Group Therapy Activities Adolescents: New Year, New Opportunities

Read about teenagers participating in group therapy activities for personal growth and connection.

Learn more about Individual Therapy for Teens.

In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

The importance of group therapy for teens
Engaging group therapy activities for the New Year
How these activities help build connections and resilience
How to adapt these activities for home or school

Why Group Therapy is Beneficial for Adolescents

Adolescence is a critical time for personal development, and group therapy provides a safe space for teens to express themselves, build relationships, and gain support from peers who share similar challenges. Group therapy activities encourage communication, self-awareness, and teamwork, which are essential for growth. As we enter a new year 2025, incorporating fresh and engaging activities can inspire adolescents to set meaningful goals, foster connections, and embrace positive changes. These activities can also be adapted for settings like home or school, making them accessible to teens outside of traditional therapy groups.

Top Teenage Group Therapy Activities for the New Year

Here are some of our favorite activities to kickstart the New Year with energy and intention. These can be easily done at home or school to foster connection and growth:

1. Vision Boards for the Year Ahead

Teens create vision boards using magazines, stickers, and other craft supplies. This activity helps them visualize their goals and dreams for the year while discussing their aspirations with others.

At Home: Families can turn this into a fun craft night, encouraging each member to share their board.
At School: Teachers or counselors can organize this as a class activity, focusing on personal and academic goals.
Therapeutic Focus: Goal-setting, creativity, and sharing.

2. Compliment Circle

Group members sit in a circle and take turns giving compliments to the person next to them. This activity promotes positivity, self-esteem, and group bonding.

At Home: Family members can participate during a meal or family gathering.
At School: This can be part of a classroom activity or club meeting.
Therapeutic Focus: Building self-worth and positive reinforcement.

3. Gratitude Jar

Each participant writes down something they’re grateful for and places it in a jar. At the end of the session, the group reflects on the collected gratitude notes.

At Home: Place the jar in a common area and encourage everyone to contribute throughout the week.
At School: Use it in a homeroom or advisory session to cultivate mindfulness.
Therapeutic Focus: Cultivating gratitude and mindfulness.

4. Role-Playing Scenarios

Adolescents practice handling various social or emotional situations through role-play. This helps them build confidence and develop problem-solving skills.

At Home: Siblings or parents can join in to explore scenarios relevant to family life or friendships.
At School: Ideal for drama classes or as part of social-emotional learning programs.
Therapeutic Focus: Enhancing social skills and empathy.

5. Team Challenges

Engage teens in fun activities like solving puzzles, completing obstacle courses, or trivia games that require collaboration.

At Home: Use board games or online trivia apps to foster teamwork.
At School: Organize as a classroom competition or club activity.
Therapeutic Focus: Teamwork, communication, and trust-building.

6. New Year Reflection and Sharing Circle

Facilitate a discussion where participants reflect on the past year—challenges, successes, and lessons learned—and share their hopes for the year ahead.

At Home: Create a cozy setting during a family meeting or dinner.
At School: Host this activity in advisory groups or with a school counselor.
Therapeutic Focus: Emotional processing and fostering openness.

Group Therapy Ideas for Teens

When planning group therapy for teens, it's essential to include activities that are both engaging and meaningful. Here are some versatile ideas that encourage personal growth, connection, and emotional resilience:

1. Icebreaker Games

Start sessions with fun icebreakers like "Two Truths and a Lie" or "Would You Rather." These activities help teens feel comfortable and build trust within the group.

Why It Works: Breaks the ice, encourages interaction, and sets a positive tone for the session.

2. Emotional Check-Ins

Use a feelings wheel or emoji cards to help teens express their emotions. Each participant takes a turn sharing how they feel and why.

Why It Works: Promotes emotional awareness and communication skills.

3. Goal-Setting Workshops

Encourage teens to set short-term and long-term goals. Pair this with reflective activities like journaling or discussing strategies for achieving their goals.

Why It Works: Builds motivation, focus, and a sense of accomplishment.

4. Collaborative Art Projects

Organize a group mural or collage where everyone contributes. The artwork can represent themes like growth, resilience, or teamwork.

Why It Works: Fosters creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

5. Story Sharing

Invite participants to share a story about a challenge they’ve overcome. Provide prompts to guide the discussion, such as "A time I felt proud of myself."

Why It Works: Builds empathy, self-confidence, and deeper connections within the group.

6. Stress-Relief Activities

Introduce relaxation techniques such as mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or guided meditations. These activities help teens manage stress and develop coping strategies.

Why It Works: Encourages mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and teaches practical stress-relief skills.

Therapy for Teens at Mountains Therapy NJ

While we do not currently offer group therapy sessions, Mountains Therapy NJ provides high-quality individual therapy for teens online. Our virtual therapy sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of adolescents, offering a safe and supportive environment to address their challenges and work toward their goals—all from the comfort of home.

Start the New Year with Support and Growth

Whether at home, school, or through online therapy, there are countless ways to support teens on their journey to emotional wellness. If your teen is looking to build confidence, manage stress, or achieve personal growth, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our online therapy services for teens in Montclair, NJ, and beyond.