Diagnostic Testing & Therapy Services
for Children & Adults
Small Group Counseling Services
The impact of the
group experience
Groups are often an underutilized, yet very rewarding and effective form of mental health support. Guidance from the group leader, along with support and feedback from group members, can offer excellent opportunities for learning and growth. Groups also help to normalize one's own challenges in life and put them into perspective. Groups can be fun, informative, and very beneficial for addressing difficulties with: social interaction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress management, and more. In a world full of cell phones, social media, texting, and isolation- many children need more opportunities for face to face interaction in order to connect with peers, and groups are a great way to achieve this.
The groups are led by Kristen Macks, a licensed school counselor and Andrea Hansen, a licensed speech/language pathologist.
Upcoming Social Skills/Teen Groups
SPRING SESSION FOR AGES 12-17
DATES: Mondays, April 10 - May 15
SESSIONS: 6
TIME:
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Ages 12-14: 5:30-6:30pm
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Ages 15-17: 6:45-7:45pm
LOCATION:
CMC Office Complex
10945 Reed Hartman Hwy
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
GROUP FACILITATOR: Kristen Macks
COST: $225
SPRING SESSION FOR AGES 7-9
DATES: Thursdays, April 13 - May 18
SESSIONS: 6
TIME: 5:15-6:15pm
LOCATION:
Macks Psychology Group
7799 Joan Drive
West Chester, Ohio 45069
GROUP FACILITATOR: Andrea Hansen
COST: $225
CURRENT SESSION FOR AGES 10-11
DATES: Thursdays, February 16 - April 6
SESSIONS: 8
TIME: 6:30-7:30pm
LOCATION:
Macks Psychology Group
7799 Joan Drive
West Chester, Ohio 45069
GROUP FACILITATOR: Andrea Hansen
COST: $300
Our social skills and teen groups are always a lot of fun! They are very interactive and include group discussions, team challenges, games, prizes, but most importantly a chance to connect with others and build social confidence.
During each session, we will review and practice social skills such as: conversation skills, recognizing non-verbal cues, empathy, perspective-taking, and problem-solving. Depending on the needs of the group, we will also discuss relationships and how to manage stress and anxiety. In addition to our structured activities, we will also have game nights which are a great opportunity for the group members to unwind, have fun, and socialize with their peers. During games, we are able to observe them in a more non-structured environment, but can provide them with feedback in the moment when necessary.
Groups are ideal for children and adolescents who are interested in improving their social and communication skills, and are also motivated to make new friends and connect with others. While we work with many children who have a diagnosis, there are many others who are simply shy or have a difficult time connecting with their peers. Our groups are not intended to address behavior problems or oppositional tendencies.
Please note that this type of group counseling setting is not appropriate and may not meet the needs for children with any of the following:
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Intellectual Disability
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Severe Autism
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Tantrums, outbursts, or defiance
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Behavioral concerns
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Selective Mutism
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Self-harm or suicidal ideation
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Psychosis
Our groups are not designed to address any behavioral concerns, which include: oppositional or defiant behavior, refusal to participate, or overly hyperactive behavior and inability to stay seated. Children with behavioral needs should first address those concerns with a behavioral or family therapist prior to starting group. For more information, please read our FAQ.