32 Group Therapy Activities with Templates and Worksheets
Worksheets
As mental health professionals, we know that creating a safe and supportive environment in group therapy sessions is essential for promoting healing and growth.
In my years of organizing group therapy activities and facilitating therapy sessions, I've found that having a diverse toolkit of group therapy ideas makes all the difference. The right activity at the right moment can transform a hesitant collection of group members into an engaged, supportive community where personal growth and emotional healing can flourish.
This comprehensive guide provides 30 practical, therapist-tested group therapy activities with detailed instructions to enhance your group sessions and meet various therapeutic goals. Whether you're working with adults, adolescents, or clients with specific mental health issues, these activities can be customized to support your clients' journey toward improved well-being and personal growth.
Trust-Building Group Therapy Activities
1. Support Network Mapping
Materials: Paper, markers, colored pencils
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 25-30 minutes
Process:
Provide each group member with a large piece of paper and drawing supplies
Ask them to draw themselves in the center of the paper
Around this center point, have them draw or write the names of people who provide support in their lives
Suggest using different colors to represent different types of support (emotional, practical, informational)
They can indicate the strength of each relationship by proximity to the center or thickness of connecting lines
Encourage participants to reflect on how their support network influences their mental health
Group Discussion Prompts:
"What patterns do you notice in your support network?"
"Are there any gaps in the types of support you receive?"
"How might you strengthen existing connections to improve your overall well-being?"
"How does this visual representation help with your self-awareness?"
Download the worksheet for Network Mapping Exercise.
2. Group Mandala Creation
Materials: Large circular paper, various art supplies (markers, colored pencils, magazines for collage)
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 45-60 minutes
Process:
Place a large circular paper in the center of the group setting
Explain that mandalas represent wholeness and unity in many cultures (similar to art therapy techniques)
Invite each person to contribute to the mandala, working from the center outward
Encourage participants to respond to what others are creating, building on themes
Allow quiet reflection in the present moment as the work progresses
This creative approach helps reduce stress while promoting self-expression
Group Discussion Prompts:
"What does this collective creation represent about our group therapy experience?"
"How did it feel to contribute to something larger than yourself?"
"What symbols or patterns emerged that seem meaningful for your personal growth?"
"How did this activity help with stress management techniques?"
3. Trust Walk
Materials: Blindfolds (or participants can close their eyes)
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Process:
Pair group members and designate one person as the "guide" and one as the "walker"
The walker closes their eyes or wears a blindfold
The guide leads them around the room or a safe outdoor space using verbal directions
After 5-7 minutes, partners switch roles
For groups with trust issues or anxiety disorders, start with simple arm guidance before progressing to verbal-only guidance
The group therapist should monitor interactions to maintain a safe and supportive environment
Group Discussion Prompts:
"What was more comfortable: leading or following?"
"What helped you feel safe when you couldn't see?"
"How does this experience relate to trust in your relationships?"
"How might this activity improve communication skills in your daily life?"
Communication Exercises for Group Therapy
4. Active Listening Pairs
Materials: Topic cards, timer
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Process:
Create pairs and provide topic cards with prompts like "A time I felt proud," "Something I'm worried about," "How I manage stress," etc.
Partner A speaks for 2 minutes on the topic while Partner B practices active listening without interrupting
Partner B then summarizes what they heard and checks for accuracy
Partners switch roles with a new topic
Repeat for 2-3 rounds to develop essential skills for effective communication
This exercise helps group members improve communication skills while building self-awareness
Group Discussion Prompts:
"What was challenging about listening without preparing your response?"
"How did it feel to be fully heard without interruption?"
"What did you learn about effective listening that might help with negative thoughts?"
"How could these skills help in managing various mental health issues?"
5. "I" Statement Practice
Materials: Scenario cards describing potentially triggering situations
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30 minutes
Process:
Review the format for "I" statements: "I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [impact]. I need/would like [request]."
