Group Therapy for Teens (14-17)
You’ve noticed your teen is feeling alone and isolated.
They are struggling with deep depression and lack of motivation in school.
Your teen is stressed and it is impacting their sleep patterns.
They aren’t interested in their hygiene, education, and they seem disinterested in the things that used to bring them joy.
Being at home with your teen is stressful and your relationships are on thin ice.
The uncertainty of the pandemic caused anxiety and fear over issues your teen cannot control.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tough time for teens and adults alike. We are going through a pandemic and having to cope with constant change. Some adults are able to cope with this change, so they may forget how hard it is for their teen to deal with pandemic stress and loneliness. Seeking connection is natural and is a necessary part of servical. Remember, this year hit everyone hard, including your teen.
Lately, you’ve noticed your teen seems isolated, anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, lost, and fearful of the unknown future. They are used to engaging with friends and having some level of freedom. But, that has now been taken from them. They are lonely and feeling misunderstood.
Even though technology has provided some connection. It’s extremely normal for your teens to feel disconnected when they can’t see their loved ones and friends in-person. Furthermore, their social life is impacting their academic performance. These feelings are valid and understandable. They may explain why your teen seems off or temperamental lately. After all, nothing is normal.
Fear of the unknown is causing anxiety, which in turn is causing conflict and chaos in your teen’s life.
The uncertainty of how school or work will take place and not knowing what the future holds is causing family conflicts, arguments. Once school and social life was a safe haven for teens to escape, now it has become a nightmare that is ever-present and inescapable.
Likewise, your teen may be confused about their current identity and who they are supposed to become. In all honesty, I remember being a teen and all of the challenges I dealt with. So, I cannot imagine what your teen is going through during a pandemic but empathize with their struggles. This is a time when a teen would begin to discover who they are. They are becoming independent. The teenage years allow one to have new experiences, discover what the world has to offer, and carve their own path.
Teens don't have control over most things in their life, especially now, where every day brings new uncertainties. Not only is your teen struggling, but so is everyone else. There are no definite answers as to what comes next, but there is a way to build connections and allow them to discover themselves in a safe and healthy environment. Sometimes as parents, while we want to be our teen’s best friend or greatest, confidant. But, realistically we also know that sometimes we are the last person they want to talk to. Tension is boiling over and you feel like you don’t click with your teen anymore. No matter what, you want to help your teen thrive during this difficult time.
Common Signs Support Groups for Teen Girls in Long Beach, CA Could be a Good Fit.
As parents, you may wonder rather or not your teen would benefit from a teen girls support group. Teen girls who benefit from a support group often exhibit:
Stress
Angry
Loneliness
Lack of focus
Sadness
Overwhelm
Confusion
low-self esteem
Not wanting to leave their room
Avoiding people
Numbness
Feel out of control
Lack of interest in normal activities
Boredom
Dealing with emotional highs and lows often
I understand that what your teen is going through is unique. But, I believe that joining a group of like-minded young ladies who also share your situation can be the connection your child needs during this challenging time. This group is meant to help give teens an outlet with guidance and support from an external source. This allows your teen to vent. And, it gives parents a place to process their feelings and not take their teen’s attitude or emotions personally. Ultimately, this will help you and them establish healthy boundaries.
Group Therapy for teens in Long Beach, Orange County, and Los Angeles County, CA can help!
I help many parents and teens improve their communication during this support group. Tehis group helps teens begin to feel better about themselves and their situation. And, it helps them to feel relief at home because they don’t have to worry so much about your reaction as their parents. This is because you know that they are getting the mental health support they need. Support groups have been shown to have great impacts on adolescents and teens because they improve their overall wellness and quality of life, even during hard times. This group offers an environment to help find them and find their voice in a safe and supportive place. They will be able to share experiences and feel like they are not alone.
Common outcomes from this group include:
Your teen girl will begin to realize they are not alone
Build better social skills and connection
Develop better ways to cope and problem solve when life is difficult
Your daughter will be in a safe and supportive environment to discuss real issues
Set goals and work towards them with the support of a like-minded community
Reduced stress
Create new relationships
Building self-esteem
A place to decompress with their thoughts and feelings
Learn how to cope and manage, stress, anxiety, boundaries
We all go through seasons where the connection is needed to thrive and become the people we need to be. So why not give that opportunity to your teen. They are looking for relationships and better ways to cope just as anyone in this time is. Support groups can be a great option for those who are unsure of where to go to help their teen girls. I provide education on topics such as boundaries, self-development, self-care strategies, and overall help to empower your teenage girls.
Reasons Teens may Not Want to do Group Therapy
Fear of Judgement
Your teen already has limited control about what goes on in life, add a pandemic to this and it's just another path crumbling in their way to freedom. If your teen is hesitant about beginning therapy with a group it may be because they feel that they will be judged by yet another adult. Or with all the stress, anxiety, and worry pent up inside, they may be afraid of being told that they are lazy, something is wrong, or they lack potential. In new settings teens have to learn all over again what is acceptable, they may fear that they don't know how to communicate and be open with new people which then feeds into the fear that they may be rejected and more alone than before.
