds important social-emotional skills, and offers kids a space to express themselves while learning from shared experiences.

We offer developmentally appropriate group therapy options tailored to specific age groups:

Child-Centered Group Play Therapy (Ages 3–10)

For younger children, we use child-centered group play therapy, a play-based approach that allows kids to express emotions, process experiences, and practice social skills through play—their most natural form of communication. In a small, consistent group setting, children build trust, learn empathy, and develop important tools like cooperation, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. This type of therapy is especially helpful for children who may struggle with peer relationships, anxiety, or big emotional reactions.

Activity-Based and Talk-Focused Group Therapy (Ages 11–17)

For preteens and teens, group therapy combines discussion with creative or hands-on activities designed to meet their developmental needs. These groups provide a space to explore identity, manage stress, build self-esteem, and strengthen communication. Teens often find comfort in knowing they’re not alone and benefit from hearing others’ perspectives while learning to express their own in healthy, respectful ways.

Across all age groups, group therapy encourages connection, confidence, and emotional growth—helping children and teens feel supported not just by a therapist, but by their peers as well.