Groups for Children

These groups help kids work through psychosocial stressors in a safe and supportive environment.

Grief groups
Social groups to work through bullying
Anxiety disorders groups, play therapy groups
Empowerment groups are some of process groups, provided.

Child trauma occurs more than you think. More than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16. Potentially traumatic events include: Psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Community or school violence. Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence. National disasters or terrorism.
https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/understanding-child-trauma

Recognize the signs of child traumatic stress with the informative infographic developed by SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCSTI).

Childhood trauma occurs more than you think.

More than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16. Potentially traumatic events include:

• Psychological, physical, or sexual abuse
• Community or school violence
• Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence
• National disasters or terrorism
• Commercial sexual exploitation
• Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
• Military family-related stressors (e.g., deployment, parental loss or injury)
• Physical or sexual assault
• Neglect
• Serious accidents or life-threatening illness

Fast Facts
At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the past year, and this is likely an underestimate. In 2019, 1,840 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.

Each day, more than 1,000 youth are treated in emergency departments for physical assault-related injuries.

In 2019, about 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property in the last year.

8% of high school students had been in a physical fight on school property one or more times during the 12 months before the survey.

Each day, about 14 youth die from homicide, and more than 1,300 are treated in emergency departments for violence-related injuries.

It’s important to recognize the signs of traumatic stress and its short- and long-term impact.

The signs of traumatic stress may be different in each child. Young children may react differently than older children.

Preschool Children

• Fear being separated from their parent/caregiver
• Cry or scream a lot
• Eat poorly or lose weight
• Have nightmares

Elementary School Children

• Become anxious or fearful
• Feel guilt or shame
• Have a hard time concentrating
• Have difficulty sleeping

Middle and High School Children

• Feel depressed or alone
• Develop eating disorders or self-harming behaviors
• Begin abusing alcohol or drugs
• Become involved in risky sexual behavior

Psychotherapy Groups
These groups are designed to help group members remediate psychological problems. They deal with both conscious and unconscious problems and aim for major personality reconstruction. While counseling groups address short-term issues, psychotherapy groups are oriented toward the resolution of pervasive, long-term issues and treat more severe psychological disorders. The exchanges among members of psychotherapy groups are viewed as important in bringing about change. One of the main advantages of groups like this is that the interaction among members provides a level of support, caring, and confrontation not always found in individual therapy. Like counseling groups, the group leader acts as a facilitator more than a teacher but will need to do deeper work than is required in counseling. Examples of psychotherapy groups are groups for people experiencing depression, eating disorders, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Remember, group treatment has been shown to be effective for many people, so don’t hesitate to seek help. To find groups near you, contact your nearest community mental health center, hospital, or social services agency (Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2014). Groups: Process and practice (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole).e transition to retirement.

Everyone has an alarm system in their body that is designed to keep them safe from harm. When activated, this tool prepares the body to fight or run away. The alarm can be activated at any perceived sign of trouble and leave kids feeling scared, angry, irritable, or even withdrawn.

Healthy Steps Kids Can Take to Respond to the Alarm

• Recognize what activates the alarm and how their body reacts
• Decide whether there is real trouble and seek help from a trusted adult
• Practice deep breathing and other relaxation methods

Impact of Trauma
The impact of child traumatic stress can last well beyond childhood. In fact, research has shown that child trauma survivors may experience:

• Learning problems, including lower grades and more suspensions and expulsions
• Increased use of health and mental health services
• Increase involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems
• Long-term health problems (e.g., diabetes and heart disease)

Trauma is a risk factor for nearly all behavioral health and substance use disorders.

There is hope. Children can and do recover from traumatic events, and you can play an important role in their recovery.

A critical part of children’s recovery is having a supportive caregiving system, access to effective treatments, and service systems that are trauma informed.
Groups are another of supportive care that can address emotional, psychological and mental growth (D. Abner)

https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/understanding-child-trauma