Introduction: Why Activities Matter in Teen Groups
Running group therapy with adolescents can feel like herding cats. Silence, side chatter, or “I don’t know” responses can stall progress fast. The solution? Engaging, structured activities that break down walls, spark conversation, and build trust.
In this article, you’ll discover 30 adolescent group therapy activities—covering icebreakers, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and coping skills. These are therapist-approved, teen-friendly, and designed to turn awkward silence into real connection.
Quick List: Group Therapy Activity Categories
- Icebreaker & Connection Activities
- Emotional Awareness Activities
- Coping Skills & Regulation Activities
- Self-Esteem & Confidence Activities
- Team-Building & Problem-Solving Activities
Icebreaker & Connection Activities
1. Two Truths and a Lie
A classic opener—teens share two truths and one lie, and the group guesses. Builds trust and sparks laughter.
2. Would You Rather (Therapy Edition)
Pose fun or reflective choices like: “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?” or “Would you rather be calmer or more confident?”
3. Common Ground
Divide into pairs or small groups and find 3 things they all share. Encourages connection beyond surface-level.
4. Human Bingo
Create bingo cards with prompts (e.g., “has a pet,” “plays sports,” “likes pizza”). Teens circulate to find matches.
5. Desert Island Scenario
Ask: “If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 items would you bring and why?” Opens up values-based conversations.
Emotional Awareness Activities
6. Feelings Charades
Teens act out emotions without words; others guess. Increases emotional vocabulary.
7. Emotion Thermometer
Rate feelings on a scale from 0–10. Great for teaching intensity awareness.
8. “Name It to Tame It”
Use an emotion chart. Teens circle feelings that resonate, then share what triggered them.
9. Music & Mood
Play short clips of songs and discuss what emotions they evoke.
10. Story Swap
Teens anonymously write down an emotional experience. Another reads it aloud, and the group reflects together.
Get done for you adolescent therapy activities - check it out.
Coping Skills & Regulation Activities
11. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Practice this sensory grounding exercise as a group.
12. Coping Skills Brainstorm
On a whiteboard, brainstorm coping strategies together. Each teen picks one to practice that week.
13. Stress Ball DIY
Make stress balls from balloons and rice/flour. Teens keep them as tools.
14. Guided Breathing Circle
Group sits in a circle and breathes in sync. Builds calm and unity.
15. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Facilitator guides tension-and-release exercises through major muscle groups.
Self-Esteem & Confidence Activities
16. Compliment Circle
Each teen gives one positive statement to the person on their right. Builds peer affirmation.
17. Strengths Shield
Draw shields divided into quadrants: skills, traits, hobbies, and achievements.
18. Future Me Letter
Teens write supportive notes to their future selves.
19. Achievement Collage
Use magazines or drawings to create a collage of accomplishments and goals.
20. “I Am” Statements
Prompts like: “I am proud of…” or “I am learning to…” encourage self-reflection.
Team-Building & Problem-Solving Activities
21. Group Tower Challenge
Teams build the tallest tower possible using only paper and tape. Encourages collaboration.
22. Silent Line-Up
Without talking, the group lines up by birthday, height, or age. Promotes teamwork and nonverbal communication.
23. Escape Room Puzzles
Set up simple riddles or tasks the group must solve together.
24. Trust Walk
In pairs, one teen is blindfolded and guided by another. Builds trust and communication.
25. Cooperative Storytelling
Each teen adds one line to a story. Shows creativity and group flow.
Reflection & Wrap-Up Activities
26. Rose, Thorn, Bud
Each teen shares: one positive (rose), one challenge (thorn), one thing they look forward to (bud).
27. High/Low of the Week
Quick check-in: highlight a high point and a low point.
28. Gratitude Circle
Each person names something they’re grateful for.
29. Success Timeline
As a group, map out small wins and progress over recent weeks.
30. Group Affirmations
End with everyone contributing to a list of group affirmations, posted on the wall.
Conclusion: From Silence to Connection
Group therapy with teens doesn’t have to mean blank stares or one-word answers. With the right activities, you can spark energy, trust, and growth.
These 30 adolescent group therapy activities are simple, flexible, and designed to meet teens where they are—while helping them build self-awareness, coping skills, and confidence.
👉 Next Step for Therapists: Download our Teen Group Therapy Activities PDF for ready-to-use worksheets and game templates you can bring straight into session.
Read more
-
50 Teen icebreaker questions → click here
-
Self-esteem worksheets for teens → click here
-
Teen esteem building activites → click here