Group treatments with adolescents

This chapter examines theoretical approaches to group therapy with adolescents who present with mental health difficulties. Mental health nurses and other health care professionals can often be group therapists, and group therapy can provide an integral component of holistic care for young people with complex difficulties. The group can provide a safe arena for members to become aware of their thoughts and feelings and learn from others about how to reach their individual potential. The group setting offers an opportunity for skills building and a forum for modelling behaviours and interpersonal communication with peers. Adolescence is a developmental phase during which a number of important tasks are worked through in order to achieve independent adult functioning. These include identity formation, psychosexual maturity, working towards financial independence and developing and maintaining healthy sustaining relationships. The transition from dependent child to independent adult involves changing the balance of relationships with family and adolescent counterparts.