Teen Community-Parent Orientation Information
beginning Well
You’ll notice that we require all group members to attend a brief screening visit prior to starting group. This is because research and our experience show that the likelihood of success in group increases significantly when kids get to meet the group leader, see the group room, and learn about the process before they actually start group. We hope this meeting is the beginning of some exciting work together!
regular attendance is important
We want to emphasize from the beginning that regular attendance in group is important. The group is experience is alot like a weekly TV series in that if you miss a session, you lose the flow of what’s going on. Catching up (or attempting to) can be really difficult as you can imagine. This is because group is about so much more than just acquired skills. It’s about forming and maintaining relationships.
ending well
Group members form bonds as they learn and grow together. Others in the group become a source of support, guidance and security. Because of this social and relationship element of group therapy, we always recommend that members attend at least one “goodbye” session when they end group. It is never recommended to abruptly stop group therapy!
Here are some of the things that happen in a final group session:
Addressing positive feelings about the experience
Addressing negative feelings about the experience
Recognition & Rewarding of progress
Saying Goodbye to friends made in the group
setting goals
We’ll talk with you and your child in the beginning of the group experience about goals. It is important to agree upon the things we’d like improve in your child’s life. This section will introduce you to some of the tools we use in setting and working toward goals.
how long does group last?
Our Teen Community groups are ongoing, running continuously with a few 1-2 week breaks periodically. Each individual member spends the amount of time in the group that they need based upon their situation. It’s very hard to predict how long a teen will need to be in group. Our minimum recommended involvement is 3 months of treatment.
We work together with parents to determine how long to continue group therapy.
relationships in the group
We don’t prohibit contact outside the group among our members. This is based on the assumption that anything that is prohibited will occur and be kept secret. Also, in today’s technologically advanced world, we really can’t prohibit this contact. We do ask that group members abide by the following guidelines:
All contact must respect the confidentiality of the group.
All contact must be healthy. It is not appropriate to engage in unhealthy behavior with group members.
All outside contact with group members should be brought back to the group and discussed.
Group members should not attempt to do therapy with each other. They should not use each other as a crisis resource.
The group leader/s will alert parents or guardians if there are concerns about a group relationship becoming unhealthy.
Parents and guardians should report any concerning contact or behavior to the group leader/s.