problem solving activities for mental health

The Counseling Palette

Mental health activities to help you and your clients thrive, 1. purchase  2. download  3. print or share with clients.

• Feb 22, 2022
• 15 min read

35 Fun & Effective Therapy Games for Kids, Teens, & Adults

Updated: 32 minutes ago

Therapeutic games can help build rapport and teach important concepts like coping skills.

Therapy games make therapy less intimidating, more enjoyable, and even more effective. Studies show that kids and adults learn better through play (Yenigen, 2014).

(Ready to play now? Check out this giant therapy activity game bundle.)

Play is often encouraged as a way to treat symptoms in therapies like trauma-focused CBT (Allen et al., 2017). It can be used for many purposes, modalities, and settings. Here are some examples:

Teaching CBT

DBT skills groups

Play therapy

Hospital settings

Community group therapy

Problem solving groups

Anger management groups

Classes and student groups

Individual therapy sessions

Article Contents

Coping Skills Quiz Show (teens and adults) CBT Coping Skills Game Show (all ages)

FEELOPOLY Emotions Game

CBT Island Quest Board Game

Family Feud-Style Therapy Game

CBT Lingo (Bingo)  

The Greatest DBT Board Game  

Couple's Pursuit  

Therapy Shuffle  

Feelings Jenga  

Feel, Act, & Draw  

Therapy Dice  

Emotions Match  

Happy Dragon  

Family Pursuit

Therapy Activity Bundle

As a community therapist, I found games made sessions with new teens less awkward, helped get groups of all ages more involved, and were a life-saver when I had minimal prep time.

Games are also great for getting to know your clients, and for teaching important concepts like coping skills and understanding emotions. They can work with kids, teens, families, groups, and adults–in person and during telehealth.

Some of the most fun and easiest games to play with clients are therapeutic board games . Many include discussion or learning prompts, and cover topics like feelings, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Since the games are usually structured and straightforward, they may be less intimidating than regular talk sessions. You can use these tools as a way to

teach concepts, to review skills, or just to have fun and get to know each other.

Below are some fun and effective therapy games that may leave a lasting memory for you and your clients. Several options are printable PDF downloads. All are evidence-based and focus on developing and practicing skills.

1. Coping Skills Quiz Show for Teens & Adults

Great for: Teens, adults, schools, adult education, telehealth

Works with: Individual therapy, groups, in-person, telehealth

Goals:  Positive self-care, mindfulness, boundaries, coping skills, goals

This coping skills Jeopardy-type game show is created to be fun and interactive. This version is designed for teens and adults (see a kid-friendly version for all ages below, or get them both in the bundle ). It includes discussion prompts as well as some tips in each category and several hands-on group activities such as creating individual coping strategies.

The quiz show includes six categories including:

Mindfulness

Relationships

Asking for help

Setting goals

The best way to play the game is to project it in presentation mode through PowerPoint. It includes fun music and even applause options so it has a real Jeopardy game type feel. You can click through the links and move around like in a live show. If you don't like PowerPoint there is a simpler PDF option included.

Learn more , or get it as part of the giant store bundle .

2. CBT Coping Skills Game Show for All Ages

Great for: Kids, teens, young adults, adults

Goals:  Coping skills, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, mindfulness

If you're looking for a game for any age, including kids, check out this CBT coping skills Jeopardy-inspired game. I've had feedback that it worked well for third graders as well as adult nursing classes, so you can make it your own!

This edition has all different prompts compared to the teen and adult version, but does overlap in categories. Topics covered include:

Thoughts, feelings, & behaviors

Identifying emotions

Changing thoughts

Facing fears

Coping planning

The mental health game has open-ended prompts so your discussions can adapt based on your group's needs. Having some CBT knowledge is helpful, but you can also slow it down and use it as a way to teach new skills and techniques.

It's an easy low-prep activity for a group or classroom, social emotional learning, group therapy, teletherapy, and more. Learn more.

3. FEELOPOLY Emotions Game

Great for: Kids, tweens, teens, some adults and young adults

Goals:  Naming emotions, expressing feelings, validating emotions

FEELOPOLY is one of the most popular therapy games and mental health downloads available online.

It's a creative and fun emotions game. Rather than working against each other like in a Monopoly game, FEELOPY has the team working together. The goal is to work as a taskforce to "validate" all of the feelings on the board.

It covers concepts of naming feelings, validating emotions, expressing emotions, and communicating experiences. Example prompts include:

Do you have an outlets for your feelings? What's one way you express them?

What might help if you're starting to feel frustrated?

Explain how a trigger might bring up a feeling. Give an example.

The game is a PDF printable which you can start using right away. I recommend assembling it as a group with your clients. You can check out FEELOPOLY and download it here.  

4. CBT Island Quest

Great for: Kids (11+), teens, college students, families, some adults

Works with: Groups, in-person, telehealth

Goals: Learning or reviewing CBT concepts, practicing coping skills, building confidence

CBT Island Quest is a straightforward printable therapy game of discussion and prompts. Players roll or use the card instructions to move around the game.

Prompt cards are divided into mindfulness/relaxation questions and cognitive questions. Example prompts include:

You think your friend is mad at you because they cancelled your plans together. Challenge the thought.

What's a coping skill you can used when you're depressed?

What does it feel like in your body when you're relaxed?

Learn more about CBT Island Quest and download it here.

5. Family Feud Inspired Therapy Game

You might find something soothing about Family Feud, whether you grew up watching it or enjoy the new Steve Harvey version. This fun Family Feud style therapy game reviews overall wellness, mental health, and coping skills.

Each category includes wellness-related questions with six common answers on the board. Teams (or individuals) can also earn partial points for skills or helpful answers not on the board. 

Each board is followed by a more general discussion question for the group, and players can earn bonus points for participation. Categories include mindfulness, anger management, dealing with anxiety, overall wellness, and more. 

The coolest part of the game is that it’s designed in PowerPoint and has fun interactive elements that feel like a real game show. The therapist or leader plays the roll of “host” and reveals the answers when guessed, or at the end of the round. 

Learn more and order your copy of Group Feud: Coping Skills!

6. CBT Lingo (CBT Bingo)

Great for: Kids (11+), teens, college students, families, adults (adaptable for skill level/age)

Goals: Learning or reviewing CBT concepts, psychoeducation, practicing coping skills, test review

This printable game is focused on teaching CBT theory and coping skills. It includes rule variations based on your goals, the group’s experience level, and age group. It’s based on, and playable, with a real Bingo set.

Rather than just a novelty game like many therapy bingo pages, it actually includes 10 unique playing cards and 75 prompts relating to CBT. It’s great for groups, telehealth, and individual clients in-person or online.

Some of the prompts include:

What is an automatic thought?

Draw a feelings thermometer

Name a common cognitive distortion

What are the three parts of the CBT triangle?

Download the CBT Lingo game here .

7. DBT Board Game

Great for: Teens, young adults, college students, anyone familiar with DBT skills

Goals: Learning or reviewing DBT concepts, practicing the four areas of DBT skills

The Greatest DBT Board Game uses a fun carnival theme to make reviewing DBT fun and entertaining. It covers the four areas of DBT skills, including mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.

Files are printable and come as PDFs.

Example prompts include:

Give an example of using opposite action to change an emotion

Think of a time you've used radical acceptance. Did it help you? Why or why not?

Describe a rude way to ask for help, versus a more effective way.

The game throws in fun elements, such as the "Emotional Roller Coaster," and the "Ferris Wheel of Distress."

Visit here to check it out and download it today.

8. Couple's Pursuit

Great for: Adults, couples

Works for: Couples homework, possibly couples sessions

Goals: Building relationships, practicing communication, expressing affection

Do you work with couples, or are you looking for a fun way to improve or build on your relationship ? Couple's Pursuit is an activity-based relationship game that includes fun categories like drawing and guessing, along with discussion topics, prompts to express appreciation, and more.

It's inspired by Trivial Pursuit, however rather than trivia questions the categories cover important relationships skills. It includes categories that focus on skills used in popular therapies like the Gottman Method. Examples include:

Showing affection

Friendship and bonding

Shared goals

Fun and recreation

Download the printable game here.

9. Therapy Shuffle

Great for: Older Older kids, teens, adults, families, groups

Works with: Groups, in-person

Goals: Learning or practicing coping skills, problem-solving, teaching concepts, building rapport

Therapy Shuffle is a therapeutic card game inspired by Fluxx, although it's slower-moving and based on coping skills. The game is complex enough to keep many teens and adults engaged.

Players choose "goals" and collect "skills" to match the goal cards. Players have to answer coping-skills related prompts to be able to play their cards and win.

The game can be played competitively or cooperatively, depending on your group. If you like you can also scrap the prompts, and play the cards as is. Learn more and download the therapy card game here.

10. Feelings Jenga

Great for: Kids, teens, adults, families, groups

Goals: Learning or practicing coping skills, understanding emotions, teaching concepts, building rapport

Jenga is a popular game among therapists–especially those who work with kids. It’s a particularly easy one to set up. You can write a prompt on each Jenga block, or add a color using markers or stickers.

You can also print out prompts on sticky paper and stick or tape them to the blocks.

Check out the pre-printed prompts from Jenga Feelings Game. They include feelings words along with prompts that encourage clients or groups to consider situations relating to emotions.

When someone successfully pulls a Jenga block out, they must also answer a question or follow a prompt to earn the point.

Sometimes the blocks are also color-coded. For example, a blue block might correspond to happy feelings. A player might then discuss a time recently that made them feel happy, or what it was like to feel that way. Or, blocks can be numbered and correspond to discussion prompts.

Some of the generic Jenga-style blocks actually come in various colors, making it easy to set up color-based categories for the game. This also works with other colorful games like pick-up sticks.

Here are some example prompts from the Feelings Jenga game stickers:

Imagine you go so angry that you felt like throwing something. Do you think it would help? Is it safe to do?

Describe what a feeling (ie sadness) feels like in your body.

What should you do if your feelings are overwhelming you.

Learn more about the prompts here.

11. Feel, Act, & Draw

Great for: Teens, young adults, college students, families

Goals: Discussing feelings, interaction, ice-breaker

Feel, Act & Draw is a mental-health version of games like charades and Pictionary.

Players round a game board while they either answer discussion prompts or draw or act out feelings scenarios. For example, if a player lands on a charades space, they might act out the feeling "sad" or the scenario "mad at my friend."

If they land on a drawing space they sketch it out, Pictionary style. And if they land on a discussion space they talk through the questions in a more traditional style. Download and print it here.

12. Cube or Dice Prompts

Goals: Learning or practicing coping skills, responding to prompts, building rapport

You can play this game with dry erase blocks, real dice, or any empty square box. Or, print these paper dice with prompts and tape them together.

Assign your own prompts to each side of the cube, or assign a corresponding question to each number on the dice. You can even use a dice app on your phone if you prefer, especially for telehealth.

This game is highly customizable, but here’s an example:

Let’s say you want to review DBT skills. Each side of the box would include a prompt such as “Name a skill to try when you feel angry.”

Someone throws the block across the ground, and then must respond to the prompt that lands face-up in order to get a point.

If you’re using real dice, then each number would represent a corresponding prompt you have written down. So if someone rolls a “2” they would answer the question you have prepared for #2 .

This is great for clients who need to move around a lot, or for a group that’s getting bored. You can also use the paper dice as an activity, or send it as homework or an assignment for telehealth. Check out the pre-printed blocks here.

13. Emotions Match

Great for: Kids

Works with: Individuals, groups

Goals: Identifying and naming emotions

Emotions Match , inspired by the traditional Match Game, helps kids match up expressions and body language with the names of feelings. For example, one card has an image of a character who looks happy. The matching card has the word "Happy" on it.

Check out this printable match game which comes in a set with several variations. If you like, you can use just the emotions, or use two copies of the traditional feelings cards.

Download and print the feelings cards here.

14. Happy Dragon

Works with: Groups, classes

The Happy Dragon emotions game is inspired by the unfortunately-named "Old Maid" game. However, players are trying to end up with the Happy Dragon to win, versus lose (as in the other game). The game uses feeling-words cards, so players are exposed to emotions vocabulary. You can also add emotion prompts to encourage discussions about feelings.

Visit here to learn more about the Happy Dragon.

15. Go Feel!

Great for: Kids, families

Works with: Individuals, groups, family therapy

Goals: Identifying and naming emotions, discussing feelings

Go Feel is based on the beloved game Go Fish, so the mechanics are easy to catch on to. Players aim to collect and match emotion cards . This helps provide them with exposure to feelings words and images. Discussion prompts can also be added to deepen the game.

To play Go Feel you need multiple matching emotion cards. Check out this download to get started.

16. Family Pursuit

Great for: Families of all kinds

Works with: Family sessions, family homework

Goals:  Communication, coping skills, showing appreciation, decreasing conflict

If you're looking for a fun family therapy game, check out Family Pursuit. It's similar to Couples Pursuit, but with new categories that are focused on bringing families together. Question categories include:

Learning about each other

Discussing positive memories

Showing appreciation for each other

Famous families trivia

Family coping skills

It's a great way to practice communication and feel closer without feeling as much pressure. It can be special for young kids and a way to coach teens into sharing more. Learn more.

17. Stop, Relax & Think Game

You can purchase Stop, Relax and Think on Amazon. It's a popular game often used in therapies like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help teach emotional regulation.

The game is appropriate for kids working on anger outbursts, but may be able to help with other impulsive behaviors as well. It covers multiple coping skills, including of course the "stop, relax, and think" steps. Find it on Amazon.

18. The Talking, Feeling, & Doing Game

The Talking, Feeling, & Doing game has been around for years. It was created to help break down barriers in therapy, so children can feel more comfortable to open. Prompts vary from more basic questions to deeper ones about life history. You can get the game here on Amazon .

19. The Skittles Game

Candy sure makes it easier to talk about feelings! This game uses candy of various colors, like Skittles or M&Ms, to prompt discussion. You can use any number of prompts and activities. For example, you can divide the colors by feelings, coping skills, or mindfulness activities.

When a child chooses a color, they must answer the prompt. Then they get to eat the candy! You can imagine why this game would be popular.

20. Therapy Uno

Did you think I would skip Uno? (Actually I did and added it later.) Uno is played similarly to the Skittles game. When a player changes the color being played, they describe a type of feeling, or answer an assigned prompt.

You can play many games that involve color this way as well, such as pick-up-sticks, or color-coded therapy Jenga .

21. DIY Therapy Cards

Using a set of blank cards, or standard playing cards, add your own prompts or activities to the cards. For example, each “set” earned in traditional Go-Fish would require the player (or all players) to name a feeling word.

You can combine the prompts with a traditional game, or simply take turns drawing a card and following the prompt.

If your client is up for it, they could also create their own cards for therapy. They might list feeling words or coping skills, and act them out each time the card comes up. This version may work better for telehealth–your client can be in charge of the cards on their end.

In family therapy, you might play where each person who wins a game or scores a point gets to ask a question of another player that wouldn’t normally be well received.

For example, a parent might ask a teen why they always shut their bedroom door when they get home, or a child might ask why they never get to stay up late on weekends. The other player can earn their own point if they answer, or they can pass.

Your clients can help make up the rules of the game, as long as it involves responding to prompts at least part of the time.

Family board games can be therapeutic all on their own. Or, you can add prompts to add more depth. For example, replace Taboo cards with your own feelings or skill-based prompts. Perhaps you have to describe the feeling of anger only using physical sensations, while the other person guesses the emotion.

23. Connect-4

You may not imagine it, but when I worked with kids Connect-4 was probably the most valuable game in my office. We didn't add therapy to it at all. But the easy physical actions of the game (and simple rules) made it easy to chat while we played.

I learned all kinds of things about a child or teen's day, family, and relationships. Just keep it near your desk or in sight, and ask your client if they'd like to play. I don't think I was ever turned down.

24. Candyland

For younger kids, Candyland can be a great teaching game. You can simply play the game as is to build rapport. Or, you could talk about feelings depending on where the child lands. Having to return to the beginning is a perfect chance to talk about feelings.

25. Trivial Pursuit

The traditional Trivial Pursuit can be conveniently adapted to therapy. Simply replace the categories and make them about concepts you're learning, such as CBT skills. Or, make each space a prompt, such as discussing a feeling.

Ungame is a popular card game used in therapy. It has board game and card game versions. You can choose card prompts that are appropriate for your client. There are different levels depending on the type of topics you want to discuss. You can get the game here on Amazon .

27. Relationship Skills Card Game

This versatile game focuses on issues like social skills, conflict, and empathy building. It includes conversational prompts, icebreakers, and more. It's great for adult groups or even work settings. Check out the Relationship Skills Card Gamecards on Amazon.

28. Mindfulness Game

The Mindfulness Game is a detailed card deck with multiple activities for individuals and groups to follow. It's designed by teachers with specific activities and clear instructions. It's one of the older and most popular prompt decks. Check it out here.

29. Minecraft

Do you even know a kid who doesn't like Minecraft, even if they don't get to play it? Older kids and teens often find this game captivating. The good thing is that parents can play the game with kids, providing a modern bonding activity. During session, kids can show you what they've built and discuss what they like about the game. If you have trouble getting a tween to talk, it might be the ticket in.

30. TF-CBT Triangle App

The good folks who developed and teach TF-CBT therapy partnered to offer a fun app that helps teach basic CBT skills. While it's created as a part of the trauma therapy, it doesn't get into any trauma prompts or exposure techniques. It may be appropriate to teach the CBT triangle to younger kids. You can learn more here.

31. Creative VR Games

If you've never been inside a VR world, I encourage you to try it at least once. There are some pretty cool creative games, such as Tilt Brush by Google. If a client wanted a world where there was endless creativity and literally no physical limits, this would be it. It may be a very helpful art therapy or creative expression tool in the future.

32. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are a great way to learn to work together in tight spots, so to speak. You don’t have to go to a literal escape room – there are kits online where you can set up your own scene and mystery. You can use them with kids, teens, adults, and even for workplace team building.

33. Scattergories

You might vaguely remember Scattegories from your childhood – it’s that game where you get a list of prompts and you try to come up with unique words that start with the same letter. You can create the same game but use therapy prompts, such as coping skills that start with T, or self-care techniques that begin with S.

If your client or group loves sports, try incorporating it in therapy. For example, you and your client could play HORSE with a basketball while you discuss the week. Even nerf games in your office can be a great icebreaker.