Distribute scenario cards with situations like "Someone interrupts you repeatedly" or "A friend cancels plans last minute"
Group members write an "I" statement response to their scenario
Volunteers share their statements for group feedback and positive affirmations
Group helps refine statements to avoid hidden "you" statements and improve problem-solving skills
This cognitive behavioral therapy technique helps with expressing emotions constructively
Group Discussion Prompts:
"How does using 'I' statements change the emotional tone of a confrontation?"
"What was challenging about formulating these statements?"
"How might these statements improve communication skills in relationships affected by peer pressure?"
"How could this technique help with emotional regulation when dealing with negative thoughts?"
6. Emotion Charades
Materials: Cards with emotion words (basic and complex)
Age Range: Children and Teens (can be adapted for adults)
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Process:
Create cards with various emotions (happy, sad, frustrated, anxious, proud, jealous, etc.)
Group members take turns drawing a card and acting out the emotion without words
Others guess the emotion, encouraging participation from all group members
After correct guessing, the actor shares a time they felt that emotion
Group members can share if they've had similar experiences, normalizing mental health issues
This activity helps develop emotional regulation skills in a playful group setting
Group Discussion Prompts:
"Which emotions were easier to recognize? Which were challenging?"
"What physical sensations accompany different emotions?"
"How might recognizing emotions in others help with social skills in your relationships?"
"How could this awareness help with managing anxiety and reduce stress in daily life?"
Self-Awareness Activities for Group Therapy
7. Values Auction
Materials: Play money ($1000 per person), value cards (family, health, success, honesty, etc.)
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 45 minutes
Process:
Create 15-20 value cards with concepts like "Family," "Career Success," "Honesty," "Adventure," etc.
Give each group member $1000 in play money
Hold an auction where participants bid on personal values important to them
Remind participants they have limited resources and can't purchase everything
After the auction, have participants reflect on their purchases and priorities
This activity helps clarify core personal values in an engaging group therapy format
Group Discussion Prompts:
"Were you surprised by what you chose to spend your money on?"
"What values were you unwilling to let go to others?"
"How do your daily actions align with the values you prioritized?"
"How might awareness of these values improve your mental health and well-being?"
8. Personal Coat of Arms
Materials: Shield template handouts, markers, colored pencils
Age Range: Children and Teens (can be adapted for adults)
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Distribute shield templates divided into 6 sections
Assign prompts for each section:
A personal strength
A proud accomplishment
Something you're working to improve
A value you hold dear
A symbol that represents your family or culture
A goal for the future
Participants fill in sections with drawings or symbols
Create a "family motto" at the bottom of the shield
This art therapy-inspired activity boosts self-esteem while encouraging self-expression
Group Discussion Prompts:
"Which section was easiest to complete? Which was most challenging?"
"What does your coat of arms reveal about your values and identity?"
"How might you use awareness of these elements to manage stress in daily life?"
"How does visualizing your strengths help combat negative thoughts?"
9. Life Timeline
Materials: Long paper strips, markers, stickers (optional)
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 40-50 minutes
Process:
Distribute long paper strips (at least 24 inches)
Draw a horizontal line across the middle of the paper
Mark birth at the left end and the present at the right end
Plot significant life events chronologically along the timeline
Use space above the line for positive events and below for challenges
Add symbols or small drawings to represent each event
This self-reflection exercise helps clients process experiences including post-traumatic stress disorder
Group Discussion Prompts:
"What patterns do you notice in your life experiences?"
"Identify moments of resilience after challenges"
"What strengths and coping strategies did you develop through difficult periods?"
"How have past experiences shaped your mental health and who you are today?"
"How might this visual representation help with promoting self-awareness?"
Emotional Regulation Activities for Group Therapy
10. Emotion Thermometer
Materials: Printed emotion thermometer worksheets (0-10 scale), markers
Age Range: Children, Teens, and Adults
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Process:
Distribute emotion thermometer worksheets with scales from 0-10
Explain that different emotions have different intensities
Have group members identify 3-4 emotions they commonly experience
For each emotion, create a scale with specific descriptions at different intensity levels
Example for anxiety: 1 = slight nervousness, 5 = racing thoughts, 10 = panic attack
Identify physical sensations, thoughts, and behaviors at each level
This emotional regulation activity helps clients recognize when to use coping strategies
Group Discussion Prompts:
"At what number would you want to use coping skills for each emotion?"
