As a parent, you may be wondering if your teen would benefit more from individual therapy or group therapy. Both have their benefits, and ultimately the decision comes down to what will work better for your teen and what they are comfortable with. Ultimately, the differences between individual vs. group therapy promote healing in different ways but can provide well-rounded support.
At Beyond Healthcare, we use individual and group therapy to help adolescents and teens 11-17 learn to overcome their mental health conditions. With partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and virtual therapy options, we can help your teen find the support and structure they need. Find out how you can get started in our Toledo, Ohio center or a virtual program today by contacting us at 833.698.0453.
The Benefits of Individual Therapy for Teens
One of the benefits of individual therapy is that it allows your teen to speak freely without being judged by their peers. In group therapy, teens may feel like they need to put on a brave face or act like everything is okay when it’s not. In individual therapy, they can speak openly and honestly about their thoughts and feelings without worrying about being judged.
Individual therapy also offers a more customized approach since it’s just your teen and the therapist. The therapist can tailor the sessions to your teen’s specific needs and issues. In group therapy, the sessions are more focused on general topics that may not be as relevant to your teen’s situation.
The Benefits of Teen Group Therapy
Teen group therapy offers a sense of community and support that your teen may not find elsewhere. It allows them to meet other teens who are going through similar struggles. In group therapy, they can share their experiences and learn from others who understand what they’re going through.
Group therapy can also help build confidence and social skills. Teens who struggle with social anxiety or don’t have many friends may find it challenging to open up and connect with others. In group therapy, they can practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Teen Individual vs. Group Therapy Differences
Both individual and group therapy have their own unique benefits, but there are some key differences between the two:
- In individual therapy, it’s just your teen and the therapist. Whereas in group therapy, there are other teens present as well.
- In individual therapy, the therapist tailors the sessions to your teen’s specific needs. Whereas in group therapy, the sessions are more general in nature.
- In individual therapy, there is no peer support. In group therapy, teens can share their experiences with others who understand what they’re going through.
How Individual and Group Therapy Work Together
While both types of therapies offer unique benefits, most experts believe that the best approach is a combination of both individual and group therapies. This allows your teen to get the best of both worlds—the personalized attention of individual therapy and peer support of group therapy.
If you’re struggling to decide whether individual or group therapy is right for your teen, know that you’re not alone. Many parents face this same dilemma when trying to get their teens the help they need. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what will work better for your teen based on their needs and personality type. If you’re still unsure which option is best for your teen, reach out to a mental health professional for guidance.
Find Help at Beyond Healthcare
Beyond Healthcare supports families with teens struggling to overcome mental health challenges. Learn more about how individual vs. group therapy could help your teen learn to overcome their mental health challenges and build a future of wellness. Call 833.698.0453 or contact us online today to get started.
