Teen Group Therapy The Power of Peer Support
At Armstrong Family Counseling, we recognize that healing and personal growth often flourish within a supportive community. Teenagers in particular thrive in a supportive group environment with other group members in their same age range who share similar experiences.
Our teen group therapy services provide such an environment, where teenagers can connect, share experiences, gain insights, and learn together. Parents also participate and learn the same skills, helping to reinforce the new skills and behaviors at home.
Group therapy offers a unique dynamic that differs from individual counseling. It brings together teens facing similar challenges, which fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Participants benefit from diverse perspectives, gain insights into their own behaviors, and develop new coping strategies. This communal approach not only alleviates feelings of isolation but also reinforces the understanding that personal struggles are shared by others, creating a foundation for empathy and connection.
At Armstrong Family Counseling, our teen group therapy sessions are facilitated by experienced therapists who ensure a safe, confidential, and structured environment. Each group is tailored to address specific issues, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussions and activities relevant to their experiences. Through this collaborative process, teen participants can achieve personal growth, improve interpersonal skills, and build resilience alongside others on similar journeys.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy involves a small number of individuals meeting regularly under the guidance of a trained therapist to discuss and explore personal issues. Group sizes are kept small to allow each member of the group to benefit from participation. This therapeutic approach leverages the power of shared experiences, allowing participants to learn from each other, offer support, and develop new perspectives.
The teen group therapy format offers unique benefits for teenagers:
- Shared Experiences: Hearing the stories of other youth in similar circumstances can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation. Group members feel a sense of belonging and connection due to similar shared experiences.
- Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with a variety of viewpoints can lead to new insights and problem-solving strategies. Hearing how other teens have addressed similar circumstances provides new insights.
- Skill Development: Group settings offer opportunities to practice social and coping skills in a supportive environment.
Families choose group therapy for their teens for several reasons, including the desire for increased community support, the opportunity to learn from others, or as a complementary therapy along with individual counseling. In certain skills-based teen group therapy courses at Armstrong Family Counseling, parents attend with their teen to create a shared foundation of learning and reinforce new skills at home.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Participating in group therapy offers numerous advantages that contribute to personal growth and well-being:
Shared Understanding and Support
Connecting with others who have similar experiences fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. This shared understanding provides emotional support and validation, which are crucial for healing.
Diverse Perspectives and Insights
Group members bring varied viewpoints and coping strategies, enriching the learning experience. Exposure to different approaches can inspire new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Regular interaction within the group setting encourages the development of effective communication and active listening skills. These improvements can positively impact relationships outside the therapy environment.
Increased Self-Awareness
Sharing personal stories and receiving feedback from others can lead to greater self-understanding. Recognizing personal patterns and behaviors is a vital step toward meaningful change.
Cost-Effective Therapy Option
Group therapy often provides a more affordable alternative to individual sessions while still delivering substantial therapeutic benefits. This makes group therapy especially attractive for those who have a high deductible insurance plan or who are paying out of pocket for therapy.
Development of Coping Strategies
Learning from others' experiences equips participants with a broader toolkit of coping mechanisms to handle life's challenges more effectively.
Teen Group Therapy Classes in Kansas City
At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we offer several teen-oriented group therapy courses. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the specific needs of teens, their parents, and families.
DBT Skills Group for Teens
The DBT Skills Group for Teens helps teens learn practical tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthy relationships. A unique aspect of this skills group is that parents are included. A parent is present at every session to ensure the skills learned actually carry over at home. The course is evidence-based, structured, and designed to reduce conflict and increase calm.Parents and teens meet together and separately during the sessions.
What This Group Covers:
- Teens practice skills for emotional regulation, core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance
- Parents learn the same language and skills to reinforce coaching at home
- The group is skills-focused; every session includes teaching, practice, and a home assignment
Who This Group Is For:
- Teens who struggle with big feelings, anxiety/depression, impulsivity, self-criticism, or relationship conflict
- Teens who struggle with family or personal relationships or have a fear of abandonment
- Teens who struggle with big emotions
Parents of teens dealing with these issues
When Does the Group Meet
The DBT Skills Group for Teens meets on Wednesdays at 5:00 pm at our Overland Park location. The course is a revolving 8-week curriculum and you can join at any point.
Is the DBT Skills for Teens Group Covered by Insurance?
Yes! Group therapy is typically covered by insurance. However, if your insurance does not cover the class, we have very reasonable self-pay options.
Group Requirements:
- A parent or legal guardian must attend every session with the teen (both parents are welcome if space allows)
- The teen must be in individual therapy while enrolled in the DBT Skills Group
ADHD Teen Skills Group
This skills-based group is designed for teens who struggle with attention, organization, emotional intensity, and follow-through. Many participants have ADHD, though a diagnosis is not required to benefit. The group focuses on practical strategies that teens can use immediately at school, at home, and in relationships.
Rather than traditional group therapy, this group functions as a skills class. Teens learn how ADHD affects time, motivation, emotions, and responsibility—and how to build systems that work with their brains instead of against them. Topics include managing time blindness, increasing motivation, regulating big emotions, handling rejection sensitivity, improving organization, and developing healthy accountability without shame.
The group uses an 8-week revolving curriculum, allowing teens to join at any point in the cycle. Each session stands on its own while also connecting to broader skill development. Parent involvement is optional and encouraged, helping families learn the same tools and support skill use outside of group.
What This Group Covers:
- Understanding how ADHD affects time, motivation, and emotions
- Building systems that work with your brain instead of against it
- Managing time blindness
- Improving organization and increasing motivation
Who This Group Is For
This group is ideal for teens who:
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Feel overwhelmed or disorganized
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Struggle with emotional reactions or impulsivity
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Want practical tools—not just talk
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Are tired of feeling like they’re “trying but failing”
Teen Group: Overcoming Anxiety & Depression
Teenagers today are under more pressure than ever before. Social media, academic stress, friendship struggles, and identity confusion all contribute to rising rates of anxiety and depression. Many teens feel alone, misunderstood, or unsure of how to navigate their emotions.
This group provides a safe, structured space where teens can openly discuss their struggles while also learning practical tools for managing stress, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm.
What This Group Covers:
- Understanding how anxiety and depression affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- Developing healthy coping strategies to reduce stress and emotional overwhelm.
- Navigating social pressures, friendships, and family relationships in a constructive way.
- Building self-confidence and self-acceptance through group support.
Who This Group Is For:
- Teens struggling with persistent worry, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness.
- Adolescents who feel isolated or disconnected from their peers.
- Teens who want to develop stronger emotional regulation and coping skills.
Teen Group Therapy in Kansas City
At Armstrong Family Counseling, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for teenagers and families, where individuals can come together to heal, learn, and grow. Our teen group therapy sessions are facilitated by experienced professionals dedicated to supporting each participant's journey toward well-being.
How to Start Teen Group Therapy
To get started, call us at (913) 204-0582 or submit your information below. We look forward to seeing you!