"What early warning signs tell you an emotion is intensifying?"
"What stress management techniques work at different intensity levels?"
"How might this awareness help you manage various mental health issues?"
11. Coping Skills Toolbox
Materials: Small boxes or large index cards, art supplies, pre-printed coping strategy cards
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 40-50 minutes
Process:
Provide small boxes or index card rings that participants can decorate
Brainstorm different categories of coping skills:
Physical (deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, exercise)
Cognitive (positive self-talk, thought challenging, distraction)
Emotional (journaling, talking to a friend, creative expression)
Spiritual/Meaning (meditation, prayer, connecting to values)
Create cards for each strategy with specific instructions
Encourage participants to personalize coping strategies that work for them
Practice 2-3 strategies as a group to develop essential skills for managing anxiety
This activity helps develop coping skills that can be used outside of therapy sessions
Group Discussion Prompts:
"Which strategies have you tried before? What worked to reduce stress?"
"Which new coping skills would you like to try this week?"
"What barriers might prevent you from using these tools?"
"How might these strategies help with negative thoughts and improve your well-being?"
12. Body Mapping
Materials: Large paper (body-sized), markers, colored pencils
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 45-60 minutes
Process:
Partners trace each other's body outlines on large paper (or use pre-drawn outlines)
Group members identify where they physically feel different emotions
Using different colors, shade areas where emotions are experienced:
Red for anger (perhaps in fists, jaw, chest)
Blue for sadness (perhaps in throat, eyes, chest)
Yellow for anxiety (perhaps in stomach, shoulders)
Add words, symbols, or intensity markers to the map
This art therapy technique helps with emotional regulation skills and self-awareness
Group Discussion Prompts:
"How might awareness of physical sensations help you identify emotions earlier?"
"Are there similarities in where group members experience certain emotions?"
"What relaxation techniques might target specific body areas?"
"How could this awareness help express emotions more effectively?"
Mindfulness Activities
13. Guided Meditation
Materials: Meditation script, optional calming music
Age Range: Teens and Adults (can be adapted for children)
Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Process:
Have participants sit comfortably with feet on the floor and hands relaxed
Guide a progressive relaxation starting with the feet and moving upward
Introduce focus on the breath for 2-3 minutes
Guide attention to body sensations, thoughts, and emotions without judgment
Close with focus on the present moment and gentle awakening
Discussion Prompts:
"What did you notice during the meditation?"
"What was easy or difficult about staying present?"
"How might you incorporate brief mindfulness into your daily routine?"
14. Mindful Eating
Materials: Small food items (raisins, orange segments, chocolate pieces)
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Process:
Distribute a small food item to each participant
Guide them through examining it visually as if they've never seen it before
Have them notice texture, weight, temperature with their fingers
Guide them to smell the item and notice any sensations or memories
Have them place it in their mouth without chewing, noticing flavors and textures
Finally, have them slowly chew and swallow, paying attention to the entire experience
Discussion Prompts:
"How was this different from how you usually eat?"
"What new things did you notice about this familiar food?"
"How might mindful attention change other routine activities?"
15. Silent Reflection Walk
Materials: None (or natural objects if indoors)
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 15-30 minutes
Process:
Explain that the walk will be done in complete silence
Set boundaries for the walking area (indoors or outdoors)
Instruct participants to walk slowly, noticing sensory details
Encourage attention to sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations
If outdoors, participants can collect a small natural object that attracts them
Return to the group space in silence before discussing
Discussion Prompts:
"What details did you notice that you might normally miss?"
"How did slowing down affect your experience of the environment?"
"What thoughts or feelings arose during the silent walk?"
Problem-Solving Activities
16. Creative Problem-Solving Challenge
Materials: Problem scenario cards, paper, pens
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Divide into small groups of 3-4 people
Distribute real-life problem scenarios relevant to group members
Instruct groups to follow these steps:
Define the problem clearly
Brainstorm all possible solutions without evaluating
Evaluate each solution's pros and cons
Select the best approach or combination of approaches
Groups present their problem and solution to the larger group
Discussion Prompts:
"What was challenging about the brainstorming phase?"