Everything they share will be shared with you
Teens may worry that if they are vulnerable about what is really going on, their problems will be shared with parents to use as ammunition against them. This group is confidential and the purpose of the group is to be an open and safe place for teen girls to share what they want to share and find a community of support under the guidance of the teen therapist. This is a group to come and help your teen relieve the stress of all the things they are going through. I'm here to listen and be present, and not to judge or try to "fix" your teen.
For Teens
You may be going through many different issues in your life, and that is ok. We are complex people and that is what makes us unique. My goal for you as we communicate is to develop healthy and alternative coping strategies that may help you process this time both as a teen girl and as an individual living in a pandemic. We will explore any questions you may have without bias or judgment, in order to provide acceptance and honor for who you are and where you are today. This is an opportunity to grow and meet new people with who you can build a strong connection. You may also wonder what the confidentiality process looks like for you. I value your privacy and your wishes on what to disclose, so long as you’re not in danger. Within the group, we will set boundaries on what is confidential. This is a safe space to share, it’s a non-judgemental, and open space for anyone and every one no matter how you identify.
For Parents
It's only natural as a parent for you to be alert as to what is happening with your teen. You may want to protect them from the “real” world as long as you can, but the real world is already here and your teen is beginning to move forward with more independence and develop their own character and opinions. As parents and caretakers, you give your all to your kids. But, during this space of connection and growth for your child, it's important to allow them to come to you with issues. It's key for you as you make this decision for you to involve your teen in the therapy process. Your teen is more likely to get more out of the process if you respect their autonomy and ability to decide if this is the right fit for them. Perhaps, you could introduce them to my about me page, explain what the group format looks like, and get their thoughts on the process.
And most importantly, while you want to know what is going on with your teen, it's better that information comes from them rather than me. Give them space and time to come to you, rather than feeling the urge to send me an email. If you have concerns about your child, know that I will be sending out a monthly newsletter updating parents on the topics and breakthroughs about the group. Unless your teen brings up a significant concern, I will not be disclosing information, just so the process can work for your teen.
Healing Generations Approach to Group Therapy for Teen Girls
I provide guidance and structure to the group so everyone has time to share something they are going through and would like to work on. We do activities to help us all connect with each other, and I provide education and suggestions on how to help them through these difficult times. We then share and get feedback from the rest of the group. The atmosphere of the group will be addressed upfront, so it is understood that we are here to bring each other up, and hold space for each other. My goal for you is to be authentic, empowered, and real about what is going on in a safe and healthy environment. My role is to provide direction and ideas as well as be here as an advocate for each individual girl in the support group.
The Details:
This is an ongoing support group that meets once a week. We will address various subjects that either I choose, or that the girls decide would help them best during that week. In order for girls to get to know each other, I recommend that at least a one-month commitment is made so that they are given ample time to decide if this is the right fit for them.
This group is a 90-minute format on Thursday evenings from 5-6:30 pm weekly. The cost for the group per session is $75 upfront. You can begin to sign up for groups in mid-February. Max capacity for the group is 6-8 girls at a time. The group may alternate between in-person and zoom meetings depending on the safety surrounding the pandemic. The goal is for this to be an outside group. To get started, either call my Long Beach, California office or send me an email.
What is holding you back from beginning a therapy support group for teen girls in Long Beach, CA?
Trying new things is scary. I understand that, but that is why I am here to help your teen girl figure out where to begin as they embark on the next phase of their lives and cope with the current situations they are facing. My goal for this group is to develop a feeling of community and understanding. To be less overwhelmed and anxious, and be more hopeful in finding happiness. For your teens to increase interest in being connected, safe, and more positive with themselves and others. Ultimately, what I want is for them to know they are not alone, and they are stronger than they know.
Begin Group Therapy in Long Beach, Orange County, and Los Angeles County, CA Today!
If you’re noticing your teen isn’t thriving as they once did, or that they are sinking even lower than before, it may be time to get them to help with support from therapy and a community of teen girls. Therapy support groups can help build confidence, self-esteem, and a better sense of self for teens and adolescents. My in-person and online Long Beach, California counseling office has Connie Hsu, a skilled teen therapist who specializes in running online support groups for teen girls, young girls, and adult women. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
Meet with Connie Hsu, a teen therapist
Start seeing your teen thrive and become the young adult they desire to be.
Other Mental Health Services at Healing Generations Counseling
Group therapy for teens isn’t the only service I offer in my Long Beach, CA counseling office. Other mental health services Healing Generations Counseling provides include individual therapy, family therapy, life transitions, divorce recovery, PTSD treatment and trauma therapy, marriage counseling and couples therapy, therapy for teens, and support groups for women. All sessions are offered via online therapy in California, with limited in-person options. My main specialty is in cross-cultural issues. If you’re dealing with hurt across generations, this may be a helpful service for you and your loved ones. Lastly, I also provide therapy for families and parents on how to best support their children. I offer blended family sessions, parent-child conflict counseling, and counseling for sibling rivalry. Get in touch today to see what services best suit you and your loved ones.