Social skills groups provide a safe, nonjudgemental environment where kids can learn the skills necessary to initiate and maintain social relationships. Using a combination of games, role-play, and other activities, our goal is to build social confidence and independence for success. It also allows students to practice skills without adult interaction, but with instant feedback.

We will focus on the following skills:

-Conversation skills

-Understanding body language and facial expressions

-Active Listening

-Perspective-taking

-Problem-solving

-Using correct tone and volume of voice

-Staying on topic

-Showing empathy

In Teen Talk, we discuss the obstacles that teens face today such as handling pressures, social relationships, and emotional challenges. Some other topics may include: Identifying healthy and toxic relationships, developing a positive self image and self-acceptance, learning effective coping strategies to deal with stress and anxiety, setting smart goals, and making positive lifestyle choices. The group will include open discussion and fun activities to promote connections in a caring and supportive environment. This group is a great resource for students with anxiety, depression*, or those who simply wish to connect with same aged peers.

*Please note that this group is not intended to be a primary treatment option for addressing serious mental health concerns. It should not replace individual therapy (or other mental health supports) as determined by your child's health care provider, and is not intended for teens who exhibit suicidal ideation or self-harm.

***Co-ed, High School Students only

Our groups are not intended to be the primary therapeutic support for children in need of mental health services. Although many participants find that it helps with anxiety or other mental health problems, our groups are primarily geared toward learning social skills (social skills group) and connecting with others (teen group). We do, however, touch on coping skills and managing emotions.

No, due to HIPAA concerns, parents are not permitted to be in the group room while it is in session. To get the most out of group, it is also important that group members are in an environment where they can connect to their peers without parent interaction and involvement. Creating relationships on their own will build social confidence and better prepare them for real world scenarios.

Most of the children we work with enter the group with some anxiety, and that is normal. We make it clear in the beginning that it is a safe environment, and that there is no pressure. We will never put your child on the spot and expect them to speak in front of the group if they aren’t comfortable. We will give them the opportunity, but it is okay if they want to pass on their turn (that happens a lot). However, the goal would be for them to make progress and feel more comfortable doing so by the end of the group experience.

Social Skills Groups: YES! Learning social skills is all about practice. The more that they are exposed to social settings and given an opportunity to demonstrate the necessary skills, the more confident they will feel. Also, the group dynamics can and will change depending on who is in the group, so the experience will always be different.

Teen Talk Group: YES! Much like individual therapy, the group experience is a process and changes don't happen immediately. It requires a commitment to the other group members and oftentimes once that trust has been built, they want to continue even after the sessions are over.

Yes. The group facilitator will communicate with you throughout the group sessions, and will keep you informed with what your child is learning. If there are any specific observations that we feel would be helpful to share, your group facilitator will contact you. Also, if you have specific questions or concerns about your child, you are welcome to contact them.

Although your child may know the meaning behind the skills, it may be difficult to demonstrate them. For example, your child may know what it means to be a “sore loser”. But if they lose a game, do they still react that way even though they know it is wrong? In group, we use games and other activities to teach and practice the skills in real-time, and with instant feedback.