"How did your group handle disagreements about solutions?"
"What problem-solving steps do you typically skip in real life?"
17. Role-Playing Conflict Resolution
Materials: Scenario cards describing interpersonal conflicts
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 40-50 minutes
Process:
Review basic conflict resolution steps:
Use "I" statements to express feelings
Listen to understand the other person's perspective
Focus on the problem, not the person
Brainstorm solutions together
Agree on a solution to try
Divide into pairs and distribute conflict scenarios
Pairs role-play the conflict and resolution using the steps
Other group members provide constructive feedback
Switch roles and repeat with new scenarios
Discussion Prompts:
"What was most challenging about resolving the conflict?"
"What communication barriers emerged during role-plays?"
"How might these skills apply to conflicts in your life?"
18. Group Decision Process
Materials: Complex scenario requiring a group decision, flipchart
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 45-60 minutes
Process:
Present a scenario that requires group consensus (planning an event, allocating resources, etc.)
Guide the group through a structured process:
Clarify the decision needed and constraints
Individual reflection on priorities and preferences
Round-robin sharing of ideas without interruption
Discussion and debate of options
Straw poll to identify leading options
Final discussion and decision
Document the process on a flipchart
Discussion Prompts:
"How did you balance your personal preferences with group needs?"
"What helped the group move toward consensus?"
"What made this process different from how decisions are typically made in your life?"
Creative Expression Activities
19. Group Story Building
Materials: Story starter prompts, paper, pens
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 25-35 minutes
Process:
Seat participants in a circle
Provide a story starter: "Once upon a time, there was a..." or "It was the strangest day when..."
Each person adds one sentence to continue the story
Continue around the circle 2-3 times
The last person provides a conclusion
Read the entire story aloud
Discussion Prompts:
"What themes emerged in our collective story?"
"What does this story reveal about our group's concerns or interests?"
"How did you respond to others' contributions?"
20. Music Sharing Circle
Materials: Music player, speakers, participants can bring songs
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Process:
Ask participants to select a song that represents something important about themselves
Take turns playing a 1-2 minute excerpt of each person's selection
After each song, the person explains why they chose it and what it means to them
Group members can share reactions and connections they felt
Alternatively, select a theme like "songs that give me strength" or "songs that express how I feel"
Discussion Prompts:
"What did you learn about others through their music choices?"
"How does music help you connect with or express your emotions?"
"Were there any surprising connections between group members' selections?"
21. Collaborative Art Project
Materials: Large paper, various art supplies, collage materials
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 45-60 minutes
Process:
Choose a theme relevant to group goals (healing, growth, connection, etc.)
Provide a large shared canvas or paper
Set guidelines for respectful collaboration
Allow participants to work simultaneously on different areas
Encourage them to respond to and build on others' contributions
Create a title for the finished piece
Discussion Prompts:
"How did you decide what to contribute to the project?"
"What was challenging about working on a shared creation?"
"What does the final product represent about our group?"
Identity and Self-Esteem Activities
22. Strength Spotting
Materials: Index cards, pens
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Process:
Distribute index cards to each participant (number of cards = number of group members)
Participants write each group member's name on a separate card
On each card, they write one strength or positive quality they've observed in that person
Cards are collected, shuffled by name, and distributed to the appropriate person
Each participant receives a stack of cards identifying their strengths
Discussion Prompts:
"What was it like to receive feedback about your strengths?"
"Were you surprised by any of the strengths others saw in you?"
"How might you use these strengths more intentionally?"
23. Inside-Outside Boxes
Materials: Small boxes, magazines, scissors, glue, markers
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 45-60 minutes
Process:
Provide each participant with a small box that can open and close
Explain that the outside will represent how they present themselves to the world
The inside will represent parts of themselves they usually keep private
Using collage materials, decorate the outside and inside accordingly
Participants share as much as they feel comfortable about their boxes
Discussion Prompts:
"What influences which parts of yourself you show to others?"
"Are there aspects of your 'inside' that you'd like to express more openly?"
