To encourage teens (ages 13–18) to be responsible by giving advice to others; this activity can be used in group therapy sessions.
By encouraging teens to give advice to their peers, they can often benefit by listening to someone else’s problem. Also by distancing oneself from a problem, it is less threatening and easier to offer solutions.
• Instruct each member of the group to write a brief letter to someone he or she really trusts. The letter should consist of a request for advice concerning a real problem, present or past. In their letters, members should include enough facts and feelings so that the other group members will be able to relate.
• The letter should be signed with a made-up name.
• Collect the letters, and then pass them out again, ensuring that everyone will receive a letter that is not his or her letter.
• Instruct the group members to write a response to the letter they have.
• When the group finishes, have the group members read the letters and their responses aloud. Allow the group members to discuss the advice given, debating whether they agree or disagree and why? The therapist can also guide the process to reflect appropriate advice if need be.