35. Roleplaying Games

Games like Dungeons and Dragons, and various other role playing games you can find online, provide a safe outlet for expression. Create your own scenario, or let your client take the lead if they’re familiar with the idea.

Play Around!

There really is no limit to using games in therapy. The flexibility of games can work great with telehealth. Ask the client what games they have at home.

Then they can run the game from their side, and you can provide the prompts. You may not even need a copy of the game to play from your side, depending on how complex it is.

Don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas and activities, whether you're in person or connecting via Zoom therapy. At the very least, any game used in therapy can help promote rapport with clients. They can also be a great way for groups and family members to bond.

Games might not seem like serious business, but with many clients they’re likely to get you further than traditional sitting and talking therapy sessions.

Want some easy games and activities to download use with your clients? Check out this great therapy game kit to get started, or fill your toolbox to the bring with our Entire Store Bundle .

-Jennie Lannette, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety and PTSD. She has experience running therapy groups in schools, hospitals, and community settings.

-Games listed from Amazon include a small affiliate income if you make a purchase through this site.

Allen, B., & Hoskowitz, N. A. (2017). Structured Trauma-Focused CBT and Unstructured Play/Experiential Techniques in the Treatment of Sexually Abused Children: A Field Study With Practicing Clinicians. Child maltreatment , 22 (2), 112–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077559516681866

Yenigen, S. Play Doesn’t End in Childhood: Why Adults Need Recess too. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/06/336360521/play-doesnt-end-with-childhood-why-adults-need-recess-too

Recent Posts

5 Free Guided Mindfulness Meditations for Stress, Anxiety, and More

7 Super CBT Activity Sheets, Games, and Exercises

11 Fun Family Therapy Activities for Sessions and at Home

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2023 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

What Is Problem-Solving Therapy?

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." She has a Master's degree in psychology.

Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania.

Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight

Problem-Solving Therapy Techniques

How effective is problem-solving therapy, things to consider, how to get started.

Problem-solving therapy is a brief intervention that provides people with the tools they need to identify and solve problems that arise from big and small life stressors. It aims to improve your overall quality of life and reduce the negative impact of psychological and physical illness.

Problem-solving therapy can be used to treat depression , among other conditions. It can be administered by a doctor or mental health professional and may be combined with other treatment approaches.

At a Glance

Problem-solving therapy is a short-term treatment used to help people who are experiencing depression, stress, PTSD, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and other mental health problems develop the tools they need to deal with challenges. This approach teaches people to identify problems, generate solutions, and implement those solutions. Let's take a closer look at how problem-solving therapy can help people be more resilient and adaptive in the face of stress.

Problem-solving therapy is based on a model that takes into account the importance of real-life problem-solving. In other words, the key to managing the impact of stressful life events is to know how to address issues as they arise. Problem-solving therapy is very practical in its approach and is only concerned with the present, rather than delving into your past.

This form of therapy can take place one-on-one or in a group format and may be offered in person or online via telehealth . Sessions can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours long. 

Key Components

There are two major components that make up the problem-solving therapy framework:

• Applying a positive problem-solving orientation to your life
• Using problem-solving skills

A positive problem-solving orientation means viewing things in an optimistic light, embracing self-efficacy , and accepting the idea that problems are a normal part of life. Problem-solving skills are behaviors that you can rely on to help you navigate conflict, even during times of stress. This includes skills like:

• Knowing how to identify a problem
• Defining the problem in a helpful way
• Trying to understand the problem more deeply
• Setting goals related to the problem
• Generating alternative, creative solutions to the problem
• Choosing the best course of action
• Implementing the choice you have made
• Evaluating the outcome to determine next steps

Problem-solving therapy is all about training you to become adaptive in your life so that you will start to see problems as challenges to be solved instead of insurmountable obstacles. It also means that you will recognize the action that is required to engage in effective problem-solving techniques.

Planful Problem-Solving

One problem-solving technique, called planful problem-solving, involves following a series of steps to fix issues in a healthy, constructive way:

• Problem definition and formulation : This step involves identifying the real-life problem that needs to be solved and formulating it in a way that allows you to generate potential solutions.
• Generation of alternative solutions : This stage involves coming up with various potential solutions to the problem at hand. The goal in this step is to brainstorm options to creatively address the life stressor in ways that you may not have previously considered.
• Decision-making strategies : This stage involves discussing different strategies for making decisions as well as identifying obstacles that may get in the way of solving the problem at hand.
• Solution implementation and verification : This stage involves implementing a chosen solution and then verifying whether it was effective in addressing the problem.

Other Techniques

Other techniques your therapist may go over include:

• Problem-solving multitasking , which helps you learn to think clearly and solve problems effectively even during times of stress
• Stop, slow down, think, and act (SSTA) , which is meant to encourage you to become more emotionally mindful when faced with conflict
• Healthy thinking and imagery , which teaches you how to embrace more positive self-talk while problem-solving

What Problem-Solving Therapy Can Help With

Problem-solving therapy addresses life stress issues and focuses on helping you find solutions to concrete issues. This approach can be applied to problems associated with various psychological and physiological symptoms.

Mental Health Issues

Problem-solving therapy may help address mental health issues, like:

• Chronic stress due to accumulating minor issues
• Complications associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Emotional distress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Problems associated with a chronic disease like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes
• Self-harm and feelings of hopelessness
• Substance use
• Suicidal ideation

Specific Life Challenges

This form of therapy is also helpful for dealing with specific life problems, such as:

• Death of a loved one
• Dissatisfaction at work
• Everyday life stressors
• Family problems
• Financial difficulties
• Relationship conflicts

Your doctor or mental healthcare professional will be able to advise whether problem-solving therapy could be helpful for your particular issue. In general, if you are struggling with specific, concrete problems that you are having trouble finding solutions for, problem-solving therapy could be helpful for you.

Benefits of Problem-Solving Therapy

The skills learned in problem-solving therapy can be helpful for managing all areas of your life. These can include:

• Being able to identify which stressors trigger your negative emotions (e.g., sadness, anger)
• Confidence that you can handle problems that you face
• Having a systematic approach on how to deal with life's problems
• Having a toolbox of strategies to solve the issues you face
• Increased confidence to find creative solutions
• Knowing how to identify which barriers will impede your progress
• Knowing how to manage emotions when they arise
• Reduced avoidance and increased action-taking
• The ability to accept life problems that can't be solved
• The ability to make effective decisions
• The development of patience (realizing that not all problems have a "quick fix")

Problem-solving therapy can help people feel more empowered to deal with the problems they face in their lives. Rather than feeling overwhelmed when stressors begin to take a toll, this therapy introduces new coping skills that can boost self-efficacy and resilience .

Other Types of Therapy

Other similar types of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) . While these therapies work to change thinking and behaviors, they work a bit differently. Both CBT and SFBT are less structured than problem-solving therapy and may focus on broader issues. CBT focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts, and SFBT works to help people look for solutions and build self-efficacy based on strengths.

This form of therapy was initially developed to help people combat stress through effective problem-solving, and it was later adapted to address clinical depression specifically. Today, much of the research on problem-solving therapy deals with its effectiveness in treating depression.

Problem-solving therapy has been shown to help depression in: 

• Older adults
• People coping with serious illnesses like cancer

Problem-solving therapy also appears to be effective as a brief treatment for depression, offering benefits in as little as six to eight sessions with a therapist or another healthcare professional. This may make it a good option for someone unable to commit to a lengthier treatment for depression.

Problem-solving therapy is not a good fit for everyone. It may not be effective at addressing issues that don't have clear solutions, like seeking meaning or purpose in life. Problem-solving therapy is also intended to treat specific problems, not general habits or thought patterns .

In general, it's also important to remember that problem-solving therapy is not a primary treatment for mental disorders. If you are living with the symptoms of a serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia , you may need additional treatment with evidence-based approaches for your particular concern.

Problem-solving therapy is best aimed at someone who has a mental or physical issue that is being treated separately, but who also has life issues that go along with that problem that has yet to be addressed.

For example, it could help if you can't clean your house or pay your bills because of your depression, or if a cancer diagnosis is interfering with your quality of life.

Your doctor may be able to recommend therapists in your area who utilize this approach, or they may offer it themselves as part of their practice. You can also search for a problem-solving therapist with help from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Society of Clinical Psychology .

If receiving problem-solving therapy from a doctor or mental healthcare professional is not an option for you, you could also consider implementing it as a self-help strategy using a workbook designed to help you learn problem-solving skills on your own.

During your first session, your therapist may spend some time explaining their process and approach. They may ask you to identify the problem you’re currently facing, and they’ll likely discuss your goals for therapy .

Keep In Mind

Problem-solving therapy may be a short-term intervention that's focused on solving a specific issue in your life. If you need further help with something more pervasive, it can also become a longer-term treatment option.

Get Help Now

We've tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Shang P, Cao X, You S, Feng X, Li N, Jia Y. Problem-solving therapy for major depressive disorders in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials .  Aging Clin Exp Res . 2021;33(6):1465-1475. doi:10.1007/s40520-020-01672-3

Cuijpers P, Wit L de, Kleiboer A, Karyotaki E, Ebert DD. Problem-solving therapy for adult depression: An updated meta-analysis . Eur Psychiatry . 2018;48(1):27-37. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.11.006

Nezu AM, Nezu CM, D'Zurilla TJ. Problem-Solving Therapy: A Treatment Manual . New York; 2013. doi:10.1891/9780826109415.0001

Owens D, Wright-Hughes A, Graham L, et al. Problem-solving therapy rather than treatment as usual for adults after self-harm: a pragmatic, feasibility, randomised controlled trial (the MIDSHIPS trial) .  Pilot Feasibility Stud . 2020;6:119. doi:10.1186/s40814-020-00668-0

Sorsdahl K, Stein DJ, Corrigall J, et al. The efficacy of a blended motivational interviewing and problem solving therapy intervention to reduce substance use among patients presenting for emergency services in South Africa: A randomized controlled trial . Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy . 2015;10(1):46. doi:doi.org/10.1186/s13011-015-0042-1

Margolis SA, Osborne P, Gonzalez JS. Problem solving . In: Gellman MD, ed. Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine . Springer International Publishing; 2020:1745-1747. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-39903-0_208

Kirkham JG, Choi N, Seitz DP. Meta-analysis of problem solving therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder in older adults . Int J Geriatr Psychiatry . 2016;31(5):526-535. doi:10.1002/gps.4358

Garand L, Rinaldo DE, Alberth MM, et al. Effects of problem solving therapy on mental health outcomes in family caregivers of persons with a new diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia: A randomized controlled trial . Am J Geriatr Psychiatry . 2014;22(8):771-781. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2013.07.007

Noyes K, Zapf AL, Depner RM, et al. Problem-solving skills training in adult cancer survivors: Bright IDEAS-AC pilot study .  Cancer Treat Res Commun . 2022;31:100552. doi:10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100552

Albert SM, King J, Anderson S, et al. Depression agency-based collaborative: effect of problem-solving therapy on risk of common mental disorders in older adults with home care needs . The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry . 2019;27(6):619-624. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2019.01.002

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." She has a Master's degree in psychology.

mind remake project

A therapy and mental health resource site

75+ Free Mental Health Worksheets & Handouts

75+ free mental health worksheets, handouts, and forms for mental health professionals or self-help.

(Updated 2/13/24) This is a list of nearly 100 mental health worksheets, handouts, forms, and more for substance use, mental health, and wellness.

Please repost and share with anyone who might benefit! New resources are added on a regular basis.

For more free downloads, click here for a list of PDF workbooks, manuals, and self-help guides.

For free mental health worksheets and resources from other sites, check out TherapistAid , GetSelfHelpUK , and Taking the Escalator .

Mental Health Worksheets & Handouts

Group ideas & topics.

A 3-page handout for group facilitators with strategies for managing resistance, disruptive behaviors, and a lack of engagement in group therapy.

A list of topics for substance use groups.

A 2-page handout for clinicians who facilitate group therapy with (adult) clients and their families. The questions were developed for an inpatient SUD setting.

A list of specific topics for substance use groups, such as refusal skills, the difference between a lapse and a relapse, and fun in recovery.

A list of group openers for substance use groups; can also be used in individual counseling sessions.

A list of questions for exploring the following topics: Conversation starters, mental health, addiction, personal development, values, family, relationships, and emotions. These questions can be used in a group setting, individually, or as journal prompts.

Group Activities

A worksheet with prompts for writing a short autobiography to be presented to the group.

Intended audience: Adults

A worksheet for clients to pass around to group members so each person can write a positive affirmation.

Intended audience : Adolescents, Teens, Adults

Good for newly formed groups. Each group member writes down their “first impression” of other group members. The facilitator then reads off the different categories and group members have the opportunity to share their answers.

Intended audience : Adults

An icebreaker activity, good for new groups. Give group members 15-20 minutes to collect signatures. The first person to collect all signatures wins.

Clinical Film Discussion Questions

• Ben Is Back -Discussion Questions
• Girl, Interrupted -Discussion Questions
• Pay It Forward -Discussion Questions
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower -Discussion Questions
• Rachel Getting Married -Discussion Questions
• When a Man Loves a Woman -Discussion Questions

A printable deck of cards with 128 coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. Each card includes one simple coping skill.

Print/cut the cards, fold, and place in a container. Group members take turns drawing the cards and answering the questions.

A printable deck of cards with 40 positive quotes that can be used as affirmations.

A printable card deck with 27 affirmations for healing and empowerment.

These cards can be used in a SUD inpatient or outpatient setting to facilitate group discussions about recovery. Group members take turns drawing a card and answering questions. The facilitator can vary things up by letting group members pick someone else to answer their question once they’ve finished sharing. Alternatively, group members can take turns drawing cards, but all group members are encouraged to share their answers. This activity works best with a working group.

This is a revised version of the Recovery Question Cards.

Rumi Quote Cards

25 cards with Rumi quotes on love, suffering, and healing.

A card deck with 104 cards with thought-provoking questions intended to promote discussion. Topics include goals, values, emotions, relationships, spirituality, and more.

These cards can be used in a group or individual setting. The last page of the PDF includes additional values exercises for journaling, clinical supervision, couples, and groups. Tip: Print the cards on patterned scrapbook paper (blank on one side).

Mental Health Handouts

4 ways to stay calm before a stressful event.

A 1-page handout with simple “in-the-moment” calming strategies for anxiety-provoking events.

A simple 1-page handout that shows the 6 basic emotions.

A comprehensive list of 12-step and other support groups , such as AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Dual Recovery Anonymous, NAMI, etc.

A 1-page DBT-based handout with 25 examples of dialectics (i.e., two things that seem opposite and are at the same time both true).

These journal prompts can also be used in a group setting. The prompts include questions about values, potential, expectations, and more.

Instructions for Living from the Dalai Lama

A 1-page handout with 25 quotes from the Dalai Lama on topics such as kindness and happiness. Can be used in a group setting.

A 1-page handout that debunks five common grief myths and provides the truth about each one.

A 2-page handout with nine creative and soothing outlets for grief , such as music, dance, light therapy, and aromatherapy.

A 2-page handout with journal prompts for recovery, based on material from The Sober Survival Guide (created with the author’s permission).

Kindness To-Do List

A to-do list of kind deeds with blank spaces to write in your own ideas for spreading kindness.

A colorful 3-page handout with ideas for hobbies that fall under the following categories: Animals/nature, arts/crafts, collections, cooking/baking, entertainment, home improvement/DIY, outdoor/adventure, self-improvement, sports, travel, and misc.

A list with links to online grief support groups, forums, and communities.

A 1-page handout on PTG and how it may impact a person’s life, and the factors that contribute to PTG.

A 1-page handout with resources for suicide , including recommended books, apps, crisis lines, and suicide warning signs.

A 2-page handout that describes seven uncommon grief experiences, such as delayed or disenfranchised grief.

A list of 38 unique coping skills for managing difficult emotions.

A 2-page handout that lists values. Can be used as a standalone handout or with the values card deck .

A 2-page handout with two exercise routines, one designed for beginners and the other for more advanced exercisers.

Mental Health Worksheets

A 1-page worksheet for identifying things to be grateful for in different life areas.

A 1-page checklist with 30 ideas for spreading kindness.

A 1-page worksheet for exploring what makes someone a good friend.

Art Activity: H-T-P Test

In the House-Tree-Person Test, the picture of the house is supposed to represent how the individual feels about their family. The tree elicits feelings of strength or weakness. The person represents how the individual feels about themselves. (Source: How Projective Tests Are Used to Measure Personality – Simply Psychology )

Art Activity: Outer & Inner Masks

This art activity can be done in a group setting or individually. Clients design both outer – what the world sees – and inner – the hidden self – masks. The third page has questions for discussion. This activity can be used to target all sorts of issues from body image to values to character defects (in addiction) and more.

Art Activity: Self-Portraits

This worksheet can be used in groups or as a homework assignment. Encourage clients to be creative; instead of just drawing or coloring, they can use magazine cutouts, stickers, photos, etc. Suggested questions for discussion: How did you decide which identities to portray? Which portrait best represents your true self? Which portrait do others see the most? What, if anything, would you like to change about your portraits?

A 2-page worksheet for exploring the consequences of addiction.

Coping with Cravings

A 3-page worksheet with DBT-based skills for coping with cravings.

Coping with Jealousy

A worksheet for understanding jealousy, its impact, whether it’s pathological, and how to manage jealous feelings.

Couples Exercise: Affirmations

A 3-page worksheet for sharing self-affirmations and partner affirmations, including suggested questions for discussion.

Couples Exercise: Our Bucket List

A 3-page worksheet for couples to create a shared list of meaningful “bucket list” items to do together.

Couples Exercise: Our Bucket List (with dates)

A shared bucket list that includes spaces to write in when an item was added to the list and when it was completed.

A 1-page worksheet for affirmations, positive self-talk, and problem-solving strategies for daily challenges.

A basic mood tracker with emoji faces.

A blank schedule with hourly slots starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m. Can be used as part of a relapse prevention, for depression management, or as a planner.

A 3-page worksheet for substance use recovery for planning leisure activities and enhancing wellness/spirituality.

A letter template for individuals entering long-term residential treatment for substance use, to be opened and read at treatment completion.

