Friends Groups

Social Skills Play Therapy groups are ongoing throughout the school year. I generally run groups for ages 5-7; 7-9 and 9-11 on a regular basis.  Peer relations, ability to make and maintain friendships, learning how to read body language/facial expression can be challenging for children on the spectrum, or those with regulatory issues.  Learning games, working on gross and fine motor games such as throwing/catching ball balls as a game, where each member much watch carefully and even learn to 'fool' the rest of us is wonderful to watch and instructional.  Board games, group and individual sand trays, both wet and dry, sharing special interests, marbles, jacks, charades, puppet shows and made up Star Wars/superhero pretend play are just some examples of activities in a given 8 week session. Call for more details.

 IMPORTANT:  Regarding my social skills Friends Groups:  I generally recommend several individual sessions for children who are new to my practice and to me, especially when autism spectrum, anxiety, or significant self-esteem issues are present. Your child will learn to feel at ease in the play room, and also feel safe with me as his/her therapist.  There are some children, who have had recent supportive therapies, and these children may be ready to start in a group right away or after one individual session. Children on the spectrum highly benefit from their own individual therapy, concurrent with group work.  I will make my recommendation and as always, parents will decide. My highest goal, however in the Friends Groups and Friends Camps is that they are designed for SUCCESS for the children.  Ultimately, I will decide if a child is ready to join and/or if it is a good match for our small social skills group. We can discuss this further at your parent consultation/child intake session.  LT