One of the most powerful and effective types of therapy for depression offered by adolescent treatment centers is group therapy. This type of therapy is also essential for treating several concerns in addition to depression, including anger, anxiety, addiction, and others. A group therapy program can make all the difference in the outcome of depression treatment for teenage boys.
Group counseling offers opportunities and benefits that other types of therapy can’t provide, making it a boon to teens seeking help. If you know an adolescent boy who might benefit from group therapy for depression, addiction, or another concern, contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275.
Why Group Counseling for Depression Is Important
Group therapy involves several people gathering together to discuss various topics related to their treatment. Groups comprise several people who have shared similar experiences, and sessions typically last anywhere from one to two hours. Participating in group counseling can help teens recognize that they are not alone.
The frequency of group therapy sessions varies. Some teens attend sessions every day or every other day, and some may attend once or twice each week. Treating depression with group therapy can prevent or address the use of substances as a coping mechanism for troublesome mental health concerns.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
Group counseling affords a variety of benefits to everyone involved. It’s essential that adolescents and their parents or guardians understand those benefits, too. Some of these include:
- The ability to problem-solve with people their own age and gender
- An opportunity to establish support networks and friendships
- The chance to bring to light new perspectives
- Access to a strong force against isolation
Joining group therapy for depression can be an intimidating idea at first, but it’s a universal therapy that helps almost everyone who participates.
Problem-Solving with Peers
People of all ages find this type of therapy helpful because they work with peers of their own age and gender to solve problems and support each other. Our group counseling provides a setting in which adolescent boys ages 14-17 can use other group members as sounding boards for topics that are part of the discussion.
Support Networks and Friendships
In addition, friendships can develop between group members, establishing and strengthening the support networks that are critical for our clients. Many of the relationships and friendships forged during our group therapy sessions remain well after therapy ends, which can help ward off depression for years into the future. They can also provide the accountability participants need once treatment is complete.
New Perspectives and Points of View
When our clients have regular opportunities to listen and talk to others, it cultivates a sharing and trusting environment. In such an environment, people can more easily see their behaviors and thoughts in ways they may have never considered. A change in perspective can bring about important, healthy breakthroughs.
Counteracts Isolation
Isolation is a common feeling for adolescent boys who have depression, and group therapy sessions excel at helping participants see that they are not alone in how they feel and think.
When teenage boys participate in group counseling sessions, they can engage with others who have gone through similar experiences, which lessens feelings of loneliness.
Group Therapy for Depression with Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Group counseling is an exceptional tool that helps teenage boys with various mental health concerns, including depression. In addition to group therapy, we offer other services for adolescent boys, including family therapy, psychological testing, trauma therapy, and more.
If you think group therapy might help you or you know a teenage boy who might need this therapy, reach out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275.