A therapy group specifically for teens and their parents can provide a structured, supportive environment for families to enhance communication and improve family dynamics. Teens will engage in peer groups for two weeks as well as receive individualized counseling to increase positive coping skills and work on goals. Parents and teens will then work together to discuss concerns, build positive communication skills and improve family dynamics and repair relationships.

Here are some key strategies and activities they will engage in: 

1. Build communication skills

* Active Listening: Give full attention to each other without interrupting to ensure everyone feels heard and understood. Exercises like mirroring can be introduced, where one person paraphrases what they heard to confirm understanding.

* "I" Statements: Encourage family members to express feelings and needs using "I feel" statements instead of accusatory "you" statements.

* Clear and Concise Communication: Focus on stating thoughts and feelings directly and simply, avoiding vagueness or assumptions.

* Nonverbal Communication Awareness: Discuss and observe nonverbal cues like body language, tone of voice, and eye contact to understand how they influence communication.

* Validation of Feelings: Learning to acknowledge and affirm each other's emotions, even if you don't agree with the behavior, can de-escalate tension and build trust. 

2. Strengthen relationships

* Family Meetings and Check-ins: Establish regular meetings where everyone can share updates, discuss concerns, and make collaborative decisions. These provide a consistent platform for open communication and problem-solving.

* Shared Hobbies and Quality Time: Engage in activities that all family members enjoy, creating opportunities for positive interactions and bonding outside of discussing problems.

* Respectful Disagreement: Teach families how to express differing opinions respectfully, focusing on the issue rather than personal attacks.

* Empathy Building: Encourage family members to try to see situations from each other's perspectives through activities like role-playing or switching roles during a conflict scenario.

* Positive Feedback and Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude, acknowledge efforts and improvements, and celebrate achievements to reinforce positive interactions and strengthen the family bond. 

3. Resolve conflicts effectively

* Identify the Issue Clearly: Ensure everyone agrees on the specific problem being addressed before attempting to find solutions.

* Brainstorm Solutions: Encourage open brainstorming of potential solutions without judgment, fostering creativity and teamwork.

* Evaluate Pros and Cons: Discuss the feasibility, fairness, and impact of each proposed solution.

* Agree on a Plan: Collaboratively decide on the best course of action and outline steps for implementation.

* Follow-Up: Revisit agreements in subsequent sessions or family meetings to assess progress and address any new challenges. 

4. Explore family dynamics

* Family Genogram: Create a visual representation of family history, including relationships, patterns of behavior, and significant events, to understand how past dynamics influence present interactions.

* Role Reversal: Have family members switch roles during a conflict to gain a deeper understanding of each other's feelings and experiences.

* Setting Boundaries: Guide families in establishing clear and healthy boundaries that respect individual needs while maintaining a cohesive family unit.

* Understanding Emotional Triggers: Help family members identify specific words, actions, or situations that tend to trigger strong emotional responses and develop coping mechanisms to manage those reactions. 

5. Promote emotional well-being

* Emotional Intelligence: Encourage parents and teens to practice self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills to navigate emotions effectively within the family.

* Journaling and Reflection: Offer journaling as a tool for teens and parents to process their thoughts and emotions, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their interactions.

* Mindfulness and Relaxation: Introduce mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises to help manage stress and promote emotional regulation. 

By engaging in these activities, parents and teens can learn to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts constructively, and foster a more positive and supportive family environment.