By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
Social confidence isn’t something children are born with — it’s something they build through experience, support, and practice. That’s why group therapy for kids is such a powerful tool for developing emotional and social resilience.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, our children’s and teen groups in Brooklyn are designed to help young people understand emotions, connect with peers, and handle real-world challenges with confidence. Through creative approaches like play therapy and art therapy, kids learn that expressing themselves — and being heard — can feel safe, empowering, and even fun.
Why Social Skills Matter More Than Ever
In today’s world, children face new pressures: navigating friendships, managing social media, and coping with academic expectations — all while still learning who they are. Strong social skills help them communicate effectively, build empathy, and handle conflict without shutting down or acting out.
When these skills don’t come naturally, children can become anxious, withdrawn, or overly dependent on others for reassurance. Group therapy provides the missing bridge between self-awareness and social competence, allowing kids to practice healthy interaction in a supportive, structured space.
Group Therapy: The Power of Learning Together
Unlike individual therapy, where a child works one-on-one with a clinician, group therapy introduces peer learning — one of the most effective ways children absorb and retain new skills.
Each group session is guided by a licensed therapist who teaches social and emotional regulation through play, discussion, and creative expression. The environment is structured yet flexible, ensuring kids feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from one another.
Children quickly see that others share similar fears and frustrations. This sense of belonging — knowing they’re not alone — often marks the turning point in their confidence journey.
Building Emotional Awareness: The First Step
Every successful social interaction begins with emotional awareness. Before kids can connect with others, they must recognize and manage their own feelings.
Our Children’s Emotional Processing Groups help kids:
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Identify and label emotions using visuals like “feeling charts” or the emotional weather wheel
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Learn coping strategies such as breathing exercises or grounding activities
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Express emotions constructively rather than through outbursts or avoidance
Through play and guided reflection, children discover that emotions aren’t “good” or “bad” — they’re signals that can be understood and managed. Once they can name what they feel, it becomes easier to communicate those feelings to others.
For Teens: Overcoming Social Anxiety in a Supportive Setting
Adolescence brings new challenges — and for many teens, social situations can feel overwhelming. Fear of judgment, perfectionism, or low self-esteem can keep them from speaking up, joining activities, or forming healthy friendships.
Our Teen Social Anxiety Groups provide a safe, compassionate space where young people learn to manage fear and rebuild confidence. Therapists use evidence-based techniques — including cognitive-behavioral tools, mindfulness, and role-playing — to help teens:
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Recognize negative self-talk and replace it with balanced thinking
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Practice social interactions in a nonjudgmental group setting
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Receive constructive feedback from peers and therapists
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Develop relaxation techniques for managing anxiety symptoms
By seeing peers face similar struggles, teens gain perspective and learn that confidence isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up and trying again.
Play Therapy: Confidence Through Creativity
Play therapy is at the heart of many children’s group programs. Through games, storytelling, and imaginative activities, children can safely explore social roles and challenges.
A simple board game can become a lesson in patience and teamwork; a pretend scenario can teach empathy and problem-solving. Play therapy gives children a natural, low-pressure way to practice the same skills they’ll use at school, home, and beyond.
In groups, play therapy encourages:
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Collaboration: working with others toward a shared goal
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Perspective-taking: understanding how others think and feel
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Resilience: managing frustration or disappointment during play
These sessions transform therapy into something enjoyable — helping children grow without even realizing they’re learning.
Art Therapy: Finding a Voice Without Words
For some children and teens, verbal communication is difficult — especially when emotions feel too big to explain. Art therapy provides an alternative form of expression.
Using drawing, painting, or sculpting, participants can explore identity, relationships, and self-worth. The process of creating art allows them to communicate complex emotions safely and symbolically.
In a group setting, art therapy helps build empathy as children share their creations and stories. They learn that everyone’s experiences are valid and that vulnerability can strengthen connection rather than weaken it.
Real-Life Benefits: What Parents Notice
After just a few sessions, parents often report seeing meaningful changes at home and school. Kids begin to:
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Initiate conversations more easily
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Handle frustration with greater calm
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Use words to express feelings instead of acting out
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Show empathy toward siblings and classmates
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Participate more confidently in group activities
These improvements aren’t confined to therapy — they ripple outward, shaping healthier relationships and stronger self-esteem.
Accessibility and Affordability in Brooklyn
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we believe mental health support should be accessible to every family. Our Brooklyn practice accepts major insurance plans — including (Cigna, Aetna, Fidelis Care, 1199SEIU) — and offers affordable private-pay rates.
By keeping group therapy affordable, we ensure that more children and teens can benefit from high-quality emotional support. We also provide flexible scheduling to accommodate school hours and family routines.
Preparing Kids for Life Beyond the Therapy Room
The ultimate goal of group therapy isn’t just progress in sessions — it’s real-world readiness. The communication, empathy, and self-regulation skills children learn here translate directly into success at home, in school, and in friendships.
When children can understand themselves and others, handle challenges calmly, and connect with confidence, they’re not just coping — they’re thriving.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we help make that transformation possible through compassionate care, creative therapy, and a deep belief in every child’s potential.
If you’re looking for a nurturing space where your child can learn, connect, and grow, group therapy may be the first step toward lifelong resilience.
FAQs
1) What types of social skills do children learn in group therapy?
Kids learn communication, active listening, empathy, cooperation, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation — all essential for healthy friendships and classroom behavior.
2) How does group therapy help with social anxiety?
Group therapy offers a supportive environment where children and teens can safely practice interactions. Therapists guide role-play and discussion to reduce fear, replace negative thoughts, and build confidence in social situations.
3) Can art therapy and play therapy be part of group sessions?
Yes. Creative methods like art therapy and play therapy are powerful tools in groups. They help children express emotions, build connection, and practice teamwork in fun, nonverbal ways.
4) How long does it take for kids to see progress in group therapy?
Many children begin showing small changes — such as improved participation or better communication — after a few weeks. Long-term consistency (8–12 sessions or more) often leads to lasting emotional and behavioral growth.
5) Are group therapy sessions covered by insurance?
Yes. Resilient Mind Psychotherapy accepts major plans including Cigna, Aetna, Fidelis Care, and 1199SEIU, making therapy more accessible and affordable for Brooklyn families.
References
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American Group Psychotherapy Association (2023). Benefits of Group Therapy for Youth Development.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/continuing-education-group-therapy
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Association for Play Therapy (2022). The Therapeutic Power of Play in Emotional Learning.
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American Art Therapy Association (2023). Creative Expression and Emotional Growth in Children.
https://arttherapy.org/
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National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Social Anxiety in Adolescents.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder -
Landreth, G. (2021). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. Routledge Press.
