Transform OCD & Anxiety Treatment for Kids: The Power of Therapeutic Skills Group
Anxiety and OCD can deeply affect how children and teens experience everyday life—from intrusive thoughts and overwhelming worries to avoidance, compulsions, and social withdrawal. While individual therapy is often the cornerstone of treatment, many young people can benefit even more when their therapeutic care also includes a skills group alongside one-on-one support.
Research and clinical experience suggest that combining individual and group therapy can strengthen treatment outcomes, helping kids and teens apply what they learn in therapy to real-life situations (Reynolds et al., 2012; Hofmann et al., 2012).
At Mind Matters Collective (MMC), we believe in the power of combining therapy modalities to create lasting change. Our upcoming in-person therapeutic skills group is designed specifically for children and adolescents navigating OCD and anxiety. Here’s why adding a group component can be such a valuable part of the treatment journey and how it can help kids and teens strengthen their confidence, connection, and capacity.
What Is a Therapeutic Skills Group?
A therapeutic skills group is a structured, therapist-led program where children or teens come together in a small, supportive setting to learn and practice strategies for managing anxiety and OCD. Unlike traditional “support groups,” skills groups are focused on teaching evidence-based tools and helping participants apply them in real life.
At MMC, our group will blend psychoeducation, practical skill-building, and gradual exposure exercises tailored to the developmental needs of children and adolescents.
How a Skills Group Supports OCD & Anxiety Treatment
Practice Strengthens Capacity
Therapy teaches crucial tools—but using them outside sessions can feel daunting for kids and teens. A skills group offers repeated, safe opportunities to practice coping strategies, problem-solving, and exposure techniques. This kind of hands-on practice, especially when combined with individual therapy, often makes it more likely that kids and teens will remember and use the skills in everyday life (Kazantzis et al., 2018).
Reduced Isolation
OCD and anxiety can make young people feel alone or “different.” Groups help normalize these experiences. Sharing challenges and successes with peers who truly “get it” can decrease shame, boost self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging.
Confidence Through Exposure
For kids and teens with OCD or anxiety, exposure-based interventions (like gradually facing feared situations) are often key to reducing symptoms. Practicing exposures in a supportive group environment can feel less intimidating and more motivating than doing it alone.
Skill Generalization
Learning skills in varied contexts—both individually and with peers—increases the likelihood that children and teens will use these strategies outside of therapy. Combining individual and group work helps solidify these tools as part of daily life especially in academic and community settings.
Parent Support and Insight
Many therapeutic groups include education and resources for parents, helping caregivers better understand their child’s challenges and support progress at home. While our in-person group focuses on youth, we keep communication open with families to promote consistency and collaboration.
Why Combine Individual Therapy and Group Work?
Individual therapy provides personalized, private support tailored to a child’s unique symptoms and circumstances. However, adding a skills group can:
Enhance social learning and peer modeling
Boost motivation to engage in challenging therapeutic tasks
Accelerate skill mastery through practice and feedback
Help young people realize they’re not alone in their struggles
An interdisciplinary approach that blends individual and group therapy often leads to stronger, longer-lasting results for children and teens (Hofmann et al., 2012).
At MMC, we see group therapy not as a replacement for individual sessions—but as a powerful addition that strengthens overall treatment outcomes.
What to Expect in Our OCD & Anxiety Skills Group
Our in-person group, launching July 15th, will include:
Psychoeducation about anxiety and OCD
Cognitive-behavioral techniques for managing worries and compulsions
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) exercises
Mindfulness and emotion regulation skills
Peer support and encouragement in a safe, compassionate space
Sessions are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, helping kids and teens feel comfortable while working toward their therapeutic goals.
Benefits of Joining Our Group
Families who participate in a therapeutic skills group often report:
Increased use of coping skills outside therapy
Decreased symptom severity
Higher confidence in managing distress
Reduced avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations
A sense of connection and community
Ready to Build Skills—and Confidence?
If your child or teen is navigating OCD or anxiety, our in-person skills group can be a meaningful addition to their care.
Our next group supporting the twin cities MN starts July 15th! Spots are limited. Sign up now to reserve your child’s place: Mind Matters Collective Group Therapy
At MMC, we’re committed to collaborative, whole-person care that empowers young people to thrive—not just manage symptoms. We’d love to support your family on this journey.
References
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Kazantzis, N., Whittington, C., & Dattilio, F. (2018). Meta-analysis of homework effects in cognitive and behavioral therapy: A replication and extension. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 25(2), e12238. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12238
Reynolds, S., Wilson, C., Austin, J., & Hooper, L. (2012). Effects of psychotherapy for anxiety in children and adolescents: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(4), 251–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2012.01.005
Selles, R. R., Storch, E. A., Lewin, A. B., Murphy, T. K., & Geffken, G. R. (2015). Variations in the treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: A survey of expert therapists. Behavior Therapy, 46(1), 84–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2014.09.002
