Group Therapy on the Edge: Adolescence, Creativity, and Group Work

Abstract:This article highlights the challenges of conducting group psychotherapy with adolescents by detailing recent neurological research related to adolescent development, outlining the dynamics of the anti-group, and summarizing clinical literature related to this population. An approach to working with adolescents in groups that incorporates the tenets of the creative arts therapies, specifically art therapy and drama therapy, is advocated. The authors discuss the advantages of using arts-based approaches to treatment, framing their discussion with goals related to the development of resilience in teenagers. Clinical vignettes are offered to illustrate the principles described.