"How does keeping certain parts hidden affect your connections with others?"
24. "This Is Me" Poem
Materials: Paper, pens, template with sentence starters
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Provide a template with sentence starters like:
"I am..."
"I wonder..."
"I hear..."
"I see..."
"I want..."
"I am..."
Participants complete the sentences to create a poem about themselves
Encourage both literal and metaphorical responses
Volunteers share their poems with the group
Discussion Prompts:
"What was surprisingly easy or difficult to express?"
"What themes emerged in your poem?"
"What did you learn about yourself through this exercise?"
Grief and Loss Activities
25. Memory Stone Ritual
Materials: Smooth stones, paint pens or markers
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Provide each participant with a smooth stone
Invite them to think of a significant loss they have experienced
On one side of the stone, write or draw a symbol representing the loss
On the other side, write or draw a quality, memory, or gift received from what was lost
Share in a circle, holding the stone while speaking
Create a temporary group memorial with the stones
Discussion Prompts:
"What feelings arose as you created your memory stone?"
"How does having a tangible representation of your loss affect your grief process?"
"What helps you hold both the pain of loss and the gifts received?"
26. Letter Writing Exercise
Materials: Paper, pens, envelopes
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Participants write a letter to someone or something they've lost
The letter can express unresolved feelings, share updates, or say goodbye
Letters remain private unless participants choose to share
Options for closure include saving the letter, ceremonially burning it, or sharing parts with the group
Discussion Prompts:
"What emotions came up during the writing process?"
"Was there anything you wrote that surprised you?"
"How might this letter be a step in your grief journey?"
27. Collective Wisdom on Healing
Materials: Flipchart, markers
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Create a large tree drawing on a flipchart
Have participants write challenges of grief/loss on leaf-shaped papers and attach them to branches
On root-shaped papers, have them write wisdom or coping strategies they've learned
Group similar themes together
Create a handout summarizing the collective wisdom to share
Discussion Prompts:
"What patterns do you notice in our collective challenges?"
"Which coping strategies would you like to try?"
"How does sharing wisdom with others affect your own healing?"
Transition and Change Activities
28. Bridges Metaphor
Materials: Paper, markers, colored pencils
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Explain William Bridges' transition model: endings, neutral zone, new beginnings
Participants draw a bridge connecting two lands
On the left side, they depict what they're leaving behind
On the bridge, they illustrate their current feelings and resources for the journey
On the right side, they show what they're moving toward
Discussion Prompts:
"What is most challenging about your current transition?"
"What resources are helping you cross the bridge?"
"What aspects of the 'old' do you want to carry forward?"
29. Future Self Dialogue
Materials: Paper, pens, optional guided visualization
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Guide a brief visualization of meeting their future self (5 years ahead)
In pairs, participants take turns role-playing:
One person is their current self, asking questions
Partner responds as their future self, offering wisdom and perspective
Switch roles after 5-7 minutes
Write a letter from their future self to their present self
Discussion Prompts:
"What insights did your future self offer?"
"What qualities did you imagine in your future self?"
"How might this perspective shift how you approach current challenges?"
30. Ceremony of Becoming
Materials: Symbolic items representing the past and future, candles (real or battery)
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 40-50 minutes
Process:
Create a threshold space in the room (doorway, line on floor, etc.)
Participants bring or select objects representing what they're leaving behind
On the other side, place objects representing what they're moving toward
One by one, participants:
State what they're releasing
Cross the threshold
State what they're embracing or becoming
Group witnesses and affirms each person
Discussion Prompts:
"What emotions arose during your crossing?"
"What support do you need to maintain your commitment to change?"
"How might you create personal rituals for other transitions?"
Building Connection Activities
31. Gratitude Circle
Materials: Index cards, pens
Age Range: All age groups
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Process:
Have group members sit in a circle
Distribute index cards and pens to each participant
Ask everyone to write down something they're grateful for today (can be simple or profound)
One by one, each person shares what they wrote
After sharing, invite the person to briefly explain why they chose this particular gratitude
Group members can respond with reflections on how hearing others' gratitude affected them
Optional: Create a group gratitude collection by posting all cards on a board or keeping them in a special container
Discussion Prompts:
"How did it feel to focus on something positive?"