An 8-page goal-setting worksheet for health/wellness, relationships/social health, emotional wellness, intellectual wellness, education/career, financial health, spirituality, and leisure.

A 3-page worksheet for identifying and managing substance use relapse triggers.

A 1-page worksheet for identifying things that promote addiction and ways to get rid of or avoid these things.

A 3-page goal-setting worksheet for short-term and long-term goals.

A 12-step-based worksheet for identifying and exploring resentments.

A worksheet for creating poetry; print, laminate, and cut out the words.

A 1-page worksheet for examining past substance use relapses and strategies for avoiding future relapses.

A 5-page template for creating a substance use relapse prevention plan.

A 1-page worksheet for exploring ways to resist urges to use in early recovery.

A 1-page checklist with quick tips, self-soothing, and indulgent ideas for self-care.

A 3-page worksheet for developing a colorful self-care “map” to explore patterns and identify new practices.

A 3-page template for creating a self-care “menu.”

A 2-page writing assignment for self-discovery and awareness.

A 2-page worksheet for developing self-esteem.

A 1-page worksheet for exploring motivation for substance use recovery.

A fun worksheet for creating a bucket list of things that are only possible in sobriety.

Stress Management Worksheet

This 6-page worksheet helps with identifying and exploring stressors. From there, the worksheet can be used to build a stress management plan.

7 pages of feelings words.

A 6-page worksheet for describing problem areas, identifying goals, and exploring what has (and has not) been helpful in the past. This worksheet can be used to develop a collaborative treatment plan.

A 2-page worksheet for identifying and exploring wants and needs.

A simple form for tracking daily meals and snacks for one week.

A 2-page worksheet for identifying things that are controllable versus things that can’t be controlled.

A 3-page narrative therapy worksheet for exploring a past substance use relapse.

Laminate and use with fine-tip dry erase markers.

Workbooks & Bonus Materials

100-page printable workbook for working through grief and loss.

A companion workbook meant to be used with the book Staying Sober Without God (created with the author’s permission).

Daily Self-Inventory for Mental Health Professionals

A 10th step-based inventory for self-reflection for counselors and other mental health workers.

Free Coloring Pages for Adults

Links to 15 websites with free printable coloring sheets for adults.

Miscellaneous Printables

A list of 20 openers for individual therapy sessions.

A 2-page form for case conceptualization with sections for demographics, key findings, background info, case formulation, interventions/plans, and requested feedback or suggestions.

A list of interventions (action words) for clinical documentation.

A template for tracking attendance, cases discussed, and any other group topics.

A foldable coloring book with eight different designs.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

28 thoughts on “75+ Free Mental Health Worksheets & Handouts”

• Pingback: Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts – Mind ReMake Project
• Pingback: Books & Resources for Therapists – Mind ReMake Project
• Pingback: Free Printable PDF Workbooks, Manuals, & Self-Help Guides – Mind ReMake Project
• Pingback: Group Therapy Resource Guide – Mind ReMake Project

Thank you for giving away this valuable information. I am a Adult Mental Health Case Manager and I use things from here in my weekly group meetings!

I do also, but for juveniles. These tools are extremely helpful.

• Pingback: Mental Health Resources Master List – Sandeep's Mind

Thank you so much for providing these free handouts. During these tough times, I find these handouts to be extremely useful. A million thank you’s!

These valuable materials are so much of a blessing, thank you so much for the gracious kindness!!!

I’m a drug and alcohol counselor and I find this site very helpful!

It is great to see that someone else wants to promote better care for clients and therapists alike using comprehensive resources (that are free!). Thank you!!!

I love this site i am a Mental Health Professional and I find these very helpful with my group sessions.

Thank you very much!! I have a son struggling with depression and suicide. This will help very much.

• Pingback: Group Therapy Curriculum Pdf – Explore Recent
• Pingback: Relapse Prevention Worksheets - Worksheets List

This is a wonderful site. I deeply appreciate the effort and time it took to put this together. Thank you very much.

I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to have stumbled onto this. I am a Behavioral Health PSS in a drug and alcohol treatment facility and am looking forward to sharing some of these materials with our clients. I love the group activities and discussion prompts and will be using some in my next group. Fantastic resource! There is something for everyone here! Thank you so much for this. Be well 🙂

Hope you guys add a Domestic Violence section

Thank you for giving us free worksheets. It’s really helpful.

• Pingback: 10 Ways To Kill Time On A Long Flight
• Pingback: Map Your Healing Journey

Thank you!!

• Pingback: 161 Powerful Questions to Explore Values, Ideas, & Beliefs - mind remake project
• Pingback: What is mental health? worksheet - HappierTHERAPY

I am a mental health therapist and I really struggle for group therapy ideas. Thank you for sharing. Your site has been very helpful for me to find new ideas.

• Pingback: 250+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets - mind remake project
• Pingback: Boost Your Emotional Wellness: Exercises, Worksheets, And Resources For A Happier Life » LifeWhims

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from mind remake project.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Problem solving

Worrying is a natural response to life's problems. But when it takes over and we can start to feel overwhelmed, it can really help to take a step back and break things down.

Learning new ways to work through your problems can make them feel more manageable, and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Video: Problem solving

The tips in this video can help you to find strategies and solutions for tackling the problems that can be solved, and learning how to manage and cope with those that cannot.

Steps and strategies to help you solve problems

1. focus on your values.

Feeling like you have lots of problems to solve in different areas of your life can make it difficult to know how and where to start.

A great way to focus is to write down a few areas of your life that are most important to you right now – for example, a relationship, finances or a long-term goal like studying or developing your career.

This can make it easier to prioritise which problems to tackle.

2. Tackle problems with possible solutions first

It's important to work out if your problem can be solved or is a "hypothetical worry" – things that are out of your control even though you might think about them often.

They might be based on something that happened in the past that cannot be changed or a worry about the future that starts with "what if…".

Ask yourself whether a problem can be dealt with by doing something practical. If the answer is no, it's a hypothetical worry.

Make a list of your problems, and work out which are solvable and which are hypothetical.

3. Set aside time to work through solvable problems

Set aside 5 or 10 minutes to think about possible solutions for one of your solvable problems.

Try to be as open-minded as you can, even if some ideas feel silly. Thinking broadly and creatively is often when the best solutions come to mind.

It may feel difficult at first but, over time, this approach can start to feel easier.

Once you have some ideas, think through or write down:

• the pros and cons of each solution
• whether it's likely to work
• if you have everything you need to try it

4. Make a plan

The next step is to choose a solution you want to try and make a plan for putting it into action. Try to be specific:

• What are you going to do?
• Do you need the support of anybody else?
• How much time do you need?
• When will you do it?

5. Try 'worry time'

Not all of our problems can be solved right away, but it can be difficult to switch off and stop ourselves from dwelling on them.

Using the "worry time" technique to stick to a short set time – say 10 to 15 minutes in the evening – for worrying can make this much easier to manage.

You can learn more about the worry time technique on tackling your worries .

6. Find time to relax

Worrying about our problems can make it harder to relax, but there are lots of things you can try to help you clear your mind and feel calmer.

The most important thing is to find what works for you. It might be getting active, spending time on an existing hobby or trying a new one, or techniques like mindfulness, meditation or our progressive muscle relaxation exercise.

Video: Progressive muscle relaxation

This video will guide you through an exercise to help you recognise when you're starting to get tense, and relax your body and mind.

7. Review and reflect

Once you start trying new approaches to solving and managing problems, consider setting aside time to review what went well with your solutions or anything else you noticed.

Make notes of the problems you face and any strategies you use to overcome them. This can come in handy later on and also be a good reminder of what works best for you.

Ticking off on a checklist any problems you manage to solve is a great way to recognise your achievements and boost your confidence.

8. Give journaling a go

Sometimes getting our thoughts out of our head – and down onto paper, our phones or anything else – is a great way to stop our worries and "what ifs" from spiralling out of control.

Expressing ourselves in this way can also make it easier to spot when our thoughts are unhelpful and we may benefit from a more balanced outlook. Give it a go to see if this works for you.

More self-help CBT techniques you can try

Bouncing back from life's challenges.

Taking steps to stay on top of your mental wellbeing and build resilience can really help you deal with problems when times are tougher. Learn more, and see tips and techniques you can use.

Tackling your worries

Facing your fears

Staying on top of things

Find more ideas to try in self-help CBT techniques

Taking the ​Escalator  

Substance Use, Mental Health, Co-Occurring Therapy | Harm Reduction | Positive Change Tools

Become a Site Member:

takingtheescalator.com       Addiction and Substance Use Resource s  -   Non 12 Step Motivational Harm Reduction Tools for Substance Use & Mental Health

Group Activities  by topic

NEW -    My Interpretation

     Thanks to all who provided a Google Review

Taking the escalator  on.

Alphabetical Listings by Topic:

< To search by word anywhere on this page press: CTRL F >

Accountability and Responsibility

6 Shoulds and Should Nots for Responsibilit y

Accountability and You - Are You Meeting the Challenge?

Accountability Self-Examination Worksheet

Responsibility Road  - Looking at the critical concept of increasing responsibility

The Responsibility Riddle

Addiction and the Brain (See also Disease Concept of Addiction)

The Resilient Brain

This is Your Brain on Drugs...(Fried Egg Not Included)

VIDEO -  The Brain and Addiction Behavior with Dr. Erin Zerbo, MD

NIH: Drugs, Brains and Behavior: The Science of Addiction  - Free publication from National Institutes of Health

NIH: Drugfacts: Treatment Approaches for Addiction  - Free publication from National Institutes of Health

Sub stance Use and Acquired Brain Injury   - Workbook specifically designed for this population

TRUST Patient Workbook   - MAT Access Points Project

Adolescent/Young Adult Specific

Adolescent Activities List  - A guide with recommendations from this website for clinicians working with adolescents

ADOLESCENTS: RISK FACTORS   - Exploring risk factors for substance use issues with young people

Adolescent Substance Use  - A basic educational outline for those working with adolescents and parents

Adolescent Substance Use Group (Multiple Choice)  - This is a   kahoot   activity for adolescent substance use groups

Drug Dealing

Identifying Teen Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use (PDF Presentation Slides) 

VIDEO LINK -  Teen Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use (Corresponds with above)

Three Paths: A Discussion of Marijuana

Anger Management (See also "Relationships" for Conflict Resolution material)

Anger Discussion Sentence Completion   - Simple questions for opening up discussion on anger

Anger Management: Digging Deeper and Using Basic AM Skills

Anger Memories: Family

Anger Styles

Basic Anger Management

Owning and Discharging Anger

Owning Anger Using "I" Statements

Ways People Express Anger

SAMHSA Anger Management for Substance Use and Mental Health Clients (2 links) -  MANUAL  -  WORKBOOK

Anger Management/Conflict Resolution Workbook - Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Colombo, Sri Lanka

Additional ANGER collection from around the web

Anxiety (Also check "CBT Specific" heading)

Anxiety and Panic

The Great Lie of Anxiety

Realistic Self Talk

Three Ps for Coping with Anxiety in the Moment    -   VIDEO LINK :  Coping in the Moment

READ -  Coping with an Overactive Mind   - (Inspirational reading submitted by Nicole Tierney)

Additional ANXIETY, STRESS and PANIC collection from around the web

CCI - Anxiety, Panic and Worry Collection

Anxiety Busting - Challenging Your Thoughts  - University of Exeter

Anxiety Common Unhelpful and Helpful Thoughts Tool  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

How to Handle Anxious Thinking  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

CBT Basic Group for Anxiety  - 132 page free manual with group material from University of Michigan Dept. of Psychiatry 

Calming the Panic  - University of Waterloo

Materials and Worksheets  - From "Anxiety" by Paul Stallard

The Panic Attack Workbook    -  Lawrence E. Shapiro, PhD  

Assessment and Screening Tools

C lick to view the Taking the Escalator Assessment and Screening Tools

Assessing Your Change Initiative  - Getting started learning about insight, internal motivation and external motivation

VIDEO LINK -  "Understanding Insi ght and Motivation for Positive Change"  - (Corresponds with Assessing Change Initiative)

Attention, Concentration and ADHD

Attention and Concentratio n

Impulsivity

Anger Attitude Check

Attitude Antonym Answers

Confident or Cocky - It Matters

Garbages and Gardens (Attitude Made Simple)

Keeping it Positive: "I Love it When a Plan Comes Together"

Professing the Positive

Shift to a Positive Focus

Surviving Challenges by Adjusting Your Attitude

CBT Specific

CBT and Me: Part 1 - Starting with Thinking

CBT and Me: Part 2 - Feeling our Feelings

CBT and Me: Part 3 - Changing Behaviors

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Overview

The Cognitive Distortion Scale -  An interesting way to "weigh" distortions as well as traditional Cognitive Distortion list

REBT  - Overview of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy skills for group

CBT 2.0 Curriculum   - Dr. Bernie Glos et al

CBT Skills Workbook - Hertfordshire Wellbeing Services

CCI - CBT Worksheet Collection

Challenging Thoughts Worksheet  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Cognitive Triangle Worksheet  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Understanding Cognitive Distortions and Imposter Fears - Dr Sharon Milgram 

Change Planning/Recovery Planning

R EAD:   5 and 5 for Change

Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

Change Analysis   - Examining the actual, the real and the ideal

Change Management Planning

Change Mode

The Definition of Insanity

Flipping the Script on Addiction

A Journey Through Change   - Looking at change from various perspectives

Life's Education: Breaking the pattern of repeated mistakes

Outside In  - Building yourself up on the inside by developing a solid plan

READ :  Planning for Inspiration

Return to Normalcy

Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What You Can

Stay Inspired by Planning for Change (Activity)

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP ) - Kansas WRAP Project

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (Version 2) - Another WRAP Plan (Origin Unknown)

Ch ecking In and Progress Reports

Check In  - A basic tool for checking in where you are today

Check In Cheat Sheet  - A comprehensive list of information and ideas for the check in process in therapy

Progress Report  - Basic progress report worksheet for getting relevant discussion started

Self Assessment: Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Systems Check  - A comprehensive review of where you are in the change process

Children (Activities for Children 12 and Under)

Telehealth Play Therapy Activities  - MindpeaceCincinnati

Closing Group - Ideas, Activities and Worksheets for the End of the Session

Discussion Outline for Speakers or Vide o

End of the Day Review

Goodbye Group  - An outline for group when someone is leaving, graduating or moving on

Group Close-Out Ideas

Life Story Outline

Motivational Minute

Text Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself  - (Group close-out homework and follow-up activity)

Topics for Art or Journaling

Weekend Relapse Prevention Plan

50 Journal Prompts for Anxiety and Depression  - From Dream Dash Journal

Cohesion Building for Groups

3A's - Appeciation, Assessment & Advice

Adjective Anecdote s

Brief Group Module and Icebreaker Collection  - Multiple shorter activities to choose from in this large collection  

Caption This

Care or Don't Care Icebreaker  - Another basic tool for starting group discussion

Choose or Lose Icebreaker  - Some basic multiple choice questions for opening up discussion

Clothes Minde d

Cohesion Cards

Declare-Disclose-Display  - A variety of ways to get the group talking and interacting

Deep and Personal  - Some in depth personal questions for opening people up

Describe - Draw - Describe  - Get group sharing thoughts and feelings with art

Escalator Jeopardy  - A comprehensive educational review

(Also see " Life Jeopardy " under the Coping Skills heading)

(Also see " Substance Use and Mental Health Recovery Jeopardy " also under Coping Skills)

Fill in the Blanks Discussion Generator

Grab Bag  - A great list of interesting, questions and other situations to get people talking

Grading the Group  - Interactive group report card

Group Awards

Group Glue  - This one has a little bit of education because it explains the power and value of group cohesion

Group Profile

Group Member Fill In the Blank  - A great exercise to have fun and make group interactive

Group Share Battle  - A group activity to get group talking about some recovery-based topics for positive change

The Honesty Game

Hello Neighbor

Icebreakers for Break Time  - Short but interesting group assignments for breaks in between groups

Incoming Text Icebreaker

Image Narrations

The League of Just Us  - A basic fun activity focused on superheroes

Making the Most out of Substance Use Treatment  - This is unique because it is an interactive Kahoot activity

Majority  - Interactive exercise, better for an established group than a new one

Memories: A Sci-Fi Icebreaker Adventure

Mini Groups

Pointless Pursuits  - (Warning: only try this if you and the group members have established a degree of comfort)

Positive Vibes

The Randomizer

Remember When...

"Roll Play"...aka This May Get Dicey"

Social Media Icebreaker  - Exercise for self expression based on social media

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Telehealth Specific Group Cohesion Building Activities  - Ideas specifically for virtual video groups

Topic Turnaround

Unique  - Discussing what you would and wouldn't do

What You Should Know About Me

You Have Five Minutes Until You to Run Group and You Have Nothing Prepared

Do not forget to ch eck the   Taking the Escalator FORUM page   for more icebreakers and brief group therapy modules

30 Team-Building Games, Activities, and Ideas  - Rockhurst University Continuing Ed Center

40 Icebreakers for Small Groups  - Grahame Knox

42 "Fun and Funny" Questions  - From Smartsheet

100 Ways to Energise Groups  - International HIV/AIDS Alliance

The Only List of Icebreaker Questions You'll Ever Need  - Museum Hack

Random Question Generator   

Recovery Family Feud (Interactive PowerPoint)  - Origin unknown. Please email [email protected] if you know

Br eaking the Cycle of Broken Promises

Communication, Boundaries and Social Skills

A ssertive Communication

Learning to Say "No" Effectively

Sophisticated Debates

Win, Lose or Indifferent: Positive Qualities for Positive Gains

Additional ASSERTIVENESS and BOUNDARIES collection from around the web

Boundaries Starter Kit - Christina Bell, PhD

CCI - Assertiveness Collection

Small Talk and Friend Making  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Complacency

Complacency  - (Submitted by Laura Laura Hennessy, LCSW. LCADC)

Co-Occurring Disorders/Coexisting Mental Health Issues - (See also Feelings, Thoughts and Emotions) 

READ:  Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders

COD - Co Occurring Disorders  - An older outline about COD's and addiction

Coexisting Mental Heath Issues  - A checklist for starting to look at mental health

Two Way Coping Strategies for Substance Use and Mental Health Issues

Conflict Resolution (Look under "Relationships")

Control Loss

READ:  To Control or Not to Control...Is that the Question?

