Group therapy helps teens give and receive support and learn from each other and their therapist by discussing the issues they have in common.

New Directions: Drug and Alcohol Education and Treatment Group

The purpose of this group is to teach teens about the adverse consequences associated with drug and alcohol use and to assist teens in the development of skills useful for stopping drug and alcohol use.  The group focuses on teaching coping skills as an alternative to using drugs and alcohol when responding to interpersonal problems and negative emotions.

Participation in the group begins with an assessment, then one individual motivation enhancement therapy session that will prepare the teen for group therapy by examining the function of drugs and alcohol in the teen’s life and by introducing the concepts of identifying and managing triggers to use drugs and alcohol. 

During group sessions, we focus on learning and practicing the following skills:

§  Drug refusal skills and management of thoughts about using

§  Learning skills to resist cravings and urges to use drugs and alcohol 

§  Relapse prevention skills and recovering from relapse, should one occur

§  Developing a plan for pleasant drug-free activities

§  Establishing a social network that will support recovery

§  Coping with high-risk situations

§  Problem-solving and communication skills  

§  Anger awareness and anger management skills

§  Depression management

§  Learning about healthy relationships

This is an ongoing weekly group, call (408) 772-7052 to set up an evaluation or to learn more.

Teen Girls Group

The purpose of this group is to connect with other teens going through similar experiences.  This group is a safe place to gain support, develop trust, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, and learn new ways to cope with challenges.

During group, we discuss the following topics: