Activities to Do in a Teen Support Group

Support groups for can help teens during difficult times in their lives. There is some type of support group for almost every type of issue, from epilepsy to substance abuse addiction, and depression to Internet addiction. Alternatives to face to face support groups include telephone and Internet groups as for those with transportation issues or who prefer greater anonymity. However, any activities that involve more than verbal interaction require that teens be physically present in order to participate in the group activities and engage with others.

Fill-in-the Blank

• One option for an activity is to use a pre-made questionnaire and ask teens to fill in the blanks. This allows everyone to share the same information, participate in a group discussion, address why they are at the group, and take turns listening. Other discussion options include questions about feelings regarding the issue, adult response or school difficulties. Group discussions related to the issue help the student see that he is not alone.

Painting

• Painting or drawing offers teens the chance to express themselves non-verbally. Teens can paint or draw a group mural related to the support group issue, or teen can pain or draw individual projects. Using paint, pencils, crayons, markers and other mediums offers an opportunity for creativity and freedom of choice in the teens' self-expression.

Collage

• Collages use magazine pictures and words to express who teens are and how they feel about the issue. The teens cut out pictures and words and glue these onto card stock or construction paper. By finding words that have already been written that the teen may not have thought of or seeing a picture that triggers an emotional response within the teen, the teen can connect with emotions he may not have even realized he had. This approach bypasses the excuse of "I can't draw" but still allows communication of feelings.

Field Trip

• Take teens on a field trip related to the group topic. Instead of having speakers come visit the group, go to the speaker's place of employment. This gives the teens an opportunity to connect with the issue and those who help address it.

Combination

• Create a scrapbook or combination book. The combination book is a journal with drawings, paintings and photographs. This approach is only limited by the participant's imagination as to size, medium and design. Teens can work on this as part of the support group and share their scrapbooks, if they desire. Like journals, scrapbooks or combination books benefit teens by allowing them to express their emotions in a safe environment.

Poem

• Another group activity involves teens choosing or writing a poem or song to verbalize emotions. Adults will have a better idea of where the teen is emotionally. Poems or songs bring music into the picture. Teens enjoy a variety of music, which may help them express what they cannot otherwise put into words. Teens can discuss why they chose the particular poem or musical selection.

Balloons

• Teens can let go of balloons as a symbol of letting go of pain. Each teen will let go of one balloon, either as a group, or by taking turns. While teens traditionally let go of balloons in response to grief, they can use this approach to let go of other emotions and fears related to support group focus as well. This physical act can help teens connect with their feelings and release harmful emotions.