Powerlessness and Willpower  - Looking beyond powerlessness to examine where we can build willpower

Power and Control  - (Submitted by Caitlin Kennedy, LCSW, LCADC)

Working Out Self Control Muscles

Coping Skills and Life Skills- General

READ - Accept - Cope - Adapt, Part One

Accept-Cope-Adapt  - An approach for dealing with life struggles

Coping Circle

Coping Tool Box: Warmup Exercise

"Life" Jeopardy

Life Skills Profile

Pet Appreciation  - Discussing how animals can help us cope

Positive Self Statement Coping Collection

Skill Building

Substance Use and Mental Health Dual Recovery Jeopardy

Use Your Brain and Not Your Pain  - Another simple but effective strategy for coping with challenging emotions

Coping Skills Collection (Over 100 pages of worksheets) from   bcbe.org

Life Skills Support Group  - L os Angeles County Mental Health

Coping Skills Handout - UW Medicine

Coping Skills Worksheet

Grounding Exercise  - Partnership for Child Health

Additional COPING SKILLS collection from around the web

Couples (See also "Relationships")

Couples Worksheets - Embrace Life Counseling

COVID-19 Specific

Additional COVID-SPECIFIC resources from the web listed below:

Children, Funerals and a Pandemic - A Toolkit for Children and Families  -  Goodgrief.org

COVID-19 Anxiety Workbook  - shared by:   Thewellnesssociety.org

COVID-19 Anx iety Workshop  - University of Arkansas

COVID-19 Self Awareness Infographic  - Unknown

Daily Self Care Questions During Times of Isolation  - Rutgers

Kahoot Quizzes for Adolescents  - NIDA

A Letter to Myself During COVID-19  - Jacqueline Soboti, LCSW

Mental Health Wellness Tips During Quarantine  - Unknown

NJSACC Virtual Afterschool Resource Guide  - NJSACC

Coping with Cravings  - An essential list of tools for understanding and managing cravings and urges

Cravings Plan

Criminal Justice Specific

The Mission Criminal Justice Participant Workbook  - David Smelson Psy D. et al

Cross Addiction

Cross Addiction  - Education and exercise on substituting addictive behaviors

Decision Making, Ethics and Problem Solving

Challenging Cho ices Checklist - This is specifically for life's more difficult decisions

Decision-Making and Ethics - Examining what is behind making the right choices

Ethical Decision-Making 2 - Using insight and ethics to make tough choices

The Five Basic Elements of Effective Decision Making

Group Problem Solving

Lost - When you just don't know which way to turn

Making the Right Choice - Another look at making decisions starting from good solutions

Red Flags for Decision Making – Warning Signs for Productive Living

The Space Between - Effectively using the space between feelings and words/actions 

When All Else Fails: The Costanza Principle - (Literally only use when all else fails)

• Problem Solving Worksheet - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Defense Mechanisms

Shielding - Looking at how we may try to protect ourselves from in comfortable realities

Group Roles - Outline of different ways individuals may protect themselves in group settings

Coping with Depression

Depression and Alcohol Quiz - A very basic quiz focused on opening up a basic discussion on this topic

• Additional DEPRESS ION collection from around the w eb
• Behavioral Activation for Depression - Unknown
• Busting the Blues Depression Workbook - Exeter University
• CCI Depression Collection
• Depression Common Unhelpful and Helpful Thoughts Tool - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Developmental Disabilities

• Tips4Inclusion - Tim Rohrer is a young man who grew up with disabilities who now shares his own tools and resources

Disease Concept of Addiction (see also Addiction and the Brain)

Defining Addiction

The Disease Concept of Addiction - Review of "symptoms" of addiction

Major Life Aspects of the Disease of Addiction

Distress Tolerance

• CCI - Distress Tolerance and Anger Collection

Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia

• CCI Eating Disorder and Body Dysmorphia Coll e cti on

Empathy Moment s

READ: Empathy without Agreement

"I Feel Like No One Understands"

Excuse Making

READ: Circumventing Excuses

Or READ - The Subterfuge Exclusion - (Similiar to Circumventing Excuses in different format)

Families, Support and External Motivation

Addiction and Choice - More Food for Thought

Do You Have to Want to Change? - Podcast

CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)  - "10 Basic Messages for Families" Slides - Robert Meyers PhD

External Motivation  - Looking at what pushes us to change and ways to increase support

Family Match Game  - An icebreaker discussion for multi-family therapy group

Family Timeline

Good Choices for Good Living - For Families

POWERPOINT SLIDES   -  Good Choices for Good Living - For Families PowerPoint

Healthy Families  - Looking at positive family qualities

Helpers  - Identifying who is out there to help you with the change process

The Pendulum - Examining Common Family Issues  - Examining some common family challenges

READ:  Push Your Best Foot Forward

Stages of Change -A Guide for Families of Individuals with Substance Use Issues

Support Report  - Assessing and maximizing existing potential support system

Support Zones & Interpersonal Boundaries  - Stepping outside of your comfort zone to build support

Strategy List for Families Dealing with a Loved One's Substance Use Issues

VIDEO -  Click here to see the above outline "Strategy List for Families..." via Facebook Live video

You Cant Nag Someone Sober

Constructive Family Communication Patterns  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Family Communication Patterns  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Family Problem Solving Worksheet  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

GETTING CANDID: FRAMING THE CONVERSATION AROUND YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION-   T he National Council

Negative Family Communication Patterns  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Parenting Worksheet -  Parentingcoachplan.com

Strengthening Families Program  - Dr. Karol Kumpfer

Tips for Recovering Parents Wishing to Break Intergenerational Cycles of Addiction  - William White 

Fear and Phobias

Are You Letting Fear H old You Back?

CONFIDENCE BUILDING - (Overcoming Fear of Failure)

Courage and Discouragement

Overcoming Fear of Change

Overcoming Fear of the Unknown

Facing Your Fears - University of Exeter

Feelings, Thoughts and Emotions (General)

Change the Channel: The TV Mind Analogy

Dealing with Feelings  - Coping with feelings from three viewpoints

Difficult Feelings: Dissect and Deal

READ:  Emotional Self-Prevention  - Looking at sensitive areas

"The Feeling"

Feeling Under the Weather  - A brief true-false list to open an honest discussion about feelings

Five Key Aspects of Appropriately Managing Feelings

Happiness Factor  - (Submitted by Lesley SanFilippo, LCSW)

The IDEA Technique - A tool for coping with challenging thoughts and feelings

Meta-emotions  - Feelings about feelings

READ:  Please Dont Feed the Monster  - An illustration about negative thoughts and feelings

Thinking About Thinking  - Looking at the link between thinking, feeling and behaving

Thinking, Feeling and Coping in Challenging Scenarios

Thinking Styles  - Tool for self-analyzing how we think

Thoughts and Feelings  - Gaining an improved understanding how our thoughts and feelings affect us

23 Emotions People Feel but Can't Explain  - Unkown

12 Negative Thoughts Holding You Back  - By  dontgiveupworld.com

Exploring Emotions Through Activities - Danny Wayne Pettry, Certified Recreation Specialist

Feelings List - One Page PDF with Body Sensations  - Hoffman Institute

Map Your Happy  - University of Arizona

What's Underneath? - Mental Health America

Forgiveness and Resentment

Drop the Rocks  - Letting go of resentments

READ :  Nicole Tierney on Forgiveness

Part 1 : Forgive, Live and Love

Part 2: Divisions of Forgiveness

Part 3: Some Thoughts to Help Cope

Forgiveness and Self Care - Contributed by Jamie Lewitt MSW Intern

The Foundation of F.O.R.G.I.V.E.N.E.S.S. The 11 Step Guide for Life Coaches, Pastoral Counselors and Therapist    - James Edwards, MA, LA

Self Forgiveness Workbook  - Everett Worthington, PhD and Brandon Griffith, MS

Individualized Treatment for Problem Gamblers - UCLA Gambling Studies Program

Freedom From Problem Gambling Self Help Workbook - UCLA Gambling Studies Program

No Dice Gambling Addiction Workbook - Marcy Nichols, BA, CADCI

Giving/Generosity /Ge

Give the Gift of Kindness and Hope

Giving Activities - There is more happiness in giving than receiving

Giving the Gifts of Values and Virtues

Yankee Swap Icebreaker

Goal Setting

Common Goals

Don't Just Set Goals, Keep Them Going

VIDEO LINK for above worksheet - Don't Just Set Goals, Keep Them Going

Four Year Prediction Time Capsule - An interactive exercise on long term goal setting

Giving Yourself the Best Chance to Succeed

Goal Setting - Using goals to build motivation

Goal Setting Collective: Looking Forward to the Year Ahead

Goal Setting Go Fish

Good Choices for Good Living

Hopeful Thoughts and Plans for the Year Ahead - Discussion questions for the upcoming year

No Years Resolutions

PCRP - Person Centered Recovery Plan - (Submitted by Katie Tracy, LCSW)

Wisegoals Worksheet - From wisegoals.com

Embracing Life's Minor Miracles: A Gratitude Self Awareness Journey

Gratitude Grab Bag

The Gratitude Grid

Overreaction: Putting Things in Perspective with Gratitud e

Grief and Loss

Coping with Death and Dying - A simple outline for discussing coping with a recent loss without abusing substances

Grief and Loss Cycle (Submitted by Caitlin Kennedy, LCSW, LCADC)

• Coping with Grief and Loss - University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Gone too Soon - Workbook specific to loss related to fatal overdose by the BC Centre on Substance Use
• Grief and Loss Workbook from Better Endings  - (Written specifically for people with FASD but most material useful for anyone)
• Substance Abuse and Overdose: When a Loved One Dies - The Bereavement Center
• Additional GRIEF, LOSS, and BEREAVEMENT collection from around the web

Guilt and Shame

Guilt and Shame - Understanding and learning to cope with these challenging feelings

Understanding and Coping with Guilt and Shame - Similar to the other but in a different format

• Coping with Guilt and Shame Workbook - Leutenberg and Liptak

Harm Reduction Specific

A Realistic Look at Substitutio n

Still Drinking?...Think First

Straight D's -A Simple Harm Reduction and MAT Illustration

Taking an Honest Look at Abstinence, Harm Reduction, Substitution & Cross A ddiction

Understanding Harm Reduction and Medication Assisted Treatment -The Basics

Understanding Harm Reduction - The P o dcast - (Based on the above outline - click title to listen)

• Additional HOARDING collection from around the web

Funny Questions

Icebreaker (See "Cohesion Building for Groups" on this page) Also check Forum page

Insight Building - Basic, (Early Stage)

Be Your Best Se lf

Counting the Cost of THC (This has nothing to do with marijuana)

Dig Deeper: Progressive Group Discussion Starters

Good Times. Bad Times

How High was I..How Low did I Go? Assessing highs and lows of getting high

Insight: Keeping the Window Open

The Irony of Addiction

Knowing What You Don't Know (Simplified Version)

Labels - For lower insight levels, comparing what is using, abusing and addiction

The Numbers Game

Past, Present and Future

Perspective Shifts for Positive Growth  - VIDEO LINK: Perspective Shifts for Positive Growth

Point of View Adjustment - Looking at other viewpoints to gain awareness

Remembering Me A.D. (After Death)

Self Exploration Through Free Association

Self Discovery

Self-Ratings Scale (The Lanni Scale)

Taking a Trip to the Other Side - Again exploring insight and motivation building from new perspectiv es

This or That

Using Fables to Overcome Foibles

What is Self-Honesty and Why is it So Important?

Why Didn't I Li sten?

• Character Traits List - (Free download from teacherspayteachers.com)
• Honesty and Recovery Worksheet - Author unknown
• Self Awareness Worksheet: Who am I - Destiny's Odyssey

Insight Building - Advanced

Addiction and Mental Health Pictu red

Expectations vs Reality: Expectations, Reality and the Role of Acceptance

An Interview with Your Past and Future Se lf

Facing the Music

Find Yourself

The Insight Game - W ho knows the group?

Keeping it Real

Knowing What You Don't Know II -  (Advanced Discussion)

Making Healthy Self -Investme nts

The Mirror of Awareness - Using the Group as a Mirror

Overcoming Ignorance and Indifference for Positive Growth

Perspective

Pick a Card - A variety of questions for insightful discussion

Self Searching for Acceptance

Simile Self Identification

Simple Insight Inventory - Strengthening existing insight to build motivation

Simple Insight Inventory II - (External/Support) - Working on external motivators and supports

A Step Outside the Comfort Zone

READ - Topping Out...Worse than Hitting Bottom?

Truth Mining

READ - Unfollowing the Nonsense - A brief discussion on how media can influence perception

Why am I Here? - Getting honest about the real reasons for coming to treatment

Wisdom, Intelligence and Changing Your Paradig m

Integrity Self Exploration

READ - Integrity - (Reflective reading submitted by Charles Radiola, MA, LCADC)

Life Story Outline - An outline for presenting life stories in substance use treatment groups

Living Up to Your Potential

Living Up to Your Potential - Part 1 - Opening the Door

Living Up to Your Potential - Part 2 - Imagining Your Potential

Living Up to Your Potential - Part 3 - The Me I want to Be

Matrix Model (SAMHSA) - See "Stimulants" below

Meaning and Purpose

Meaning and Purpose in the Change Proc ess

Setbacks, Meaning, Purpose and Belief

Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment (See also Feelings, Thoughts and Emotions - See also Co-Occurring)

Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Overview

Read: Remaking Your Mind

Read: Should I See My Friend's Therapist? - Exa mining the Pros and Cons

Mind on Mental Health (Podcast), has an engaging host and knowledgeable speakers on MH topics

Mood Swings/Bipolar Disorder

Understanding and Coping with Mood Swing s

• Additional MOOD SWINGS and BIPOLAR collection from around the web
• CCI - Bipolar Collection

Motivation Building (Internal)

3 G's to Keep You Going

13 Expectations and Aspiratio ns

14 Character Traits that are Essential for Sustaining Internal Motivation

Decreasing the Negative & Increasing the Positive - (Love the Good, Hate the Bad)

Dissecting the Heart - Enhanced internal motivation building

Flammable Areas - Early stage insight and motivation building

Friction, Traction and Action

From the Heart  - VIDEO LINK : From the Heart

READ - Getting Started - (What Do I Do? - Getting Started Up the Mountain) - Motivational reading

Going the Distance: Sustaining Motivation

Just Do It (Already)

Low Hangin g Fruit

Motivate Me 1 2 3

Motivation, Determination, & Habit in Recovery - (Submitted by Cassie Jewell)

"Must Haves" - Identifying and Discussing Basic Needs for Self-Improvement

Positive Motivation - Building motivation by focusing on the positive

Recovery Stories

Simple Questions During Complex Challe nges

Starting and Staying on a Positive N ote

• Self Motivation Workbook - (Origin unknown)

Music and Re covery - (Submitted by Caitlin Kennedy LCSW, LCADC)

Obsession, Compulsion, OCD

Brainspace: Strategie s for C oping with Negative Thoug hts

Examining Obsession and Compulsion

• Distinguishing Information-Seeking and Reassurance Seeking   - St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute  

Overcoming Obstacle s

Obstacle Course -

Overcoming Obstacles and Break ing Down Barriers

Trusting that there are Alternatives

Learning to Live within Normal Limits

Building Inner Strength

Managing Your Env ironment

Poetry and Writing 

• 10  Lifetime Narrative Exercises - Ideas for writing about self from Vanderbilt.edu
• 67 Addiction Poems - Familyfreind

Problem Solving (See "Decision Making")

Procrastination (Read now don't wait until later)

• Procrastination workshe ets - Living fully with ADHD

Progress Reports (See "Checking In")

• CBT for psychosis -  Valerie Kreider, Ph.D., LPCC-S, LICDC, Harry Sivec, Ph.D.

Letting Go of Regret s

Relapse - See "Setbacks"

Relationships/Conflict Resolution/Social Skills (See also Anger)

The Cycle of Ove r-functioning, Guilt, and Re sentment 

Guilt and Rel ationships - Coping with the challenges of guilt in relationships

Healthy Life- Healthy Relationships - Examining qualities for relationship building

VIDEO LINK - Health y Life - Healthy Relationships - Corresponding video to above worksheet

The Ideal Partner - Looking at what you want out of relationships

READ - Is Tough Love Too Tough?

More On Relationships

Planning Ahead for Relationship Issues

Readjusting Your Relationship Radar - Adjusting the way you choose relationships

READ: The Relationship Analogy

READ: The Relationship Radar

Relationship Red Flags

Resolving Conflicts without Ange r

Rules of "Fighting Fairly" - Some basic rules for conflict resolution in relationships

READ - Six Qualities of Healthy Couples that Stay Together

Social Relationships - Setting Prioriti es

• Additional RELATION SHIP and COUPLES collection from around the web
• CCI - Interpersonal Problems Collection
• The Conflict R esolution Resource Guide - Lough Barnes Consulting Group
• Conflict Resolution Skills - Edmunds College
• Conflict Resolution Worksheet - Winona University
• Social Wellness Checklist - National Institute of Health
• Teen Relationship Work book - Kerry Moles, CSW

Resentment (See Forgiveness)

How Do You H eal?

The Power of Carin g, Connection and Resilience

Resilience is the Endgame

• Resilience Works heet - Project Aware
• Additional RESILIENCE collection from around the web

R-E-S-P-E-C-T...(Find Out What it Means to Me)

Safety, Suicide Prevention, Risk Management

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale 

Manual for Support Groups for Suicide Attempt Survivors

Safety Plan Template 

SAMHSA Suicide Prevention webpage

Suicide Warning Signs  

Self Awareness: (See Insight)  

Self Care and Wellness

Boredom Buster

Creating an Emotion al Self Care Pl an

Grind Through Boredom

Rethinking Boredom

Self-Care Review

10 Habits to Maintain a Positive Mindset - Presented by 15Be

Activity Scheduling  - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

The Big List of Self Care Activities  - Eastern Kentucky U

Emotional Wellness Checklist - National Institute of Health

Self Care Assessment  - Fillable PDF from Brown U.

Self Esteem

Insecurity  - Everyone has them, is the group ready to share them?

Maintaining a Balanced Ego  - Looking at a balanced view of self

Self Esteem II  - More self esteem, continued...

Self Esteem Boost: Building Self Esteem and Increasing a Sense of Self Worth

Self Value  - (Submitted by Lesley Sanfilippo, LCSW)

Self Esteem and Affirmation Development  - (Submitted by Caitlin Kennedy, LCSW, LCADC)

Self Awareness  - (Submitted by Caitlin Kennedy, LCSW, LCADC)

The Truth about Self Esteem  - An in depth look at Self Esteem from a realistic perspective

Additional SELF ESTEEM and SELF COMPASSION collection from around the web

CCI - Self Esteem and Self Compassion Collection

Setbacks and Relapse

Associatio ns  - Honestly considering how your choice of associations affect you

Before and After

READ :  Beyo nd People, Places and Things

The "Cushion" Background Information

The "Cushion" Concept for Managing Setbacks

Crushing Compromise

Deflating the Cushion from the Inside

Don't Go Down That Road

Event Planning to Prevent Setbacks

External and Internal Setback Factors

FOMO - How to Identify, Prevent and Overcome the “Fear of Missing Out”

Getting Over the Hump  - An activity for those who have been at this a long time

Holiday Survival Plan  - Planning ahead to get through any holiday without setbacks or relapse -

READ: IF - Intensity and Frequency

Managing Setbacks: Group Introduction

Plan to Avoid Relapse  - (Submitted by Caitlin Kennedy, LCSW, LCADC)

Principle Zero

Self Sabotage

The Setback-Motivation Guide

Setback Prevention Skills for Success

Stability and Setback Prevention Checklist

Starting Over

Staying the Course Toward Success – Know the SIGNS

The Struggle is Real

Timeline Analysis

Triggered: A Discussion on Coping with Mental Health and Substance Use 

UNG- Unnecessary Grief  - Thinking and planning ahead to avoid trouble later

Weekend Plan  - A basic planning tool for surviving weekends

Why Be Honest: Talking About Setbacks and Relapse

The Mission Consumer Workbook (Relapse Prevention)  - UMass Medical School

Relapse Prevention-  U niversity of Exeter

ALSO check the Matrix Model material under the " Stimulant Use Disorders " subheading on this page (below)

Sex Addiction

Fr eedom from Sex Addiction: A Self-Help Workbook - Impulse Treatment Center

CCI Sleep Collection

Smoking Cessation Specific Worksheets:

Cravings and Smoking: Basic Principles

Cravings and Smoking: Skills List

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Options

Smoking Quit Plan

Smoking Relapse Warning Signs

Smoking T riggers Worksheet

Spirituality (Moved to "Meaning and Purpose")

The River of Choices: Coping with Stigma

Podcast - Overcoming Stigma with Empathy

Stimulant Use Disorders

M atrix Model for People with Stimulant Use Di sorders  - SAMHSA

Matrix Model (Similar content as above, different format)   - Matrix Model Individual and Conjoint Session Handouts

Matrix Model Relapse Prevention Group Handouts

NCBI Client Worksheets from SAMHSA/CSAT TIP 33 "Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders

Orders - (The opposite of "Disorders")

Strength Building for Positive Change

Strengths and Weaknesses  

• Character Strengths Worksheet - Manchester 1824

Stress Management

Cop ing with Stress  - A comprehensive list of effective coping skills

Killer Bs – The Effects of Stress and the Body, Brain and Behavior

Stress Planning

Stress PowerPoint Slides  -  CLICK HERE FOR ACTUAL POWERPOINT VERSION

Stress Less: Relaxation Enhancement Group Veteran Manual - VA Medical Center, New Orleans

Stress Mess Packet - Alaska Staff Development Network

Stories of Recovery

Melissa Mackolin on her Journey to Recovery - Podcast

Nicole Tierney: A Story of Recovery and Hope

Megan Reeves: Hold on Pain Ends - (With discussion questions)

Viewing Time Wis ely

Tolerance...A Breakfast You Can Tol erate

(For additional information on Trauma see the Escalator Trauma Resource Page)

Adverse Childhood Experiences Podcast

Frozen Moments

HP Squared - Hurt People, Hurt People

Retelling the Story

Talking Trauma...and Survival

Trauma Overview

Trauma Triggers

Unforeseen Circumstances: Adapt or Collapse

• Dissociati on - UW Medicine - Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center
• Worksheets and Handouts on T rauma and ACES - American Library Association
• Your Very Own TF-CBT Workbook   (Fillable)-  Alison Hendricks, Judith A. Cohen, Anthony P. Mannarino, and Esther Deblinger 

The Table of Trust

• Trust Me Worksheet 

V alues, Morals, Honesty and Integrity

Alligator Fe v er

Choose Your Battles

Desert Island

Duplicity: The Story of Addy

Getting Honest Icebreaker

It's Easy to Be Honest When You Have Nothing to Lie About

Lifeboat Activity - Lifeboat exercises are nothing new but this one has had good success

Morals and Values

Moral of the Story

Values Auction Activity

Values and CBT

Values and Choices

Values and Priorities

Values and Setbacks

Values: Opening Exercise

Values: Past, Present and Future

Values - What's Important

VIDEO LINK -   VALUES - WHAT'S IMPORTANT - (Corresponds to the above worksheet)

• Additional VALUES group thera py activity from Mid America ATTC - "Time of Truth"

Additional VETERANS col lection from around the w eb

Taking the E scalator YouT ube P age - Videos for group therapy

The Brain and Addiction Behavi or with Dr. Erin Zerb o, MD

Coping with Stress and Anxiety in a Changin g World

Don't Just Set Goals, Keep them Goi ng

Healthy Life - Healthy Rel ationships

Life Story Video - LB HEARS Episode 1 - Nikki Tierney - (Click to view)

Not Okay? Its Okay Podcast - Topic: Opioid Addiction - Audio/Visual Version (Facebook Live)   

"Strategy List for Families..." via Faceboo k Live video

Supported Employment: Caring for the Whole Person - Interview with Supported Employment Specialist Ayla Fleming LCSW

Understanding Insight and Motivation for Positive Change

Values - What's Importa nt

• CCI - Video Collection

Treatment Videos - Interviews for individuals and families inquiring about seeking substance use/co-occurring treatment

Created by Tigger House Foundation:

Treatment Options

Co Occurring Disorders

The Conversation

Family Loved Ones

Getting Discha rged

Vulnerability

INFORMATIONAL READINGS FOR COUNSELORS

ABOUT Taking the Esca lator

The Ideal Vs. The Real in Substance Use Treatment

For Counselors READ: Managing Setbacks Using the Escalator

READ - Personality Issues: The Honest Truth

Also: Setbacks and Engagement- A Guide for Counselors

Taking Another Look at Addiction, Recovery, and Sobriety

Understanding the Key Roles of Insight & Motivation for Engagement in Counseling

Understanding Some Key Concepts in a New Light

Understanding the Escalator Method from a Theoretical Perspe ctive

Values - READ: Engagement Tool - Values and Values and CBT

For Counselors - READ: What are Coexisting Issues?

Why Take a Different View?

For Counselors: READ: Working with Adolescents and Young People

Help Needed! - Click here to see how you can help Taking the Escalator expand and grow!

Unless otherwise specified, all materials on this page are Taking the Escalator originals. At the end of each subheading section are some additional resources from around the web for Taking the Escalator users to look through and download. These materials are open source for public use

Materials that are from outside sources are marked with a square bullet point as done for this line. It is our policy not to violate other source's copyrights, so if you notice a potential conflict, please email us at [email protected]

Materials marked "CCI" are from a large collection which comes generously from the Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) in Western Australia, who has allowed these mental health worksheets and activities to be uploaded and shared for counselors by Taking the Escalator. 

To view the CCI website directly go to - https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Overview

33 Group Therapy Activities, Exercises & Questions | Free PDF Download

Discover a comprehensive guide to group therapy activities to facilitate growth, bonding, and self-discovery. Download a free PDF!

By Alex King on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Why are Group Therapy Activities Helpful?

Group therapy activities are incredibly beneficial tools for self-discovery, communication, personal growth, and resilience building. The activities foster an environment of trust, understanding, empathy, and support among group members. They encourage individuals to share personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings, often leading to breakthroughs in understanding and coping strategies.

These activities are versatile and can cater to various groups, including adults, teens, children, and specific demographics like people with addiction or grief. Whether fun group therapy activities designed to relieve tension and promote bonding or motivational group therapy activities to inspire change and growth, each has its unique purpose and benefit.

In essence, group therapy activities are a safe platform for individuals to navigate their feelings, confront their fears, and work towards healthier mental and emotional states alongside others in similar situations.

11 Group Therapy Activities

Group therapy activities offer a structured and engaging way to foster openness, encourage healthy communication, and build a strong sense of community within a group. These activities can be tailored to fit the group's needs and vary from light-hearted games to more serious discussions or artistic expressions. The following eleven activities are practical tools therapists commonly use to achieve therapeutic goals.

1. Ice Breaker Activities

These light-hearted activities, like "Two Truths and a Lie" or "Human Bingo," help members to introduce themselves and feel more comfortable within the group.

2. Problem-Solving Exercises

Activities such as "Survival Scenario" can enhance teamwork and demonstrate the benefits of group decision-making.

3. Role-playing

By acting out different scenarios, members gain insights into various perspectives and learn to navigate social situations.

4. Trust-building Exercises

Exercises like the "Trust Fall" foster trust, connectivity, and support within the group.

5. Art Therapy

Creating a group mural allows members to express their feelings creatively and discuss them with others.

6. Music Therapy

By creating group playlists or engaging in group songwriting, members can connect through shared experiences.

7. Guided Imagery

Relaxation and therapeutic mental images can reduce stress and anxiety within the group.

8. Movement Therapy

Yoga or Tai Chi can be helpful in channeling energy and focus, improving mood, and fostering group cohesion.

9. Gratitude Exercises

Group members share what they are grateful for, which can enhance positive feelings and encourage a positive outlook.

10. Goal-Setting Exercises

Group members share personal goals, and the group works together to develop strategies for achieving them.

11. Themed Discussion Groups

Members discuss topics relevant to their circumstances, such as dealing with grief or overcoming addiction.

11 Group Therapy Exercises

Therapeutic exercises in a group setting aim to engage participants physically, emotionally, and cognitively. They often involve active participation, strengthening members' bonds, encouraging empathy, and promoting personal growth. Each exercise provides a safe space for members to explore their feelings and behaviors, understand others' perspectives, and practice new skills. 

Let's delve into eleven proven group therapy exercises.

1. Collaborative Drawing

Group members contribute to a shared drawing, encouraging cooperation and mutual understanding.

2. Empty Chair Exercise

Participants engage in a dialogue with an 'empty chair,' simulating a conversation with themselves or a significant person.

3. Scavenger Hunt

A fun way to improve team bonding and collaborative skills.

4. Tower Building

Group members build a structure using materials like spaghetti and marshmallows, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills.

5. Feelings Charades

An engaging way to help members express and recognize different emotions.

6. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Participants learn to relax their muscles , reducing physical tension and promoting mindfulness.

7. Mask-Making

Members create masks representing their perceived and authentic selves, stimulating introspection and self-understanding.

8. Balloon Exercise

Each member writes a negative thought on a balloon, then pops it, symbolizing the release of negative feelings.

9. Sculpture Exercise

Group members mold playdough or clay to represent an emotion or experience, facilitating non-verbal expression.

10. Eco-Therapy

Outdoor activities like gardening or nature walks help connect members to the natural world and provide therapeutic benefits.

11. Affirmation Exchange

Members write positive affirmations for each other, fostering positivity and group cohesion.

11 Group Therapy Questions

Open-ended questions are invaluable in a group therapy context. They guide the therapy process, prompting self-reflection and stimulating in-depth discussions among members. Individuals can gain new insights into their behaviors, emotions, and relationships through these discussions. Here are eleven thought-provoking questions commonly used in group therapy sessions.

1. What brought you to this group therapy session?

This question helps participants identify their reasons for seeking therapy, which can clarify their goals and motivations.

2. How do you typically handle stress or conflict?

Understanding each member's coping mechanisms allows the group to address unhealthy patterns and develop new, healthier strategies.

3. What are some personal strengths you can share with the group?

Members can boost their self-esteem and contribute to a positive group dynamic by identifying and sharing personal strengths.

4. Can you share a recent challenge and how you dealt with it?

This question encourages members to reflect on their problem-solving skills and share their experiences with the group, which can provide valuable insights and shared learning opportunities.

5. What's one thing you want to change about your life?

Asking participants to identify something they'd like to change can help them focus on their therapeutic goals and build motivation.

6. What does self-care look like to you?

This question encourages participants to consider how they take care of their physical and mental health, which can lead to discussions about the importance of self-care and ways to improve it.

7. How do your relationships impact your well-being?

This question can help participants understand how their relationships with others can affect their mental and emotional health, which can be a significant area for therapeutic work.

8. What's a significant event that shaped your life?

Reflecting on impactful life events can help participants understand how past experiences continue to influence their present behaviors and emotions.

9. Can you share a time when you felt proud of yourself?

Recalling and sharing moments of personal success can boost self-esteem and contribute to a positive group dynamic.

10. How has your perspective changed since joining group therapy?

This question encourages participants to reflect on their progress and the benefits gained from the group therapy experience, which can be a source of motivation and hope.

11. What's one goal you hope to achieve through these group therapy sessions?

This question helps participants establish a clear therapeutic goal, providing focus and purpose to their group therapy sessions.

These questions are tools that therapists use to guide discussions, encourage self-reflection, and foster connection among group members. The insights gained from the responses can significantly assist the therapeutic process.

When to Use Group Therapy Tools

Group therapy tools come into play when the therapeutic process needs direction, interaction, or stimulation. They are instrumental at the beginning of therapy to foster trust and rapport. For instance, icebreaker activities are ideal for initial sessions when members get to know each other.

They also have a role during periods of stagnation or high tension. Fun group therapy activities can lighten the mood, while problem-solving or role-playing exercises can provide new ways to address ongoing issues. Additionally, these tools are crucial in sessions focused on specific topics like emotional regulation, communication skills, or self-esteem.

Initial Sessions

Group therapy tools such as ice breakers and get-to-know-you activities can be handy in initial sessions when group members are still unfamiliar with each other. These tools can help break the ice, encourage introductions, and create an environment conducive to sharing and collaboration.

During High-Tension Meetings

If a group session becomes tense or heated, a therapist might employ certain activities to diffuse tension and promote understanding. This could include calming exercises like guided imagery or team-building activities encouraging cooperation and unity.

When Introducing New Topics

Related group therapy activities can help illustrate and explore the concept when introducing a new subject. For example, role-playing exercises can be employed if the focus is on developing empathy.

During Stagnant Periods

If group sessions become stagnant, lack engagement, or if members seem stuck, group therapy tools can be used to reinvigorate the group and stimulate progress. Fun and engaging activities can bring a fresh perspective and energize the group.

To Foster Skill Development

Specific group therapy activities can teach and reinforce emotional regulation, active listening, or assertive communication skills. Practicing these skills in a safe, supportive environment helps individuals integrate these behaviors into their everyday lives.

During Closure or Transition

As the group therapy ends, or when members transition out, reflective activities, such as group discussions or personal letter writing, can provide closure and a chance for members to acknowledge their progress and the relationships they've formed.

Handling Resistance or Defensiveness

If a group member is resistant or defensive, a therapist might use certain group therapy activities to encourage participation and engagement. An example could be a non-threatening creative activity like art or music therapy, where the focus is shifted from the individual to the shared task.

Group Therapy Activities App – How Can Carepatron Help?

In the digital age, leveraging technology to enhance therapeutic processes is essential. That's where Carepatron comes in. It's a groundbreaking healthcare management app designed to streamline therapy processes, including planning and conducting group therapy activities.

With Carepatron, you can create a detailed activity calendar, maintain a secure record of group members' progress, and document observations systematically and organized. Moreover, the app's feature for secure messaging is particularly beneficial for coordinating and conducting virtual group therapy sessions. It provides a platform where group members can communicate safely and confidently.

Carepatron also supports file sharing, enabling therapists to distribute important resources such as worksheets, exercise instructions, and inspirational materials. This can further enrich the group therapy experience for participants, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance even outside of sessions.

But that's not all. Carepatron is built with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate even for those who need to be tech-savvy. This ensures that the focus remains on the therapeutic process rather than figuring out complicated software.

Carepatron serves as a virtual facilitator for group therapy, making it easier and more efficient for therapists to conduct activities, keep track of progress, and communicate with participants. It's an excellent tool for your arsenal if you're a therapist or mental health professional.

Ready to revolutionize your group therapy sessions? Sign up for Carepatron today and discover how technology can enrich your therapeutic process. Join us in pioneering a new, efficient, interactive group therapy method. Sign up now!

Commonly asked questions

Activities can include role-playing communication scenarios, sharing personal relationship experiences, or participating in trust-building exercises.

Art therapy, music therapy, and movement-based activities are often effective with younger participants. Games and interactive exercises can also engage and encourage younger group members.

Facilitation involves setting clear expectations, providing a safe and respectful environment, and guiding the group through the activities. The therapist's role is crucial in managing dynamics and ensuring each participant benefits from the session.

Related Guides

Join 10,000+ teams using carepatron to be more productive.

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Front Psychiatry

Problem Solving Therapy Improves Effortful Cognition in Major Depression

Chenguang jiang.

1 Wuxi Mental Health Center Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China

Hongliang Zhou

2 Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China

Zhenhe Zhou

Associated data.

The datasets generated for this study are available on request to the corresponding author.

Background: Effortful cognition processing is an intentionally initiated sequence of cognitive activities, which may supply top-down and goal-oriented reassessment of specific stimuli to regulate specific state-driven responses contextually, whereas automatic cognitive processing is a sequence of cognitive activities that is automatically initiated in response to an input configuration. The effortful–automatic perspective has implications for understanding the nature of the clinical features of major depressions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of problem solving therapy (PST) on effortful cognition in major depression (MD).

Methods: The participants included an antidepressant treatment (AT) group ( n = 31) or the combined antidepressant treatment and PST (CATP) group ( n = 32) and healthy controls (HCs) ( n = 30). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD, 17-item version) and the face–vignette task (FVT) were measured for AT group and CATP group at baseline (before the first intervention) and after 12 weeks of interventions. The HC group was assessed with the FVT only once. At baseline, both patients and HCs were required to complete the basic facial emotion identification test (BFEIT).