"Did anyone notice a shift in your mood while doing this exercise?"
"What patterns do you notice in what people are grateful for?"
"How might a regular gratitude practice impact your mental health?"
32. Worry Exchange
Materials: Paper, pens, box or container
Age Range: Teens and Adults
Time Required: 30-40 minutes
Process:
Provide each group member with paper and a pen
Ask participants to write down 1-3 current worries or concerns (one per paper)
Ensure anonymity by keeping writing private and folding papers
Collect all papers in a central container and mix them
Each person draws a "worry" that isn't their own
Taking turns, each participant reads the worry they drew
The reader then offers perspective, possible solutions, or supportive comments
The group can add additional supportive responses
Close by discussing how it felt to see their worry addressed by others
Discussion Prompts:
"What was it like to hear someone else offer perspective on your worry?"
"Did you notice any patterns in the types of worries shared?"
"How did it feel to help someone else with their concern?"
"What did you learn about how we all approach problems differently?"
"Which strategies mentioned today might you apply to your own worries?"
Using AI to automate Group Therapy Notes
AI-powered tools like Supanote can significantly streamline the process of writing group therapy notes. Benefits include:
Time-saving: Generate draft notes quickly, reducing documentation time.
Consistency: Ensure a uniform structure across all notes.
Customization: Tailor to your specific note-taking style and group therapy format.
Accuracy: Capture details that might be missed in manual note-taking.
To use Supanote for group therapy notes:
Add Supanote to the session directly.
Let the AI generate a draft note for the group and for each participant.
Review and edit the notes for accuracy and personal touch.
Finalize and save the notes in your secure system.
Remember, AI tools should supplement, not replace, clinical judgment. Educate yourself on how AI Therapy Note Tools work. Also look at and compare the top AI Therapy note tools.
FAQs About Group Therapy Activities
How do I choose the right activities for my group?
Consider your group's therapeutic goals, developmental stage, comfort level, and practical constraints. Start with lower-risk activities to build trust before moving to more vulnerable exercises. Pay attention to group dynamics and be prepared to pivot if an activity isn't resonating. It's helpful to have a few backup activities ready for each session.
How can I encourage participation from reluctant group members?
Start with low-pressure activities where there are no wrong answers. Use pair work before whole group sharing. Normalize hesitation and make participation optional while gently encouraging involvement. Acknowledge and validate small contributions. Consider assigning simple roles to more withdrawn members to facilitate gradual engagement.
How much time should I spend on processing versus the activity itself?
As a general rule, allow at least as much time for discussion as you do for the activity—often more. The activity creates the experience, but the processing creates the learning. For emotionally significant activities, plan for processing to take up to twice as long as the activity itself. Be flexible and willing to extend discussion if important themes are emerging.
Can I use these activities in individual therapy?
Many of these activities can be adapted for individual therapy, though you'll need to modify components that rely on group interaction. Activities involving feedback from multiple perspectives will require more therapist involvement or creative adaptation. Consider how you might simulate some of the benefits of group work through role-play or visualization.
How do I handle emotional reactions during activities?
Prepare participants by previewing potentially emotional activities and normalizing various reactions. Establish ground rules for supporting group members who become emotional. Have grounding techniques ready and be prepared to pause or pivot if needed. Follow up individually with members who had strong reactions, and consider how to incorporate the experience into their treatment plan.
How can I evaluate if my group activities are effective?
Use a combination of methods: direct feedback from participants (verbal and written), observations of engagement and participation, pre/post measures for specific skills or symptoms, and tracking themes that emerge over time. Notice changes in group cohesion and individual comfort levels. Regular supervision or consultation can also help identify patterns you might miss.
How often should I introduce new activities versus repeating familiar ones?
Balance is key. Repeating activities provides opportunities to deepen work and track progress, while new activities maintain engagement and address different aspects of growth. Consider repeating foundational activities every few months to measure progress, while introducing variations or entirely new exercises to keep the group dynamic and responsive to evolving needs.