GROUP THERAPY WITH CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS: THE FUTURE OF MENTAL HEALTH

Significant global events, such as pandemics, wars, or divorce, have led to increased levels of stress and anxiety, particularly for children and adolescents, necessitating profound changes in psychological services.However, the demand for psychological support far exceeds the available services for individuals of all ages worldwide, but more so for children.Based on research, group therapy is as primary or supplementary form of treatment, presenting an effective solution.However, children are not traditional clients, they require unique methods of group treatment.In this presentation I introduce small intimate groups based on emotional interaction, influenced by the Emotion Focused Theory (Greenberg, 2002).The goals of these groups are to reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of control.To achieve these goals, we use various therapeutic methods, such as art therapy, bibliotherapy, therapeutic cards and games.These methods are necessary to engage children in the therapeutic process.A large body of studies indicated the validity of such groups.In this presentation I will show the results of some selected articles.Specifically, they showed positive outcomes on the reduction of stress, aggression, anxiety, traumatic symptom, and behaviour problems, and increase in self-confidence, social relationship, school adjustment, and school achievements.Moreover, these groups were as effective as individual therapy, and more effective compared to psychoeducational groups.These groups are evidence-based, effective and efficient with various populations.