Results: The emotion identification accuracy of the HC group was higher than that of the patient group when they performed BFEIT; patients with MD present poor FVT performances; compared to the antidepressant treatment, PST plus antidepressant treatment decreased HAMD scores and improved FVT performances in patients with MD.

Conclusions: Patients with MD present effortful cognition dysfunction, and PST can improve effortful cognitive dysfunction. These findings suggest that the measurement of effortful cognition might be one of the indexes for the therapeutic effect of PST in MD.

Introduction

Major depression (MD) is a common mental disorder with a higher disability rate, affecting 10–15% of the worldwide population every year. To date, some antidepressants, including several typical antidepressants and several atypical antidepressants, have been used to treat major depression; however, only 60–70% of patients respond to antidepressant treatment. Furthermore, 10–30% of these patients exhibit treatment-resistant symptoms such as suicidal thought, a low mood, a decline in interest, and a loss of happiness ( 1 ).

To improve the symptoms of MD, several treatment options have been developed, such as switching therapies, augmentation, combination, optimization, psychotherapies, modified electro-convulsive therapy (MECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapies, deep brain stimulation therapies, vagal nerve stimulation therapies, light-based therapies, acupuncture treatment, and yoga; these approaches have been considered and tailored for individual patients ( 2 – 4 ). Most important for the improvement of depressed patients' symptoms, many studies had reported that physical activity interventions are helpful to improve major depressive disorders because physical activity is associated with many mental health benefits ( 5 – 11 ). Assessments to determine symptom improvement for patients with MD often depend on decreased total Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD, 17 or 24 items) scores.

Problem solving therapy (PST) belongs to a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that mainly concentrates on training in appropriate problem-solving notions as well as skills. PST has been used for major depression ( 12 – 15 ). It has been confirmed that, in the depressed patient group, PST was equally effective as antidepressant treatments and more effective than no treatment and support or attention control patients ( 16 ). In clinical practice, the effective treatment program of PST in MD includes three aspects: [1] training in a positive problem orientation, [2] training in problem definition and formulation, the generation of alternatives, decision making, and solution implementation and verification, and [3] training in problem orientation plus problem definition and formulation, the generation of alternatives, decision making, and solution implementation and verification ( 16 ).

Cognitive function refers to mental processes involved in working memory, problem-solving, decision-making, the acquisition of knowledge, regulation of information, and reasoning. As a major symptom, cognitive function impairment is acknowledged as a clinical characteristic of major depression. Additionally, many studies of major depression have suggested a role for cognitive measures in predicting those at risk for poor outcomes ( 17 ). A previous study indicated that patients with major depression present negatively valanced emotional symptoms that are accompanied by cognitive deficits, and the emotional processing dysfunctions of the prefrontal cortex might lead to cognitive deficits in patients with MD ( 18 ). Adaptive emotional responding relies on both effortful cognition processing and automatic cognition processing. Effortful cognition processing is a controlled process and refers to an intentionally initiated sequence of cognitive activities, which may supply top-down as well as goal-oriented reassessment of emotional stimuli to regulate emotion-driven responses contextually ( 19 ). Effortful cognition was measured by the face–vignette task (FVT) ( 19 ). Relative to effortful cognitive processing, automatic cognitive processing is a sequence of cognitive activities that is automatically initiated in response to an input configuration ( 20 ). Automatic cognition processing requires near-zero attention for the task at hand and, in many instances, is executed in response to a specific stimulus.

Previous studies have shown that patients with MD present effortful cognitive dysfunction. For example, a previous study reported that, when patients with MD performed two contrasting cognitive tasks ( i.e ., one requiring sustained effort and information processing and the other requiring only superficial information processing that could be accomplished automatically), only the effort-demanding cognitive task was performed poorly ( 21 ). Additionally, two previous studies investigated the functions of automatic and effortful information processing in a visual search paradigm, and the results showed that the patients with MD exhibited longer reaction times on the tasks requiring more effortful information processing than the controls. However, there were no differences on tasks requiring automatic information processing ( 22 , 23 ).

Since cognitive function impairment plays a critical role in MD, the assessment of cognitive function is a better way to determine the treatment effect for MD. The effortful–automatic perspective has implications for understanding the nature of the clinical features of MD. Furthermore, the investigation of the influence of PST on effortful cognition in MD is helpful for improving the present understanding of the therapeutic mechanism and assess the therapeutic effect of PST. To date, no studies of PST on effortful cognition in MD have been reported. In this study, the participants included patients with MD and healthy controls (HCs). The MD group was treated with antidepressants or the combination of antidepressants with PST, and effortful cognition was rated by the FVT. The hypothesis of this study is that depressed patients display poor effortful cognition performance, and PST can improve effortful cognitive dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PST on effortful cognition in MD.

Materials and Methods

Time and setting.

This study was conducted in Wuxi Mental Health Center Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 156 Qianrong Road, Rongxiang Street, Binhu District, Wuxi City, P.R. China, from February 1, 2016 to February 27, 2020.

Diagnostic Approaches and Subjects

A total of 80 patients meeting the American Psychiatric Association's fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for major depression were recruited as the research group. The MD patients were randomly assigned to the antidepressant treatment (AT) group or the combined antidepressant treatment and PST (CATP) group. The allocation schedule was generated by using a list of random numbers. Thirty healthy persons were admitted to the HC group. All HCs had no personal history of mental disorders. Patients with MD were selected from Wuxi Mental Health Center Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 156 Qianrong Road, Rongxiang Street, Binhu District, Wuxi City, P.R. China; the normal controls were citizens of Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China, recruited by online and local community advertisements. Patients with MD and HC subjects were excluded from the study if they had been diagnosed with nicotine addiction or other psychoactive substance dependence, had suffered any systemic disease that may affect the central nervous system, or had received electroconvulsive therapy (including MECT) in the past 24 weeks. All patients and HC subjects were Chinese. All patients and HC subjects were paid 42.12 Euros plus travel costs.

Seven subjects in AT group and five subjects in CATP group were all diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the follow-up survey, and they were ultimately excluded from this study. Two subjects in AT group and three subjects in CATP group were also excluded from this study because they could not finish the follow-up assessment. Finally, the data from 31 subjects in AT group and 32 subjects in CATP group were used in the statistical analyses.

Measurements of Automatic and Effortful Cognition

Basic facial emotion identification test.

The basic facial emotion identification test (BFEIT) consists of eight examples of each of the seven basic facial emotions, e.g ., happy, angry, sad, fear, surprise, disgust, and calm, which were taken from the Chinese affective picture system ( 24 ). Male and female face pictures were balanced across each emotion category.

Face–Vignette Task

FVT was designed based on an effortful cognitive task that was used in the study on effortful vs . automatic emotional processing in patients with schizophrenia by Patrick et al. ( 19 ). E-Prime 2.0 software (Psychology software tools, INC, USA) was used to implement the experimental procedure. The face pictures were white and black photographs and included six emotional expressions, i.e ., happy, angry, sad, fear, surprise, and disgust, which were taken from the Chinese affective picture system ( 24 ). In each emotion, the male and female faces were equal. Within a given emotion category, the same identity was used only once. The situational vignettes communicated the six special emotions, i.e ., guilty, smug, hopeful, insulted, pain, and determined. Before the experiment, the intended emotion for each story (vignette) was verified by seven undergraduates, and the mean accuracy was 0.91 [standard deviation (SD) = 0.08], and the observed inter-rater reliability κ value was 0.75. The face–story pairs were matched such that each story was inconsistent with the facial expression according to the specially appointed emotional category ( e.g ., a happy facial expression paired with a smug story). Each specific emotion category depended on the situational context (see the listed example in Figure 1 ). The specially appointed face–story pairs included sad vs . guilty, happy vs . smug, fearful vs . painful, angry vs . determined, disgusted vs . insulted, and surprised vs . hopeful. During the FVT, the participants viewed a series of 24 face–story (vignette) pairs and were informed that each facial expression represented the subject of the vignette. The faces and vignettes were presented simultaneously. All participants were required to read the vignettes aloud. In each trial, all participants answered the question accompanied by face–vignette pairs through a specially appointed keypad in a multiple choice pattern. The 13 obtainable choices for each trial were as follows: angry, happy, sad, fearful, disgusted, surprised, smug, guilty, hopeful, determined, pain, insulted as well as no emotion.

Example of a trial on the face–vignette task. The situational vignettes in English are as follows: This is a story about a girl's birthday. The girl stayed in her room. She received a call from her beloved boyfriend: “You're waiting for me at home. I'll bring your favorite flowers to your birthday!” Several minutes later, she heard the knock of her boyfriend's arrival. The question was “What emotion is the person feeling?” Responding with “surprise” will be recorded as a face response and responding with “hopeful” will be recorded as a vignette response. Additionally, any other response will be recorded as a random response.

On the FVT, the responses of the participants were labeled as face responses, vignette responses, and random responses. The response data were converted to proportions, which were used for statistical analysis.

Problem Solving Therapy Procedure

The PST was performed as described in a previous study ( 25 ). All the patients with MD were scheduled for PST, which consists of six sessions administered every other week. The treatment sessions were conducted at the psychological therapy room of the Psychiatry Department. The PST was conducted by six psychotherapists, and visits were conducted by two psychiatric resident physicians. All the psychotherapists owned a therapy handbook and underwent training, including a short theoretical course, role playing in a clinical background as well as watching a training videotape. The PST includes three steps: [1] the patient's symptoms are linked with their problems in daily living, [2] the problems are defined and clarified, and [3] an attempt is made to solve the problems in a structured way. The sessions lasted 1 h for the first visit and half an hour for the subsequent visits.

Clinical Interventions and Clinical Assessment

Two psychiatric residents examined all the participants to confirm or exclude a major depression diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria and to collect medication and sociodemographic data. A HAMD (17-item version) was applied to assess the depressive severity for patients. A decrease of more than 50% in HAMD (17-item version) scores from baseline to follow-up was defined as a treatment response, and HAMD (17-item version) scores <7 at follow-up were defined as clinical remission.

HAMD (17-item version) and the FVT data were measured for the AT group and CATP group at baseline (before the first intervention, time 1) and after 12 weeks of interventions (time 2). The HC group was assessed using the face–vignette task only once. At baseline, both patients and HCs were required to complete the BFEIT.

Statistical Analysis

Data are presented as mean (SD), and all data were analyzed with Statistical Product and Service Solution 18.0 statistical software (SPSS 18.0, International Business Machines Corporation). Comparisons of the demographic data, basic facial emotion identification test scores, face response proportions, vignette response proportions, and random response proportions at baseline among patients and healthy controls were conducted using the method of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the chi-square test. Comparisons of HAMD (17-item version) scores, face response proportions, vignette response proportions, and random response proportions between baseline (time 1) and after 12 weeks of interventions (time 2) in the patient group were performed using 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA. In this study, all alpha values of 0.05 were considered as statistically significant throughout. Cohen's d effect sizes were used for t -tests. The cutoff values for Cohen's d 's were defined as trivial effect size when d < 0.19, small effect size when 0.2 < d < 0.49, medium effect size when 0.5 < d < 0.79, and large effect size when d > 0.8. Partial eta-square (η p 2 ) effect sizes were used for F -tests. Similarly, the cutoff values for η p 2 were set as trivial effect size when η p 2 < 0.019, small effect size when 0.02 < η p 2 < 0.059, medium effect size when 0.06 < η p 2 < 0.139, and large effect size when η p 2 > 0.14. Phi (ϕ) effect sizes were used for chi-square test. The cutoff values for ϕ were set as trivial effect size when ϕ < 0.09, small effect size when 0.10 < ϕ < 0.29, medium effect size when 0.30 < ϕ < 0.49, and large effect size when ϕ > 0.50.

The Demographic Data of All Participants

The demographic data of the participants are described in Table 1 . No significant differences were observed in sex ratio, mean age, age range, or mean education years among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group.

Demographic characteristics and clinical data of all participants.

AT, antidepressant treatment; CATP, the combination of antidepressant treatment and PST; HC, healthy control; SD, standard deviation; η p 2 , partial eta-square .

Antidepressant Treatments

In the AT group, 20 patients with MD were antidepressant-naïve, and 11 patients with MD were antidepressant-free (six for at least 24 weeks and five for at least 4 weeks); patients with MD received fluoxetine ( n = 8), paroxetine ( n = 7), fluvoxamine ( n = 7), sertraline ( n = 6), or escitalopram ( n = 3). The mean fluoxetine-equivalent dose was 30.5 (8.8) mg/day. In the CATP group, 19 patients with MD were antidepressant-naïve, and 13 patients with MD were antidepressant-free (eight for at least 24 weeks and five for at least 4 weeks); patients with MD received fluoxetine ( n = 9), paroxetine ( n = 8), fluvoxamine ( n = 8), sertraline ( n = 3), or escitalopram ( n = 4). According to a previous report ( 26 ), the mean fluoxetine-equivalent dose was 30.1 (7.9) mg/day. Neither of the patient groups used concomitant medications.

Comparisons of BFEIT Performance Among the AT Group, CATP Group, and HC Group

As shown in Figure 2 , one-way ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences in BFEIT performance (emotion identification accuracy) among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group ( F 2,90 = 27.729, df = 2, η p 2 = 0.33, p = 0.000). Least square difference tests were performed as post hoc analyses and showed significant differences between the HC group, AT group, and CATP group (all p = 0.000). The emotion identification accuracy of the HC group was higher than that of the AT group or CATP group. However, no significant difference was observed between the AT group and the CATP group ( p = 0.951).

Comparisons of BFEIT performance among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group. BFEIT, basic facial emotion identification test; ATG, antidepressant treatment group; CATPG, the combination of antidepressant treatment and PST group; HC, healthy control; SD, standard deviation.

Comparisons of HAMD (17-Item Version) Scores Before and After Clinical Interventions

As shown in Figure 3 , using HAMD (17-item version) scores as dependent variables, a 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA with group (AT group vs . CATP group) as a between-subjects factor and time point (time 1 vs . time 2) as a within-subjects factor revealed that the interaction effect for group × time point was not significant ( F 1,61 = 1.697, η p 2 = 0.003, p = 0.198); however, the main effect for time point was significant ( F 1,61 = 206.419, η p 2 = 0.35, p = 0.000), and the main effect for group was significant ( F 1,61 = 170.914, η p 2 = 0.18, p = 0.038). The 12-week interventions decreased HAMD (17-item version) scores in the two patient groups.

Comparisons of HAMD scores before and after clinical interventions between the AT group and CATP group. HAMD, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17-item version); ATG, antidepressant treatment group; CATPG, the combination of antidepressant treatment and PST group; time 1, baseline; time 2, after 12 weeks of intervention; SD, standard deviation.

There were significant differences in the remission rate between the CATP group (19/32) and the AT group (14/31); the remission rate in the CATP group was higher than that of the AT group (χ 2 = 6.123, ϕ = 0.29, p = 0.028). There were significant differences in the treatment response rate between the CATP group (25/32) and AT group (18/31); the treatment response rate in the CATP group was higher than that of the AT group (χ 2 = 4.370, ϕ = 0.26, p = 0.035).

Comparisons of FVT Performance Among the AT Group, CATP Group, and HC Group

Baseline level.

As shown in Table 2 , one-way ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences in face response proportions and vignette response proportions among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group ( F 2,90 = 27.861, 18.234, all df = 2; η p 2 = 0.32, 0.36, all p = 0.000). Least square difference tests were performed as post hoc analyses and showed significant differences between the HC group and AT group or between the HC group and the CATP group (all p = 0.000). The face response proportions of the HC group were lower than those of the AT group and CATP group, and the vignette response proportions of the HC group were higher than those of the AT group and CATP group. For the above-mentioned two variables, no differences between the AT group and CATP group were observed ( p = 0.951, 0.913).

Face–vignette task performances (%, SD) among the AT group, CATP group, and healthy control group.

AT, antidepressant treatment; CATP, the combination of antidepressant treatment and PST; Time 1, baseline; Time 2, after 12 weeks of interventions; F, face response proportions; V, vignette response proportions; R, random response proportions .

However, there were no significant differences in random response proportions among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group ( F 2,90 = 0.979, df = 2, η p 2 = 0.006, p = 0.380).

Before and After Interventions

As shown in Table 2 , using face response proportions, vignette response proportions, and random response proportions as dependent variables, a 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA with group (AT group vs . CATP group) as the between-subjects factor and time point (time 1 vs . time 2) as the within-subjects factor was performed.

Face Response Proportions

The interaction effect for group × time point was significant ( F 1,61 =25.174, df =1, η p 2 = 0.30, p = 0.000), the main effect for time point was significant ( F 1,61 = 138.086, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.32, p = 0.000), and the main effect for group was significant ( F 1,61 = 4.853, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.24, p = 0.031).

Vignette Response Proportions

The interaction effect for group × time point was significant ( F 1,61 = 29.450, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.31, p = 0.000), the main effect for time point was significant ( F 1,61 = 144.130, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.32, p = 0.000), and the main effect for group was significant ( F 1,61 = 3.083, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.18, p = 0.041).

Random Response Proportions

The interaction effect for group × time point was not significant ( F 1,61 = 1.003, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.001, p = 0.320), the main effect for time point was not significant ( F 1,61 = 1.519, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.001, p = 0.223), and the main effect for group was not significant ( F 1,61 = 0.017, df = 1, η p 2 = 0.000, p = 0.897).

This study is the first to survey the effect of problem-solving therapy on effortful cognition in MD using FVT; measurements of the basic facial emotion identification were also conducted. Our data showed that the emotion identification accuracy of HCs was higher than that of patients with MD; patients with MD exhibited poor FVT performance. Compared to antidepressant treatment, PST plus antidepressant treatment resulted in lower HAMD (17-item version) scores and better FVT performance.

This study also investigated the ability of patients with MD to employ contextual information when determining the intended or expressed or signified message of facial emotional expressions. In the FVT, target facial emotional expressions are preceded by stories describing situational messages which are discrepant in affective valence. What both patients with MD and HCs had judged reflects either the dominance of the emotional context or the facial emotional expression. Many studies on cognitive processing by patients with MD reported that depressive symptoms interfere with effortful processing, and the degree of interference is determined by the degree of effort required for the task, the severity of depression, and the valence of the stimulus material to be processed. However, depressive symptoms only interfere minimally with automatic processes ( 27 ).

