Real Talk: Teen Sessions

12-Week Trauma-Informed Clinical Group (Teens Only)

Starts: Thursday, March 19

Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Who: Teens ages 12–18 (TEENS ONLY)

Location: In-person at the Vera House offices

Cost: Free of charge

Registration is required to participate.

Call to Learn More Register by Phone

Overview

A grounded, supportive space for teens to talk honestly about relationships, practice new skills, and build confidence in their own voice and choices.

Real Talk: Teen Sessions is a 12-week, trauma-informed clinical group for teens ages 12–18 who want clearer tools for understanding relationships. Through structured psychoeducation, skills practice and guided reflection, participants explore what healthy and unhealthy dynamics can look like in real life, both in person and online.

Each session blends group discussion, reflective activities and grounding strategies. The group centers empowerment, autonomy and prevention, focusing on safety, self-trust and choice rather than fear-based messaging.

What to Expect

Each week includes a brief lesson, time to reflect and simple skill-building activities. Teens are invited to share at their own pace. Participation in discussion is encouraged but never forced, and there is always space to step back, take a break or simply listen.

Who Leads the Group

The group is co-facilitated by a licensed clinician to support emotional processing and safety, and co-led by a teen with lived experience to enhance relatability, authenticity and peer connection. Together, they keep conversations grounded, relevant and real.

Who This Group Is For

This group may be a good fit if you’re curious about your relationships and want more tools for recognizing what feels safe, respectful and supportive.

This group may be a good fit if you:

Are a teen between the ages of 12 and 18.
Want to better understand what healthy versus unhealthy relationships can look like.
Are interested in spotting red and green flags in friendships, dating and online spaces.
Want to strengthen your boundaries and communicate what you need more clearly.
Are looking for skills to increase safety awareness and build more self-trust.
Would like support in knowing when and how to reach out for help for yourself or a friend.

No prior group experience is needed. You are welcome to come exactly as you are, whether you feel comfortable talking in a group, prefer to listen, or are still figuring out what you think and feel.

What We’ll Explore

Over 12 weeks, we explore practical tools for navigating friendships, dating and family relationships with more clarity, confidence and care.

Across the 12 weeks, topics may include:

Understanding healthy, unhealthy and harmful relationship dynamics.
Identifying red and green flags in different types of relationships.
Practicing clear, respectful communication and active listening.
Setting and maintaining boundaries in person, online and over text.
Building safety awareness and planning for support in tough situations.
Strengthening self-trust, self-compassion and decision-making skills.
Using grounding strategies and coping tools when emotions feel big or overwhelming.

Each session includes time to learn, check in with yourself and practice real-life scenarios in a supportive setting. Teens are invited to notice what feels helpful, ask questions and try out new approaches with guidance from both facilitators.

Program Details

Group Name: Real Talk: Teen Sessions (Teens Only)

Length: 12 weeks

Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Start Date: Thursday, March 19

Ages: 12–18 (Teens Only)

Format: Trauma-informed clinical group, co-facilitated by a licensed clinician and co-led by a teen with lived experience to support relatability, authenticity and peer connection

Cost: Free of charge

Location: In-person at the Vera House offices

Registration: Required before attending

How to Join

Reach out to talk with an advocate, ask questions and complete registration for yourself or a teen in your life.

Connect with an Advocate

To learn more or sign up, please call our office line at
(315) 425-0818.

An advocate will answer questions about the group, talk through whether it feels like a good fit, and complete registration in our database. Caregivers and providers are welcome to call on behalf of a teen, and teens may also call directly.

You do not have to figure out relationships on your own. This group is here to walk alongside you
as you build safer, stronger and more caring connections with yourself and others.