6 Zoom Icebreakers for Group Therapy Sessions
As we navigate the new normal of virtual meetings, group therapy sessions have also found their place in the digital world. Zoom has become a beacon of connection, allowing individuals to share, support, and heal together, despite physical distances. However, initiating these sessions can sometimes be awkward and challenging.
This is where icebreakers come in. These simple yet effective tools can greatly enhance the group therapy experience on Zoom. We've compiled six icebreakers specifically designed for this platform, aiming to promote openness, engagement, and a sense of community. Each one is designed to help participants feel comfortable and ready to engage in meaningful conversation.
Run an icebreaker that everyone will love
Running an icebreaker doesn't have to be hard, it can be as easy as asking everyone where they are joining from or where they were born.
When you use StreamAlive, these responses can be plotted on a map in real-time. All your audience has to do is type their answer in the chat and StreamAlive does the rest.
No more boring or cringeworthy icebreakers. Keep it simple. Just ask everyone where they are from.
See how it works in our interactive demo or learn more.
Other icebreakers you can try
1. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
This icebreaker involves asking participants to find a specific item in their home and bring it back to show on camera. For example, you can ask them to find something that represents their favorite hobby or something that makes them happy. It's a quick and fun activity that will get everyone moving and sharing a bit about themselves. Pitfall to avoid: Make sure the items requested are general enough to be found in most homes and not too personal.
2. Quick Draw Challenge
In this activity, each participant is asked to draw something simple within a time limit (like a cat, a house, a tree, etc.) and then show their drawing to the group. It's a fun way to see everyone's creative side and can lead to some good-natured laughter. Pitfall to avoid: Ensure to keep the drawing prompts simple and non-controversial.
3. One Word Check-in
Ask each participant to share one word that describes how they're feeling right now. This can provide a quick snapshot of the group's mood and can help facilitate more meaningful conversations later on. Pitfall to avoid: Be sensitive to the fact that some participants may be uncomfortable sharing their feelings, so reassure them that it's okay to share neutral or positive words too.
4. Favorite Book/Movie Character
Ask each participant to share who their favorite book or movie character is and why. This can give insight into participants' personalities and can spark interesting discussions. Pitfall to avoid: Ensure to emphasize that everyone's choices are respected, as some might have unconventional or unexpected favorites.
5. Fun Fact Share
Ask each participant to share a fun or interesting fact about themselves. This can be anything from a unique talent they have, a place they've visited, or an unusual pet they own. Pitfall to avoid: Remind participants to keep their facts light and fun, and avoid oversharing or bringing up potentially sensitive topics.
6. What's In Your Cup?
Ask participants to show what they're drinking (coffee, tea, water, etc.) and share why they chose it. This can be a light-hearted way to start the session and can lead to interesting discussions about personal preferences. Pitfall to avoid: Ensure to remind participants that non-alcoholic beverages are preferred for the session.
Make your icebreakers visual
If you want to go with a "tell me about yourself" type of icebreaker then how about making it visual?
StreamAlive helps you to visualize your chat stream into word clouds, call-out bubbles, or even a Tetris-inspiring wall of cascading tiles.