Can group therapy be beneficial for social skills in ADHD? 

Group therapy is a highly effective tool for improving social skills in people with ADHD. Recent research from NICE NG87 (2025) and PubMed (2023) confirms that CBT, DBT, and social skills training (SST) in group settings enhance communication, empathy, and emotional regulation. Group dynamics such as peer interaction, role-playing, and shared feedback help individuals with ADHD improve their social functioning, manage impulsivity, and boost confidence. 

Why group therapy helps in ADHD 

ADHD-related emotional sensitivity and impulsivity often strain social relationships. A 2023 PubMed review found that people with ADHD often struggle with emotional regulation, which can lead to overreactions, poor listening, and miscommunication. Group therapy offers a controlled, supportive environment where these issues can be addressed in real-time through peer interaction and role-playing. 

A 2024 study by Meyer et al. found that participants who practiced active listening, validation, and patience during group sessions showed significant improvement in managing frustration and reducing interpersonal conflict. By observing peers and receiving feedback, individuals also learn to modulate their tone and body language, skills essential for smooth social interactions. 

What the research says about group therapy effectiveness 

Studies support group therapy as an effective way to build social skills in ADHD. A 2023 meta-analysis of CBT-based interventions showed significant improvements in interpersonal communication, empathy, and emotional control in ADHD patients. Similarly, a 2024 PubMed study found that DBT group therapy led to improvements in self-soothing, frustration tolerance, and partner communication. These findings underscore how group therapy’s peer feedback and shared experience foster emotional regulation and strengthen relationships. 

Key therapeutic techniques in group therapy 

Group therapy uses several techniques to help individuals with ADHD improve their social skills: 

Active listening & validation:  

Encouraging participants to listen attentively and validate each other’s feelings before offering advice. 

Role-playing & feedback:  

Practicing real-life social scenarios to build empathy, patience, and effective communication. 

Mindfulness & emotional validation:  

Incorporating mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness and manage emotional reactivity in social situations. 

Collaborative problem-solving:  

Encouraging group members to work together to find solutions to common social challenges, improving mutual accountability. 

Practical implications for ADHD management 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2024) and NHS England (2024) emphasize group therapy as a key component of multimodal treatment for ADHD, alongside medication and individual therapy. Both recommend psychoeducation and social skills training to help individuals understand and manage their ADHD traits in interpersonal settings. 

The Mayo Clinic (2025) also advocates mindfulness and communication skills training to help ADHD patients improve their emotional regulation and build better relationships at home and work. 

Takeaway 

Group therapy provides a supportive space for individuals with ADHD to develop the social skills and emotional regulation needed to thrive in relationships. Through structured activities like active listening, role-playing, and mindfulness, participants can gain confidence, reduce impulsivity, and build stronger connections with others.