Group Therapy Benefits

Sharing the journey with others brings a unique boost that one-to-one sessions can’t always deliver. In a supportive, therapist-led group kids, teens, or parents realise, “I’m not the only one.” That sense of belonging powers motivation and speeds progress.

Why groups work

• Normalises worries and struggles – hearing similar stories cuts shame and isolation.
  
• Live peer practice – coping skills, social courage, or emotion-regulation tools are tried out with real people, not just worksheets.
  
• Built-in accountability – weekly check-ins keep everyone following through.
  
• Cost-effective – more therapy minutes for less investment.
  
• Parent networking – caregivers swap tips and celebrate wins together.
  

Popular groups at FFEW

• Kids & tweens learn CBT coping in our Anxiety Skills Kids 9–12 series.
  
• Parents master emotion-coaching in Emotionally Healthy Parenting.
  
• Caregivers of intense kids find solidarity in Parenting Emotionally Intense Children.
  
• Anxious-child families build plans together in Parenting Children with Anxiety.
  

How a typical group runs

1. Brief individual intake to match goals.
   
2. 6–12 structured sessions (in-person or secure video).
   
3. Weekly skill teaching, role-plays, and take-home missions.
   
4. Final progress review and personalised next-steps—often a blend of individual therapy or parent coaching for added depth.
   

Who thrives in group therapy

• Kids avoiding school or friends who need safe social practice.
  
• Parents feeling alone with behavioural or anxiety challenges.
  
• Teens who learn best from peers and real-world feedback.
  
• Families seeking maintenance after individual work.
  

Getting started

Browse all current offerings on our group therapy page or ask about upcoming cohorts during an intake call. Many families pair a group with brief check-ins through parent coaching for anxious kids or strong-willed children.

Clinicians who lead groups

• Dr. Zia Lakdawalla – CBT & DBT child anxiety groups
  
• Dr. Lana Zinck – SPACE-based parent groups
  
• Dr. Tamara Meixner – trauma-informed teen skills groups
  
• Cassandra Harmsen – ACT & EFFT adolescent groups
  
• Ola Obaro – school-refusal and Circle of Security groups
  
• Charlotte Johnston – neurodivergent-affirming DBT skills groups
  
• Jaydon Frid – family-systems anxiety and mood groups
  

FAQs — Group Therapy

Will my child have to share personal details?

Participation is encouraged but never forced; kids can pass until comfortable.

What if we miss a session?

Materials and a brief catch-up call keep you on track.

Can we do a group without individual therapy?

Yes—many families start with group, then add one-to-one if deeper issues surface.

How large are groups?

Typically 6–10 members to balance variety with safety.

Are virtual groups as effective?

Research shows online groups can match in-person outcomes when they include interactive activities—our facilitators are trained for both formats.