Brian Ashin, LMSW, CGP

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals of group therapy?

The aim of group therapy is to help teens develop a clearer sense of oneself and of one's impact on others.  This leads to maturation, better relations with others and an increased ability to make positive choices in life.

What makes group therapy different from individual therapy?

The most important difference is that the group, comprised of one's peers is the "agent of change."  For adolescents, mutual aid helps to build feelings of competency and increased self esteem.  In individual therapy, the client's dependence on the therapist neglects this important aspect of adolescent development.

So, what's the purpose of the leader?

The leader wears many hats in an adolescent group.  Primarily, it is the task of the leader to foster group cohesion, trust, safety and a working environment among the group members.  The leader also intervenes in ways that further intrapsychic and intrapersonal growth.

While it may be important at times for the leader to step in with limit setting to ensure the safety and cohesion of the group, the leader needs to balance the need for autonomy of the developing adolescent with the availabilty of a concerned adult.

What is the typical size of a group and for how long does a group last?

Groups work well with four to eight members.  A typical adolescent therapy group lasts for seventy five minutes.

Is the group time limited or open ended?

Psychotherapy groups are generally open ended.  They continue for however long the group stays viable.  It is expected that participants remain in the group until they have made the needed changes in functioning.  However, an adolescent or parent may decide to end their participation at any time.

As older members leave the group, new members may join.  This not only ensures the viability of the group, but allows members to work on issues inherent in interacting with new people.

What are the topics of discussion?

Members are encouraged to bring up whatever topics are on their mind.  This is not a support group organized around any one theme, but rather a psychotherapy group that can be supportive.  The topics for discussion are the issues that consume the attention of adolescents as they attempt to transition from dependency and childhood to autonomy and adulthood.

How much does it cost?

The $60.00 fee per group is due at the end of the month.  I do not participate with insurance plans.  However, I will provide a statement as many of my clients have been reimbursed for some amount.  Please check with your insurance company for more information. 

While I charge for missed sessions, the schedule will run on the AAPS calendar for breaks and vacations as well as my own scheduled absences.  During these times, no charges will be incurred.  The groups will continue to meet during the summer and allowance will be made for up to four missed sessions due to family vacations and summer camp.

If my teen already has a therapist, can he or she still be in the group?

Adolescents who have their own therapist are invited to join.  But please discuss this with the therapist.  Some teens will benefit from the mixed model and some will do well in a stand alone group.

Is there an evaluation process?

I require two sessions for assessment and to prepare your teen for inclusion into group.  The first meeting is with parents and your teen, the second with teen alone.  The fee for this is $175.00 total.

If I have other questions, are you available to talk?

Yes.  Feel free to give me a call and I will be happy to answer any other questions you might have.