By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
Emotional well-being during childhood and adolescence is just as important as physical health — yet it’s often overlooked until challenges begin to affect school, friendships, or family life. For many parents, the question becomes: how can I help my child receive the emotional support they need without overwhelming our schedule or budget?
That’s where group therapy for kids comes in. At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, group programs in Brooklyn provide an affordable, evidence-based way for children and teens to build confidence, social skills, and emotional awareness — all within a warm, supportive community.
Why Group Therapy Works
Group therapy helps children realize they’re not alone. Whether struggling with anxiety, shyness, low self-esteem, or emotional regulation, kids and teens benefit from being around peers who understand their challenges.
Unlike individual therapy, where conversations happen one-on-one, group therapy allows participants to practice new skills in real-life social situations. They learn how to express themselves, listen to others, and handle feedback — all essential tools for growing up in today’s world.
Licensed therapists guide these sessions using structured activities such as role-plays, art, mindfulness, and play-based exercises. Over time, kids begin to apply these lessons outside of therapy — in the classroom, at home, and in friendships.
The Power of Play and Art in Therapy
Children communicate best through play. Toys, stories, and art become the language they use to process experiences that may be too complex or painful to explain in words.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, play therapy and art therapy are integral parts of many children’s group programs. Through creative expression, kids can safely explore emotions like fear, sadness, or anger while discovering healthy ways to manage them.
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Play therapy helps younger children act out situations, gain perspective, and learn problem-solving skills in a natural way.
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Art therapy offers teens a way to externalize inner emotions and transform them into something tangible and meaningful.
These methods don’t just help children cope — they help them grow emotionally, increasing self-awareness and self-esteem.
Accessible, Affordable Care for Brooklyn Families
Quality mental health care shouldn’t be a luxury. That’s why Resilient Mind Psychotherapy is committed to keeping group therapy accessible and affordable for local families.
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Insurance Coverage: We proudly accept major insurance plans including Cigna, Aetna, Fidelis Care and 1199SEIU, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for families.
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Reasonable Private Pay Rates: For those without coverage, affordable session options make it possible for more children to receive consistent care.
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Ongoing Groups: Unlike short-term workshops, many groups at Resilient Mind run continuously, providing lasting support and stability throughout the school year.
This accessibility ensures that children can focus on building emotional skills — not worrying about financial barriers.
Who Benefits Most from Group Therapy?
Group therapy can help a wide range of kids and teens, including those who:
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Feel anxious or withdrawn in social situations
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Struggle with self-confidence or self-esteem
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Have difficulty expressing emotions appropriately
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Experience stress related to school or peer pressure
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Need support adjusting to life changes such as divorce or relocation
Even children without a formal diagnosis can benefit. Group therapy teaches emotional intelligence, empathy, and teamwork — life skills that serve them well into adulthood.
What a Typical Session Looks Like
Group sessions are structured but flexible, blending discussion with interactive activities that make learning enjoyable.
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Check-in: Kids share how they’re feeling using simple tools like “emotion wheels” or colors.
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Skill-building activity: The group explores topics like self-confidence, mindfulness, or communication through games, art, or guided conversation.
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Reflection: Members discuss what they learned and set a small goal to practice during the week.
Groups are kept small to ensure every participant receives personal attention. Each session is led by licensed clinicians trained in child development, play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
Why Group Therapy Is So Effective
Research consistently shows that group therapy offers unique advantages for young people:
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Peer Support: Kids realize they’re not alone, reducing shame and isolation.
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Real-World Practice: Social situations in group mirror real interactions, helping children apply new coping skills immediately.
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Feedback Loop: Participants receive encouragement and constructive feedback from both peers and therapists.
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Modeling and Motivation: Watching others succeed builds hope and confidence.
In many cases, group therapy helps children gain social and emotional growth more quickly than individual sessions alone.
Supporting Parents Too
Parents are essential partners in the therapeutic process. Group therapists often provide updates, suggestions for at-home practice, and resources to help reinforce progress.
Simple daily actions — such as validating feelings, modeling calm communication, and praising effort — can strengthen what children learn in therapy. At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, parents are always welcome to ask questions or join consultations to stay connected to their child’s growth.
A Place for Every Child
Every child deserves a space where they feel understood and supported. The group programs at Resilient Mind Psychotherapy are designed to meet kids and teens where they are — blending creativity, compassion, and structure in a way that helps them flourish.
If your child could benefit from emotional support, confidence-building, or social skill development, consider joining a group today.
Affordable, evidence-based, and rooted in care — that’s group therapy in Brooklyn.
FAQs
1) How does group therapy help kids build confidence compared with individual therapy?
Group sessions provide real-time practice with peers, positive feedback, and modeling—kids try skills (speaking up, turn-taking, problem-solving) and see them work immediately.
2) What ages do you place together in a group?
We use tight ranges (e.g., 7–9, 10–12, 13–15) so activities and discussions match developmental level.
3) What happens in a typical session?
Brief check-in → skill/creative activity (play, art, role-play, mindfulness) → reflection and a small “try this at home” goal. Groups are small so every child participates.
4) How do play therapy and art therapy fit into group work?
Play helps younger kids express and rehearse feelings safely; art helps tweens/teens externalize emotions and build self-awareness. Both make skill practice engaging and memorable.
5) How soon might we see changes?
Many families notice small shifts (eye contact, participation, trying new things) within 3–4 sessions; larger gains tend to appear by 8–10 sessions with steady attendance.
6) Is group therapy affordable?
Yes—per-session costs are typically lower than one-on-one therapy, and we accept insurance (see coverage details below).
7) Which insurance plans are accepted?
We accept major plans—including Cigna, Aetna, Fidelis Care, and 1199SEIU—for many groups. Coverage varies by plan; we’ll verify benefits before you start.
8) How do you keep groups psychologically safe?
Clear group agreements, gentle coaching, structured turns, and therapist-modeled respect. Quiet kids can begin with nonverbal choices; more vocal kids practice listening roles.
9) Can my child do individual therapy and a group at the same time?
Absolutely. Many children start individually, then add group for social practice. The combination often accelerates progress.
10) Do you offer in-person and telehealth groups?
Yes. Most groups are in person in Brooklyn; select skills groups may have secure online options when appropriate.
References
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American Group Psychotherapy Association (2023). Group Therapy: Effectiveness Across Ages.
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Association for Play Therapy (2022). The Power of Play in Emotional Development. https://www.a4pt.org/
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American Art Therapy Association (2023). Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents. https://arttherapy.org/children/
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National Institute of Mental Health (2022). Children and Mental Health.
