A life-changing project: therapeutic groups for teenagers

Adolescence is more than just a transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s a period full of questions: Who am I? How should I live? What do I feel? What’s right for me?

The search for identity, the need for independence, and the process of self-discovery have always been challenging — but today, war has made them even harder. That’s why teenagers now more than ever need not only attention and understanding, but also practical tools — psychological, therapeutic, and emotional.

“Teens don’t want to be told what to do. The best thing we can offer is a space where they can explore themselves, look for answers, and form their own decisions. The solutions that arise in group therapy with the support of a psychologist are deeper, more personal, and much more sustainable,” — Maria Todorchuk, founder of Dobrodiy Club.

Dobrodiy Club’s Model for Change

One of the most impactful directions of Dobrodiy Club’s work in mental health is therapeutic groups — a group psychotherapy format for teenagers aged 10–17.

Under the guidance of experienced psychologists, teens explore their emotions, discover their strengths, and learn to find internal resources. These groups help them not only cope with anxiety and fear but also develop skills that will stay with them for life.

“Teenagers are just learning to understand their inner world and whether their emotions are normal. In a supportive group atmosphere, they learn to recognize their feelings, process anxiety and fear, and rediscover their inner stability. Group therapy becomes a place where they can release accumulated stress, guilt, pain, and sadness.” — Nataliia Kovalchuk, psychologist and project supervisor at Dobrodiy Club.

The DNA of the Project

Therapeutic groups are a comprehensive support system designed with the specific needs and challenges of modern teens in mind.
They form the foundation for long-term personal change. Here are the key principles that make them effective:

1. Real Presence — Real Connection

All sessions take place offline. For teenagers growing up amid war, COVID, and online schooling, in-person contact is vital for building healthy self-esteem, identity, and communication skills.

2. Age and Content Flexibility

Programs are adapted for three age groups: 10–12, 12–14, and 15–17. Each group works through topics relevant to their stage of development — from friendship and emotions to self-esteem, boundaries, trust, values, and future goals.

3. Full Confidentiality

Groups are a safe circle — no parents, relatives, or acquaintances. Everything shared within the group stays there, allowing participants to open up without fear of judgment.

4. Safety Through Consistency

The first three meetings focus on trust and connection. After that, the group “closes” and continues in a stable composition — building security and emotional depth.

5. Tailored Formats for Different Needs

Dobrodiy Club offers specialized groups, including for children of military families — spaces where they can share experiences understood only by those who’ve lived through similar events. The foundation also ensures accessibility for teens with physical disabilities, offering inclusive participation or separate groups if needed.

When Support Brings Results

After each cycle, psychologists collect feedback from participants and parents, analyzing emotional, social, and behavioral changes.
Here’s what the results show:

• 94% — reported improved emotional well-being
• 75% — noticed fewer mood swings and irritability
• 63% — improved communication with family and peers
• 37% — increased focus and academic performance

Stories of Change

Transformation isn’t always instant — it shows up in small details: how a teen speaks about themselves, how they relate to others, and how they see the world.

• “Before — I was anxious, lost, and couldn’t imagine loving myself. After — I feel calm and in harmony with who I am. The world is no longer black and white.”
• “When I heard laughter, I thought everyone was laughing at me. Now I know — it was just in my head.”
• “My anxiety has eased. I express myself better and believe my future will be good.”
• “Here, there are no right or wrong answers — you can just be yourself.”

Parents notice the difference too:

• “My daughter has become more open, easily makes friends, and always comes home happy after sessions.”
• “At first, my son didn’t want to go. Then he made friends — and now he looks forward to every meeting.”

Challenges We Face Honestly

Therapeutic groups are powerful — but not always easy. Here are the main challenges we encounter:

Therapy Isn’t Entertainment — It’s Change

This is deep work. Teens face real emotions — anger, shame, helplessness — and that’s when growth begins.

The Value Unfolds Over Time

Therapy works only when a teen is ready. Not parents, not teachers — the teen themselves must take that step. Motivation is key.

Funding Shortages

The demand is growing. Each new group requires funding for psychologists, space, materials, and coordination.
Sometimes, we simply can’t meet all requests — but for some teens, this therapy could be life-saving.

“Therapeutic groups are our most in-demand format. We hold four streams a year. Many psychologists refer teens to us after individual therapy — because the group becomes a bridge between the therapist’s office and real life.” — Sofiia Kokhanska, Operations Director of the Place of Power.

Be Part of the Change

Each therapeutic group gives a teen the chance to find stability, learn to trust, and process pain — to step into confidence and self-acceptance.

Your support helps us open new groups for those who need it most. Support the therapeutic groups — set up a monthly donation and become a force behind the Place of Power!