Therapeutic Social Groups for Teens

At Evolving Roles, we specialise in therapeutic social skills groups for teenagers who want more socially confidence, who may be impacted by bullying and exclusion, or loss of social opportunities during Covid. This program is led by Jane Maher, Australia’s only Psychodramatist, Family Therapist & Mental Health Nurse focused on helping socially isolated teenagers, and a pioneer in this field.

“…. we were allowed to make conversation about anything and we didn’t really learn anything useless….Also you were very nice and weren’t strict….”

Participant who started at 13 and finished at 15

Jane has helped more than 500 kids reduce their social anxieties, build their social skills, and renew their sense of belonging with her unique combination of experience, training and qualifications offering a dynamic, creative and effective approach to teen groups.

The value of therapeutic social groups for adolescents is well documented. As Irving Yalom writes:

“Nothing seems to be of greater importance for the self-esteem and well-being of the adolescent… than to be included and accepted in some social group, and nothing is more devastating than exclusion.“

Typically, over time, our teens also become more focused on their schoolwork and vocational pathways. Our parents say “….they look forward to their group sessions“. They also report that their family relationships improve with time. As the teen’s mood, confidence and social skills improve, family relationships and parent/teen connections can also relax and strengthen.

Evolving Roles has a thriving teenage group program, with a number of well-established groups and new groups forming based on client needs.

How do Teenage Therapeutic Social Groups work?

Groups are made up of up to five teens who are matched in age, interests and developmental maturity. Groups are for Year 7 to 12 Secondary School-aged teens. Groups are semi-structured, facilitated when required, self-lead like a friendship group as confidence and connectedness grows.  Only one teen per school in each group to ensure confidentiality.

“These groups are a judgement-free space…I can be myself here. I feel confident and like I belong.”

Group participant (14)

Groups meet for one hour weekly during school terms. Some of our groups have been meeting regularly for several years. During school holidays, we can organise in person social outings depending on locality factors.

All our groups meet online via Zoom.  Teens are unsurprisingly comfortable with the online space and they can log in from near and far. Groups are available to teens in urban, regional and remote Australian localities and beyond depending on time differences. In Person social activities are part of the program when possible.

What do groups talk about?

Groups are respectful, friendly and inclusive. After easy introductory activities to create the non-judgmental and accepting group connections, the structure of the groups is then mostly shaped by the personalities, interests and concerns in the group. Teens can then do their social and developmental work together without fear of rejection and anxiety goes down.

We mostly talk, do drawings, share music and videos. Online games can be played within the limitations of Zoom meeting rooms. Teens quickly get the idea that they can lead conversation topics, talk about what is relevant to them and that everyone can have a say in what is done. They can share concerns and interests, test ideas and views and explore their experiences. Some groups like to do role play and some don’t (and no-one has to). Role play enables rehearsals for challenging situations and is great prep for real life.

“…its a way of getting to know people better and maybe learn how to have conversations“

2023 Group participant (15)

The discussion is quietly guided by Jane, who encourages participation, social, emotional and interactive awareness, time sharing, turn taking, curious enquiry, authenticity, naturalistic commentary, mutual warmth, respect and concern as well as fun and spontaneous interaction. Jane holds boundaries so that everyone feels safe from judgement or exclusion; she steps in to assist as required. So the group is like a naturalistic school yard friendship group. Jane works with each child’s goals in the group in the context of creating a connected and productive group vibe.

The groups are based on acceptance, understanding acknowledgment of each other. Everyone can relax, be themselves and feel more and more confident to express who they are, express their interests, ideas or worries and connect with others. The groups are supportive and encouraging – everyone in the group has faced social isolation, so they understand how difficult socialising can be. The group offers a safe place to grow at their own pace and relax about growing up in general.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a crucial for building trust when working with young people. What is said in the group remains private – it is the business of the group. There is a strict rule of no talking about others outside the group. This is kept strong by ensuring there is only one student from any one school in a group at any one time. While belonging in the group, group members are expected not to be in contact outside the group ie no contact on social media platforms etc. This is so that no one gets excluded or left out of contact outside the group. When group members graduate from the group they are welcome to be in touch with each other.

Evolving Roles is aware of the ‘mature minor’ principle, a common law principle that says “an adolescent under the age of 18 years is capable of giving informed consent when he/she/they achieve a sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable them to understand fully what is proposed.” This means we only share information about what is discussed during group sessions with parents or other protective adults, where the adolescent has consented for the information to be shared, unless we think that the young person or another person’s life or wellbeing are at risk.

When required, support about difficult issues with parents or other protective adults is discussed first between Jane and the young person in private. Mandatory reporting is required when indicated and is typically done in discussion with teens and their parents.

Fees and Funding*

Participation in teenage therapeutic social skills groups is not funded by Medicare or private health insurance. 

*Fees charged vary depending on funding and means. If your child is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and has goals related to improved social skills, you can use the ‘Improved Daily Living’ funding in your plan. Check out our information for NDIS clients.