Consistent with the findings of previous studies ( 21 – 23 ), our results showed that patients with MD could not utilize contextual information for specific face–vignette pairs. However, HCs more extensively made good judgments on emotion in line with contextual information, which indicates that patients with MD display poor effortful cognition performance. Cognition dysfunctions in MD include impairments of social cognition and neurocognition ( 28 , 29 ). Social cognition refers to a process or a function for an individual's mental operations underlying social behavior, while neurocognition refers to those basic information processing functions such as attention and executive processes. Effortful cognitive processing was involved in either social cognition or neurocognition. We verified our hypothesis, i.e ., patients with MD present effortful cognitive dysfunction.

In this study, we confirmed that PST plus antidepressant treatments leads to a greater reduction of depressive symptoms, a greater response rate, and a greater remission rate over a period of 12 weeks than antidepressant treatments only in patients with MD. We also indirectly verified our previous hypothesis, i.e ., PST can improve effortful cognitive dysfunction, namely, PST improved the severity of MD by improving effortful cognition. Our data provide supporting evidence for the conclusion that the facial affect processing ability could be a valuable predictor of successful social context integration in FVT in MD.

Conclusions

In conclusion, patients with MD present effortful cognitive dysfunction, and PST can improve effortful cognitive dysfunction. The measurement of effortful cognition might be one of the indexes for the therapeutic effect of PST in MD.

There are some limitations in the study. First, the findings must be considered preliminary due to the small sample size. Second, healthy controls were assessed with the FVT only once; therefore, the results of the FVT would be influenced by the practice effect in patients with MD. Future studies should augment the sample size and eliminate the practice effect to further confirm the relationship between effortful cognition and PST in MD. Finally, this study investigated the effect of PST plus antidepressant treatment on effortful cognition in MD. Therefore, no outcome of the pure PST effect on effortful cognition was obtained. The examination of the pure PST effect on effortful cognition in MD is necessary in a future study.

Data Availability Statement

Ethics statement.

The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Affiliated Wuxi Mental Health Center of Nanjing Medical University. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Author Contributions

CJ, HZ, and ZZ designed the study and wrote the paper. CJ, HZ, LC, and ZZ acquired and analyzed the data. All authors reviewed the content and approved the final version for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Key Medical Talent Training Project of Jiangsu Province for providing support (project Grant No. ZDRCC2016019) for this research.

Funding. This research was supported by the Wuxi Taihu Talent Project (No. WXTTP2020008) and the Key Medical Talent Training Project of Jiangsu Province (No. ZDRCC2016019).

We are a REMS-certified treatment center for Spravato® for treatment resistant depression, and Suicidal Ideation with Depression. Neurostar TMS center for Depression and OCD.

We are a REMS-certified treatment center for Spravato® for treatment-resistant depression, and Suicidal Ideation with Depression.  Neurostar TMS center for Depression and OCD. 

38 Interactive Therapy Games for Teens to Improve Mental Health

As teenagers grow up, their mental health becomes really important. This is a time when they face a lot of changes and challenges. To help them cope and feel better, therapy games are a great tool. These games are fun and help teens express their feelings, get better at talking to others, solve problems, and understand themselves better. In this article, we’ll talk about examples of therapy games, and how it can help teens feel better and improve their mental health.

What are Therapy Games?

Therapy games are fun activities that therapists use to help teens in therapy. These games are interactive, meaning the teens actively participate. 

They can help teens learn how to deal with difficult situations, talk about their feelings better, and understand their emotions. 

Therapists use these games to create a safe and enjoyable space for teens to express themselves and grow emotionally.

38 Interactive Therapy Games for Teens

1. two truths and a lie.

• Each teen takes turns sharing two true statements about themselves and one false statement.
• The other teens try to guess which statement is the lie.
• The goal is to trick others into believing the false statement while guessing the truths correctly.
• Encourages self-expression and creativity.
• Helps build connections and understanding among teens.
• Develops critical thinking skills as players try to identify the lie.

2. Human Knot

• Teens stand in a circle, reaching into the center to grab hands with two different people.
• Without letting go, the group must untangle themselves to form a circle again.
• They can lift arms, step over or under each other, or change hand positions to untangle.
• The game encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Promotes teamwork and collaboration.
• Enhances problem-solving and communication skills.
• Builds trust and camaraderie among group members.

3. Would You Rather?

• Teens take turns asking each other “Would you rather” questions with two challenging scenarios.
• For example, “Would you rather have the ability to fly or breathe underwater?”
• Each teen must choose one scenario, leading to discussions about preferences and reasons behind their choices.
• Stimulates conversation and debate.
• Encourages decision-making and reasoning skills.
• Helps teens explore their preferences and values in a fun way.

4. Emotion Charades

• Teens act out various emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry, surprised) without speaking while others guess the emotion.
• This game helps teens recognize and express different feelings, improving emotional intelligence and communication skills.
• Improves emotional intelligence by recognizing and understanding different emotions.
• Encourages empathy as players try to interpret each other’s emotions.
• Enhances non-verbal communication skills.

5. Communication and Social Skills Games

• Teens form a circle.
• One teen tosses the ball to another.
• The teen catching the ball reads and answers the question written on it.
• The ball continues to be tossed around the circle, with each teen answering a question.
• Encourages open communication: Teens share thoughts and feelings in a non-intimidating way.
• Builds connections: Helps teens connect with each other by sharing personal experiences and perspectives.
• Improves listening skills: Encourages teens to listen actively to others’ responses.

6. Conversation Starters

• Teens draw a card with a conversation prompt.
• They use the prompt to start a discussion with peers or adults.
• Topics can range from personal experiences to hypothetical scenarios.
• Facilitates meaningful conversations: Helps teens discuss important topics and deepen their understanding of each other.
• Enhances communication skills: Encourages teens to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly.
• Promotes empathy: Some prompts may encourage teens to consider others’ perspectives and experiences.

7. Storytelling Circle

Mechanics: 

• Teens sit in a circle.
• One teen starts a story with a sentence or idea.
• The next teen adds to the story, and so on, with each teen contributing to the narrative.
• The story continues to evolve with each person’s contribution.
• Fosters creativity: Encourages teens to use their imagination to contribute to the story.
• Improves listening skills: Requires teens to listen attentively to others’ contributions to maintain the story’s coherence.
• Enhances storytelling abilities: Allows teens to practice storytelling in a collaborative and supportive environment.

8. Empathy Cards

• Teens draw a card with a scenario.
• The scenario describes a situation from someone else’s perspective.
• Teens discuss how they would feel and react in that situation, practicing empathy and understanding different viewpoints.
• Encourages empathy: Helps teens understand and empathize with different perspectives and experiences.
• Promotes perspective-taking: Encourages teens to see situations from viewpoints other than their own.
• Enhances emotional intelligence: Helps teens recognize and manage their own emotions and understand others’ feelings.

9. Mood Meter

• Use a chart with four quadrants representing different levels of energy and pleasantness.
• Teens place a marker on the chart to indicate their current mood.
• They can adjust the marker throughout the day to track changes in their emotions.
• Helps teens identify and label their emotions accurately.
• Encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Provides a visual representation of emotional states, making it easier to discuss feelings.

10. Feeling Faces

• Use cards with various facial expressions depicting different emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry, scared).
• Teens select a card that matches how they are feeling or how they think someone else is feeling.
• They can also use the cards to express their own emotions or interpret others’ feelings.
• Enhances emotional intelligence by recognizing and understanding facial expressions.
• Facilitates communication about emotions, fostering empathy and connection.
• Promotes self-expression and reflection on personal feelings.

11. Wheel of Emotions

• Use a circular chart divided into sections, each representing a different emotion (e.g., joy, sadness, anger, fear).
• Teens spin the wheel or point to a section to explore and discuss the emotion it represents.
• They can also use the wheel to identify their current emotion or explore the range of emotions they experience.
• Helps teens broaden their emotional vocabulary and understanding of complex emotions.
• Encourages introspection and discussion about emotions, promoting emotional literacy.
• Provides a visual aid for identifying and managing emotions effectively.

12. Role Reversal

• Teens choose a role to take on (e.g., parent, teacher, friend) or are assigned a role by the facilitator.
• They act out scenarios from the perspective of the chosen role, experiencing the situation from a different viewpoint.
• Afterward, they reflect on the experience and discuss how it felt to be in that role.
• Promotes empathy by encouraging teens to consider others’ perspectives and feelings.
• Enhances communication skills by practicing active listening and perspective-taking.
• Fosters understanding and tolerance by experiencing different viewpoints and roles.

13. Self-Compliment Circle

• Teens sit in a circle and take turns giving compliments to the person on their right.
• Compliments should be genuine and focus on positive qualities or actions.
• Each teen receives multiple compliments from others in the group.
• Promotes positive self-esteem by hearing affirming statements from peers.
• Encourages teens to recognize and appreciate their own strengths and qualities.
• Fosters a supportive and uplifting environment among group members.

14. Self-Exploration Journals

• Teens keep a journal where they write about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• Journals can be used daily or as needed to reflect on various aspects of their lives.
• Teens can use prompts or write freely to explore different aspects of themselves.
• Enhances self-awareness by encouraging introspection and reflection.
• Helps teens process and cope with emotions, leading to improved emotional well-being.
• Provides a private outlet for self-expression and personal growth.

15. Gratitude Journal

• Teens write in a journal daily or regularly, listing things they are grateful for.
• Entries can be specific (e.g., a kind gesture from a friend) or general (e.g., health, family).
• Teens can reflect on why they are grateful for each item on their list.
• Cultivates a positive mindset by focusing on the good things in life.
• Increases happiness and life satisfaction by acknowledging and appreciating blessings.
• Encourages mindfulness and the habit of seeking out positive experiences.

16. Positive Affirmations

• Teens choose or create positive statements about themselves (e.g., “I am strong,” “I am capable”).
• They repeat these affirmations daily or as needed, either silently or aloud.
• Affirmations can be written down or displayed in places where they will be seen frequently.
• Boosts self-esteem and self-confidence by internalizing positive beliefs.
• Rewires negative thought patterns and promotes a more positive self-perception.
• Provides a source of encouragement and motivation during challenging times.

17. Decision-Making Dice

• Teens roll dice with options written on each side.
• They must make a decision based on the option rolled.
• Options can be related to everyday choices or specific scenarios.
• Improves decision-making skills by practicing making choices.
• Encourages critical thinking and weighing options.
• Provides a fun and interactive way to approach decision-making.

18. Problem-Solving Scenarios

• Teens are presented with hypothetical problems or challenges.
• They work together to brainstorm solutions and choose the best course of action.
• Scenarios can vary in complexity and require creative thinking.
• Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Helps teens develop strategies for approaching real-life challenges.

19. Mindful Breathing

• Teens practice deep breathing exercises, focusing on each breath.
• They can use guided instructions or simply focus on their breath.
• The goal is to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
• Improves focus and concentration.
• Enhances self-awareness and mindfulness.

20. Mindful Coloring

• Teens engage in coloring activities, focusing on the colors and movements.
• They can use coloring books or printouts with intricate designs.
• The activity is done calmly and mindfully.
• Promotes relaxation and stress relief.
• Enhances focus and mindfulness.
• Provides a creative outlet for self-expression.

21. Art Therapy

• Teens engage in various art activities (e.g., painting, drawing, sculpting).
• They use art as a medium to express emotions and thoughts.
• The focus is on the process of creating rather than the end result.
• Provides a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions.
• Promotes self-discovery and introspection.
• Reduces stress and improves emotional well-being.

22. Music Therapy

• Teens listen to or create music to express emotions.
• They can use instruments, singing, or listening to music.
• The goal is to evoke specific emotions or improve mood.
• Enhances mood and emotional well-being.
• Can be used as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety.

23. Team-building Challenges

• Teens participate in activities that require teamwork and communication.
• Challenges can be physical (e.g., building a tower) or mental (e.g., solving a puzzle).
• The goal is to complete the challenge as a team.
• Improves communication and problem-solving skills.

24. Group Problem-Solving Activities

• Teens work together to solve puzzles, riddles, or challenges.
• They must communicate effectively and share ideas.
• The focus is on finding creative solutions as a group.
• Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Fosters a sense of achievement and camaraderie.

25. Conflict Resolution Role-Plays

• Teens act out conflict scenarios, taking on different roles.
• They practice resolving conflicts peacefully and effectively.
• Role-plays can be guided or improvised.
• Provides a safe space to practice conflict resolution skills.
• Improves communication and empathy.
• Helps teens develop strategies for resolving conflicts in real life.

26. Peaceful Solutions

• Teens brainstorm and discuss peaceful ways to resolve conflicts.
• They can create a list of strategies or scenarios where peaceful solutions can be applied.
• The goal is to promote peaceful conflict resolution.
• Encourages empathy and understanding.
• Promotes nonviolent communication skills.
• Provides a positive approach to conflict resolution.

27. Goal Setting Board

• Teens set short-term and long-term goals.
• They create a visual representation of their goals using a board or chart.
• Goals can be related to personal, academic, or other areas of life.
• Helps teens clarify their aspirations and priorities.
• Provides motivation and a sense of direction.
• Encourages goal-setting habits for future success.

28. Vision Board

• Teens create a collage of images and words representing their goals and dreams.
• They can include pictures, quotes, and symbols that inspire them.
• The vision board serves as a visual reminder of their aspirations.
• Stimulates creativity and visualization of goals.
• Provides a tangible representation of aspirations.
• Motivates and inspires teens to work towards their dreams.

29. Life Skills Bingo

• Teens play a bingo game with squares representing different life skills (e.g., cooking a meal, budgeting).
• They complete the squares by learning or practicing the skills.
• The goal is to get bingo by completing a row or column.
• Encourages learning and practicing practical life skills.
• Makes learning fun and engaging.
• Promotes independence and self-sufficiency.

30. Daily Routine Planning

• Teens create a daily schedule outlining their activities and tasks.
• They can include time for school, hobbies, self-care, and other responsibilities.
• The schedule helps them manage their time effectively.
• Improves time management skills.
• Promotes organization and productivity.
• Helps teens prioritize tasks and balance their responsibilities.

31. Outdoor Adventure Games

• Teens participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or obstacle courses.
• Activities promote physical activity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Games can be structured with specific goals or more open-ended for exploration.
• Promotes physical fitness and health.
• Fosters teamwork and collaboration.
• Provides a sense of adventure and connection to nature.

32. Scavenger Hunt

• Teens are given a list of items or clues to find within a designated area.
• They work together to locate the items or solve the clues.
• The game can have a theme or be based on general items.
• Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Promotes teamwork and communication.
• Provides a fun and interactive way to explore the environment.

33. Educational Board Games

• Teens play board games that focus on academic subjects (e.g., math, science, history).
• Games can include trivia questions, puzzles, or other educational elements.
• Players compete or work together to achieve a common goal.
• Reinforces academic knowledge and skills.
• Improves critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

34. Memory Games

• Teens play games that challenge their memory and cognitive function.
• Games can include matching pairs, memorizing sequences, or recalling information.
• Players can compete against each other or against the clock.
• Improves memory and cognitive skills.
• Enhances concentration and focus.
• Provides mental stimulation and entertainment.

35. Yoga for Teens

• Teens practice yoga poses and exercises designed for their age group.
• Activities focus on flexibility, strength, and relaxation.
• Teens can follow guided instructions or create their own sequences.
• Improves physical fitness, flexibility, and balance.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Promotes mindfulness and body awareness.

36. Dance Therapy

• Teens engage in dance and movement activities to express themselves and improve mood.
• Activities can include freestyle dancing, choreographed routines, or dance games.
• Music selection can influence the mood and style of dance.
• Promotes self-expression and creativity.
• Improves physical fitness and coordination.

37. Trust-Building Activities

• Teens participate in activities that require trust and cooperation.
• Examples include trust falls, partner exercises, and blindfolded games.
• The goal is to build trust and strengthen relationships within the group.
• Fosters trust and bonding among group members.
• Improves communication and teamwork skills.
• Promotes empathy and understanding.

38. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

• Teens are challenged to perform random acts of kindness for others.
• Acts can be big or small and can be done anonymously or openly.
• The goal is to spread positivity and empathy in the community.
• Promotes empathy and compassion.
• Boosts mood and happiness.
• Encourages a sense of community and connection.

Benefits of Therapy Games for Teens

Therapy games offer numerous benefits for teens, including:

• Emotional expression and communication
• Building social skills and connections
• Developing problem-solving and coping strategies
• Enhancing self-awareness and self-esteem

Considerations for Choosing Therapy Games

When choosing therapy games for teens, it’s crucial to consider a range of factors to ensure they are effective and suitable. Here are some things to consider:

• Age-appropriateness and maturity level: Select games that are suitable for the teen’s age group and maturity level. Games that are too simplistic may not engage them, while those that are too complex may be overwhelming.
• Specific mental health concerns or issues addressed: Look for games that target the specific mental health concerns or issues the teen is facing. For example, if they are struggling with social anxiety, games that focus on building social skills and confidence may be beneficial.
• Accessibility and ease of implementation: Choose games that are easy to access and can be implemented without too much difficulty. This includes considering the availability of materials needed for the game and whether it can be easily integrated into therapy sessions.
• Engagement and interest: Select games that are engaging and interesting for the teen. This can help keep them motivated and invested in the therapy process.
• Therapeutic value : Ensure that the games have a clear therapeutic value and are designed to help the teen achieve specific therapeutic goals. This may include improving communication skills, building self-esteem, or managing emotions.
• Safety and appropriateness: Ensure that the games are safe and appropriate for the teen’s mental health and emotional state. Avoid games that may trigger negative emotions or be harmful in any way.
• Feedback and progress tracking: Look for games that provide feedback and allow for progress tracking. This can help both the teen and the therapist monitor progress and make adjustments to the therapy plan as needed.
• Cost and resources: Consider the cost of the games and any additional resources that may be needed, such as training for the therapist or ongoing support for implementation.

Tips for Implementing Therapy Games with Teens

Implementing therapy games with teens can be highly beneficial when done thoughtfully. Here are some comprehensive tips to make the most of therapy games with teens:

1. Create a safe and supportive environment.

Make sure the place where you play the games feels safe and welcoming. Teens should feel okay talking and sharing.

2. Establish clear rules and expectations.

Tell teens how the games will work and what you expect from them. This helps them know what to do and feel more comfortable.

