BUILD & BALANCE

Who Should Consider Participating?

Build & Balance may be a good fit for teens ages 14-18 who experience:

• Anxiety or chronic stress

• Depressive symptoms or low motivation

• Mood instability

• Difficulty regulating emotions

• Social or interpersonal challenges

• Frustration tolerance or perfectionism struggles

No prior gaming or Minecraft experience is required!

How the Group Works

Build & Balance is an 8-week online group therapy program with a small group of 4-6 teens.

Each 90-minute session follows a predictable, supportive structure that includes guided check-ins, therapist-led skill practice using Minecraft Education, and group discussion connecting in-game experiences to real-life situations such as school stress, friendships, family dynamics, and self-advocacy.

This structure supports emotional safety, engagement, and meaningful skill use outside of sessions.

Why Minecraft Education in Therapy?

Minecraft Education provides a structured, interactive environment where teens can:

• Practice coping and emotional regulation skills in real time

• Build frustration tolerance and flexibility

• Develop communication and collaboration skills

• Gain confidence through problem-solving

For clinicians, it offers valuable insight into how teens manage emotions, stress, and social interaction – skills that are often difficult to observe in traditional talk therapy alone.

Skills Teens Will Build

Participants in this online teen therapy group will work on developing:

• Emotional awareness and regulation

• Anxiety management and grounding strategies

• Frustration tolerance and adaptability

• Assertive communication and social skills

• Self-confidence and self-efficacy
  
  

Neurodivergent-Affirming & Strengths-Based

Build & Balance is neurodivergent-affirming and supportive of teens with ADHD, autism spectrum traits, or learning differences.

Sessions emphasize clear structure, flexible pacing, choice-based participation, and strengths-based support focused on growth and resilience.

Group Details

• Ages: 14-18

• Format: Online group therapy for teens

• Length: 8 weekly sessions

• Duration:       90 minute sessions

• Group Size: 4–6 participants

• Platform:         Secure video platform + Minecraft Education

• Facilitator:         Licensed therapist, Serene Seas Counseling

• Availability: Telehealth for teens in Washington, D.C., and Virginia

• Cost: $560 total  (two payments of $280 – at registration and before the 5th 

                                   session)

• Insurance: Groups are out of network, however a superbill can be compiled so that

                                    insurance reimbursement can be requested by the client

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this covered by insurance?

Group sessions are out of network and therefore not covered by insurance, however Serene Seas Counseling will provide a superbill so that clients can submit it to their insurance for reimbursement according to their insurance company requirements.

• Is this group therapy or recreational gaming?
  Build & Balance is clinically guided online group therapy. Minecraft Education is used intentionally as a therapeutic tool to support emotional regulation, coping skills, and social development—not for recreational play.

• Does my teen need to know how to play Minecraft?
  No. No prior Minecraft or gaming experience is required. All activities are therapist-guided, and teens are supported step-by-step throughout each session.

• Is this appropriate for anxious or neurodivergent teens?
  Yes. This group is neurodivergent-affirming and supportive of teens with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum traits, and learning differences. Sessions use clear structure, flexible pacing, and strengths-based support.

• How is confidentiality handled in group therapy?
  Confidentiality expectations are reviewed at the start of the group. Teens are supported in building autonomy while parents receive appropriate program-level updates and guidance.

• Who can participate in this online group?
  Build & Balance is available to teens ages 14-18 who live in Washington, D.C., or Virginia, where the therapist is licensed to provide telehealth services.