e

group

children

by age and

gender to help

them learn new

social skills and

practice performing

them during play

activities. Children

are individually

challenged to address

their own specific

issues and are

given awards for

participation.

Children have difficulties with peer relationships for a number of reasons. They may lack knowledge, miss social cues, misinterpret cues, respond without thinking, over react, etc.

Children with attention disorders and learning disabilities are at particular risk for having social skill problems. They often have difficulty learning skills that come more “naturally” to other children. Children who have a shy, anxious personality style and those who are strong willed and aggressive are also at risk for problems. Parents and teachers are usually the first to identify a child who needs help with social skills.

Social skills include a wide variety of words and actions, including eye contact, smiling, listening, sharing, complimenting, admitting mistakes, controlling temper, apologizing, and so forth. Social skills are only one aspect of a child’s “EQ” or emotional quotient. Other important components of EQ are morality, empathy, optimism, problem solving, persistence, emotional awareness, and self-regulation. EQ skills are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of mental health.

Social skills training is helpful to children who have specific social skills deficits or a more pervasive social skill learning disability.

The training is conducted with small groups of children to provide maximum opportunity for social interaction, and allow for timely assistance from the therapists.

The groups provide an opportunity for both structured learning and play interactions, with ongoing support and encouragement from the therapists.

Topics covered in Groups Include:
						Friendship Dealing with Teasing Temper Control Sportsmanship Problem Solving Assertive Skills Personal Responsibility Reputation Rebuilding Mood Management Empathy Self Control Emotion Recognition
		Group Composition
		The groups range in size from dyads (two children) to larger groups of five or six children. Children are matched by issues, gender, age, and/or social maturity. A co-therapist is present when groups have more than three children. Children are evaluated and appropriately matched for one of the following groups:
					Preschool Play Therapy 5-6 Year Old Group 7-9 Year Old Girls Group 7-9 Year Old Boys Group 10-12 Year Old Girls Group 10-12 Year Old Boys Group Adolescents
		Specialty Groups
				Anger Management Stress Management Sibling Groups PDD
		Dates and Times
		Ongoing training groups are offered throughout the year. The sessions are one hour in length and are held weekly for children and monthly for parents.
			Call today for a consultation to determine how we can help you and your child successfully address life’s difficult challenges.