ABSTRACT
Group therapy as a modality of intervention for adolescents has historically been utilized for a wide variety of issues and concerns that have an impact on this population. Group therapy can often be viewed as an ideal modality for adolescents to confront and work through loss, grief, and trauma issues. The effectiveness of adolescent groups can be measured by how each group, regardless of focus or context, acts as a protective factor to mitigate against risk. There are cogent arguments both for and against coed or gender-specific groups as well as for diversity or specificity regarding age and grade. Coed adolescent groups allow for the development of interpersonal skills with both same and opposite genders. Many therapists in private therapy practice offices offer adolescent groups that cover a range of purposes and topics. Icebreakers also foster the trust necessary for adolescents to share their very personal experiences of loss, grief, and trauma.