3. Adapt games to suit individual needs and preferences.

Every teen is different, so it’s good to change the games to fit what each teen likes and needs.

4. Debrief and process after each game session.

 Talk about the game after you play it. This helps teens understand what they learned and how it relates to their feelings.

5. Encourage reflection and insight.

Ask teens to think about the game and how it makes them feel. This can help them understand their feelings better.

6. Promote teamwork and collaboration.

Some games need teamwork. This can help teens learn to work together and trust each other.

7. Monitor progress and adjust as needed.

Keep an eye on how the teens are doing with the games. If something isn’t working, try changing the game or how you play it.

8. Seek feedback from teens.

Ask teens what they think about the games. This can help you make the games better for them.

By following these tips, you can create a positive and effective experience for teens using therapy games in their treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do therapy games benefit teen mental health?

          Therapy games help teens develop important skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which can improve their mental health and well-being.

      2. Who can participate in therapy games for teens?

           Therapy games are designed for teenagers but can be adapted for younger or older age groups as needed.

      3. Are therapy games a standalone treatment?

        Therapy games are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and may be combined with other therapeutic approaches.

      4. What are the risks of therapy games for teens?

         While therapy games are generally safe, there may be risks if not supervised properly. It’s essential to ensure games are age-appropriate and suitable for the group.

      5. How can parents support teens in therapy games?

          Parents can support teens by encouraging participation, discussing the games at home, and helping reinforce the skills learned during the games.

The Bottomline

Therapy games offer a valuable and effective way to improve teen mental health by promoting emotional expression, social skills, problem-solving, and self-awareness. Incorporating these games into therapy can enhance the effectiveness of treatment and support teens in developing important life skills.

Are you struggling with mental health issues?

Our psychiatry services can help. Book an appointment today and get help that suits your needs.

• Frankfort Address: 10209 W Lincoln Highway Frankfort, Illinois 60423, United States
• Crest Hill Address: 16151 South Weber Suite ll30 Crest Hill, Illinois 60403, United States
• Lisle Address: 3333 Warrenville Rd. STE 200 Lisle, Illinois 60532, United States
• 708-766-8568
• 708-273-5531
• [email protected]

Information

Our hours of operation.

• Monday - Thursday

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of our patients’ protected health information and to provide patients with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to protected health information. We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice for as long as it remains in effect.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 Zoelife Psychiatric Services. All rights reserved. Powered By Marketing Beaver

29 Best Group Therapy Activities for Supporting Adults

Childhood begins with a family of origin group and then progresses to groups for education, social activities, shared interests/hobbies, and work.

Group therapy can be traced back to Joseph Pratt. In 1905 he was teaching education classes on hygiene for patients struggling with tuberculosis (Pratt, 1907). Pratt noticed that patients who regularly attended presentations and interacted in groups afterward remained optimistic and courageous and had fewer symptoms and better recovery than those who did not.

Pratt (1907) believed that the emotional connection and support led to increased hope and physical improvement.

Group therapy activities provide emotional connection, education, support, encouragement, and guidance that can improve mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. In this article, we will list various group therapy activities to use in your practice.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains

How to perform group activities in therapy, 3 therapy group activities for adults, 3 warm-up activities for your first meetings, best group activities for anxiety and depression, 4 positive psychology activities for improving mental health, mindfulness activities for your group sessions, 3 activities for personal growth and self-esteem, 4 helpful closing session activities, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message, frequently asked questions.

There are several factors that should be considered as a therapist or leader begins to perform activities in group therapy. A needs assessment is essential to determine the purpose of the group and the specific activities, format, and structure that will follow.

Is this group open or closed? Is it designed to treat specific conditions or ailments such as post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, or a specific mental health issue? Who makes up the group regarding age, gender, race, religion, etc.?

A pre-group orientation is helpful to identify individual patterns of group members and their history of interpersonal relationships (Whittingham, 2018).

The initial orientation will help build a positive emotional bond and working alliance with and among clients. Informing clients about the nature of group therapy and reviewing group agreements, logistical information, and assumptions can help group members feel safe, connected, and more engaged in group activities (Whittingham, 2018).

The activities should reflect the goals and composition of group members as well as the theoretical approach used by the group leader or therapist.

Best narrative therapy group activities

Narrative group therapy is an existential approach to therapy and allows clients to take ownership of their story by sharing it and rewriting it (Clark, 2014).

It provides space between an individual and their lived experience so they can separate problems from their life. Some narrative therapy activities that can be done in group settings include:

1. My life story

Clients are asked to identify five to 10 chapter titles for their life and briefly explain each. They can share these stories with other group members, which helps reinforce the idea that the past is in the past and the future is an opportunity for new beginnings.

2. Statement of position map

A statement of position map is an opportunity for clients to identify a problem, map out the effects of the problem across all areas of their life, and explore how the impacts of this problem deeply affect them.

As clients do this individually, they can share the effects of the problem with group members, which offers support and validation.

3. Expressive art storytelling

Expressive art storytelling can be made into a group activity by having members take part in expressive art together. An example would be to have group members individually draw or paint to the sound of music in a way that depicts their personal story for a specified amount of time. After the session, clients share the meaning of their art with other group members.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

Enhance wellbeing with these free, science-based exercises that draw on the latest insights from positive psychology.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

Warm-up activities in group sessions help clients build connections, reduce anxiety and defensiveness, and can shift focus to specific topics of discussion. These activities can be used for nearly any age group and for any specific purpose.

1. Two truths and a lie

In this activity, clients will each get an index card to write down three things about themselves. Two of them are true, and one is a lie. Members will go around the room stating the three pieces of information, and other members of the group must guess the lie.

2. Give me a minute

Members of the group will each get an index card with a topic on it (any random topic will do). Individuals talk about the topic for one minute. This fun activity allows members to open up, get creative, and express ideas and opinions about specific topics.

3. Desert island

Ask clients to think about being trapped on a desert island. They may bring one luxury item, one entertainment item, and one survival item. Have members share what they would take with them. This is often a revealing activity that can help members get to know one another.

Group therapy can provide a supportive and cost-effective way to treat symptoms and underlying causes of these debilitating mental health conditions.

1. Affirmations

This is an effective group activity for both anxiety and depression once a (closed) group has been a cohesive unit for several weekly sessions. It is important for group members to know one another to some degree.

A sheet of paper is passed out to each member, and they will write their name on the sheet. The paper is passed around so that other members can write positive affirmations directed to the member. This activity can be uplifting for individuals struggling with depression and decrease levels of anxiety.

2. Healthy brainstorming

This activity is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral activation , and goal setting. Each member of the group writes down a goal they would like to accomplish to improve mental health, such as diet, exercise, sleep, mindfulness, etc.

Members write down as many goals as they would like and pass the ideas around. Once the list is complete, the group can brainstorm practical ways to implement behaviors that will help achieve these goals.

3. Thought replacement

This positive thought replacement worksheet is based on CBT and can be used in a group setting. Each member can write down or identify a negative automatic thought they typically have. The member sitting next to them will come up with a positive replacement thought.

Thought identification and replacement is a cornerstone of CBT, which is an evidence-based treatment for both anxiety and depression (Wolgensinger, 2015).

This video expands on how useful group therapy can be for anxiety and depression.

2 Activities for coping with loneliness

Loneliness, grief, and loss are very much related to both anxiety and depression.

Group therapy activities can be very beneficial for individuals struggling with loneliness . They can provide a sense of connection, belonging, and shared interests (Shapiro & Gans, 2008). The following activities are a few examples.

1. Person to person

Members of the group will get two to five commands that they must perform as a pair. The last command is always “person to person” and everyone, including the person giving the commands, will have to scramble to find a new partner.

The “odd person out” gets to go into the middle of the group and provide the next set of commands.

The game begins with the person in the center (initially the facilitator) giving instructions such as: “hand to head” and the pairs must put a hand to a head. The facilitator can then say: “elbow to knee,” and the pairs then have to put an elbow to a knee, as well as keeping the hand to the head.

After a few more commands, the facilitator says, “person to person,” and everyone finds a new partner, except for the new person who begins calling out commands.

This activity forces interaction between members, which can help decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.

2. The interview activity

Participants are paired and asked to interview each other to identify areas of commonality in their lives. Potential areas include education, family, likes, dislikes, professional interests, responsibilities, hometown, etc.

Each pair is asked to report to the group on three commonalities discovered. This activity helps individuals feel more connected and provides a sense of belonging.

2 Helpful activities for grief and loss

Bereavement groups provide members benefits for individuals dealing with grief and loss. They can help normalize the impact of grief, provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for the individual, and help participants discover resources and coping strategies.

According to Alan Wolflet (2004), group activities for grief and loss should help members with the six needs of mourning. These include acknowledging the reality of death , moving toward the pain of loss, remembering the person who died, developing a new identity, searching for meaning , and continuing to receive support from others.

1. Triggers

In this activity, the group identifies and discusses common triggers for their particular loss (what stimulates negative emotions such as sadness). Group members and leaders can then suggest different coping strategies they could use when feeling triggered.

2. Shared positive experiences

Have clients each bring in an item, object, or picture that represents a fond memory of the individual they are grieving. Members can take turns sharing the memory and how it affects them today.

Group therapy provides a uniquely rich environment and powerful setting that can improve mental health. We are hardwired for attachment and groups, which are potent sources of change for the central nervous system, brain, and emotional wellbeing (Denninger, 2010).

2 Activities for building healthy relationships

Healthy relationships are crucial for mental health and wellbeing. These activities can help build healthy relationships and improve personal emotional wellness.

1. Role-play

Role-play can be a great activity for acting out and resolving conflict in a healthy way. Members of the group can take on specific characters and role-play effective discussion, healthy ways to deal with stressful emotions, and setting boundaries. Role-play scripts can be an ideal tool to facilitate such sessions.

2. Effective communication

This effective communication worksheet teaches clients about effective communication techniques.

In a group session, members can practice each of the techniques with a partner and reflect on areas of strength and weakness. These can be discussed in session and continually practiced in subsequent meetings.

Best exercises for learning to let go

Learning to let go of negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and the need for control can lead to improvements in mental health.

1. Visualization

Have group members visualize what their lives would look like if they could let go of what was holding them back or what they were holding onto. After doing the visualization individually, have group members share about the experience.

2. Radical Acceptance

This worksheet on radical acceptance can be completed individually inside or outside of a group session. Members can share their responses with the group and reflect on what they learn about themselves and from one another.

Mindfulness group therapy allows individuals to come together in a group setting to develop and practice mindfulness skills and draw benefits from the shared experience with others.

1. Mindful eating

A mindful eating activity can be done with any food but is often done with an almond, raisin, or orange slice.

Each member will take one of the above and be guided through a mindful eating session. Participants will examine the food item, smell it, taste it without chewing, slowly chew, slowly swallow, etc. Participants can share about the experience after it is completed.

2. Mindful breathing

Participants are asked to either close their eyes or stare down at the ground in front of them.

A mindful breathing script may guide them as follows: Take a moment, bring your awareness to your breath. Notice if you are breathing out of your mouth or your nose. Notice the length and quality of the breath. Notice the movement of your body as you breathe. Continue to focus all your attention on your breath and only your breath. If your mind wanders, gently bring your awareness back to your breath. Allow this focus to continue for five minutes.

3. Mindful yoga class

Yoga is a mindful activity that is great for groups. It is best led by a trained yoga instructor who can guide group members through breathwork and gentle movements.

The particular psychotherapeutic conditions a group provides are ideal for creating personal growth and improving self-esteem. Groups can establish a safe, trusting interpersonal environment that allows members to gain new skills and experiences.

Additionally, groups can help dis-confirm faulty memories, beliefs, and assumptions that are the basis of low confidence, self-doubt, and fear that inhibit growth.

Neural networks that hold implicit experiences (leading to these faulty thinking patterns and beliefs) can be triggered and reframed when other group members bring their own struggles and experiences to the group (Badenoch & Cox, 2010).

These group activities can be applied to group settings to improve personal growth and self-esteem.

1. I Will Survive

This worksheet can be applied in a group setting. It helps clients notice their strengths, past successes, and ability to grow and overcome challenges.

2. The worth jar

Group members decorate a glass jar and fill it with notes or trinkets that represent their personal worth and value.

These might include inspiring quotes, small objects that symbolize strengths or accomplishments, or letters from loved ones. Members will share the jar with the group and explain the significance of the items.

3. The “I am” activity

Have group members write down a list of positive affirmations about themselves starting with “I am.” Examples include “I am compassionate” or “I am enough.” They will share their affirmations with other group members.

Our article on Self-Esteem Therapy provides more ideas to improve self-esteem and growth activities that can be applied to both individual and group therapy sessions.

Closing activities should highlight important aspects and reinforce any themes of the session. These activities help to unite group members and encourage them to work on themselves outside of the session before the next meeting.

1. Coping sheet

Create a coping cheat sheet summary card that group members can keep with them between sessions. This card can have a list of three to 10 coping skills that they can use when they are struggling. Examples could be breathing, counting, calling a friend, calling a hotline, listening to a song, or pausing.

2. Share an affirmation

Have group members end the session by going around the room and sharing a take-home affirmation they learned or recognized during the meeting.

Ending activities for your termination session

Closing group therapy treatment is the phase of group development known as termination (Levine, 2011). This is often one of the most difficult aspects of group structure and development. A group leader must evaluate either subjectively or objectively (or both) how the group members have progressed and whether goals have been met (Levine, 2011).

A variety of group activities can be incorporated in the termination phase to assist in this process and help group members transition out of group therapy.

1. Group motto

Have group members collaborate and come up with a group motto based on the goals and outcome of the group sessions.

2. Leave your mark

Do something creative and have the group come up with a piece of artwork collaboratively. They might use thumb or handprints to create a picture or use individual talents to contribute to a mixed-media piece of art.

The final product can be discussed and remembered as members leave the group.

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

PositivePsychology.com offers a wealth of therapy resources that can be used and applied in group settings.

The GROW With Your Team worksheet specifically helps with group development, team cohesion, and learning to set and achieve common goals. This can be a wonderful activity to use to start a group because it allows members’ active participation in accomplishing objectives and the healing process.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an effective treatment for anxiety , depression, and other mental health issues. Read our article that addresses how to apply ACT therapy in group settings .

Group therapy can be a fun way to improve aspects of mental and emotional wellbeing. The Empathy Bingo worksheet is an interactive way for group members to learn about empathy, develop healthy relationships, and practice self-compassion.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, check out this signature collection of 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.

Group therapy has a nearly 100-year-old history and has branched into many aspects of the contemporary world. As social creatures, we learn from and depend on groups to survive, thrive, and grow as individuals.

This complex, intense interpersonal experience can be filled with powerful interaction and meaningful activities. Many of these group therapy activities are highlighted in this article.

Therapy provided in a group setting can be a powerful way to improve any area of emotional and mental wellbeing. It is a wonderfully unique experience in that every group and session is different and dynamic.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

Group therapy provides a cost-effective alternative to individual psychotherapy. It brings people with similar needs together in a supportive, encouraging, and validating way.

Mental health activities include any activities that stimulate growth and change, and challenge clients to explore and improve mental and emotional wellbeing.

Group therapy is most effective and enjoyable when members connect and collaborate. Creating a supportive environment and keeping group members engaged with the specific topic and with one another makes group sessions fun.

• Badenoch, B., & Cox, P. (2010). Integrating interpersonal neurobiology with group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy , 60 (4), 462–481.
• Clark, A. (2014). Narrative therapy integration within substance abuse groups. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health , 9 (4), 511–522.
• Denninger, J. W. (2010). Commentary on the neurobiology of group psychotherapy: Group and social brain. International Journal of group Psychotherapy , 60 (4), 595–604.
• Levine, R. (2011). Progressing while regressing in relationships. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy , 61 , 621–643.
• Pratt, J. H. (1907). The organization of tuberculosis classes. Medical Communications of the Massachusetts Medical Society , 20 , 475–492.
• Shapiro, E., & Gans, J. (2008). The courage of the group therapist. International Journal or Group of Group Psychotherapy , 58 (3), 345–361.
• Sundquist, J., Lilja, A., Palmer, K., Memon, A., Wang, X., Johansson, L., & Sundquist, K. (2015). Mindfulness group therapy in primary care patients with depression, anxiety and stress and adjustment disorders: Randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry , 206 , 128–135.
• Whittingham, M. (2018). Innovations in group assessment: How focused brief group therapy integrates formal measures to enhance treatment preparation, process and outcomes. Psychotherapy , 55 , 186–190.
• Wolfelt, A. (2004). Understanding your grief: Support group guide: Starting and leading a bereavement support group . Companion Press.
• Wolgensinger, L. (2015). Cognitive behavioral group therapy for anxiety: Recent developments. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience , 17 (3), 347–351.

Share this article:

Article feedback

Let us know your thoughts cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

The Empty Chair Technique: How It Can Help Your Clients

Resolving ‘unfinished business’ is often an essential part of counseling. If left unresolved, it can contribute to depression, anxiety, and mental ill-health while damaging existing [...]

47 Free Therapy Resources to Help Kick-Start Your New Practice

Setting up a private practice in psychotherapy brings several challenges, including a considerable investment of time and money. You can reduce risks early on by [...]

Cognitive Therapy Techniques & Worksheets: Your Ultimate Toolkit

The brain is an amazing organ. It works 24/7 and determines the condition of nearly every aspect of life. The average person has 70,000 thoughts [...]

Read other articles by their category

• Body & Brain (48)
• Coaching & Application (57)
• Compassion (26)
• Counseling (51)
• Emotional Intelligence (24)
• Gratitude (18)
• Grief & Bereavement (21)
• Happiness & SWB (40)
• Meaning & Values (26)
• Meditation (20)
• Mindfulness (45)
• Motivation & Goals (45)
• Optimism & Mindset (34)
• Positive CBT (28)
• Positive Communication (20)
• Positive Education (47)
• Positive Emotions (32)
• Positive Leadership (17)
• Positive Parenting (2)
• Positive Psychology (33)
• Positive Workplace (37)
• Productivity (16)
• Relationships (47)
• Resilience & Coping (35)
• Self Awareness (21)
• Self Esteem (37)
• Strengths & Virtues (30)
• Stress & Burnout Prevention (34)
• Theory & Books (46)
• Therapy Exercises (37)
• Types of Therapy (64)