Information on psychology social skills groups

Social Skills Groups: Background Basics

Social skills include a set of behaviors, postures, vocal styles, and personal qualities that promote successful interactions with others. While some children seem to have a natural ability to interact well and build friendship, others have more difficulty. These children might feel awkward or unsure around their peers or around adults. Sometimes children are simply unaware of how to conduct themselves properly or lack the self control to execute pro-social behaviors successfully. For others shyness or anxiety might hinder their socialization. Regardless of the cause, many children experience difficulty making and keeping friends.

The goal of my social skills groups is to heighten each child's self awareness and to foster development of adaptive skills that ultimately promote communicating and relating with others. These groups create the opportunity for children to develop social skills and adaptive behaviors that promote happy, more satisfying relationships with peers, siblings, and adults. The children who participate in these social skills groups range in age from six through eighteen. When I formulate groups, I carefully select a group of no more than six children, who are close in age to each other (typically no more than eighteen months between the oldest and youngest participant). Children in any one group will always come from different communities, giving every participant a fresh start. And participants in groups will have different strengths and different needs so that children have the opportunity to demonstrate skills they possess. My experience shows that not only do children benefit from learning from each other, they enjoy each other's presence and build stronger relationships as a result. The group experience offers children the chance to share feelings and ideas in a safe and comfortable environment. In a group format, children are eager to hear each other's opinions and tend to respect their peers' feedback far more than the feedback offered by parents or teachers.

While there are variations based on any one group's ages, there is a general routine that each group employs. First, children begin the session with a warm-up activity, geared to drawing children toward sharing and exploring themselves. Next, there will be an activity geared toward a particular social skill. Activities may include role playing, game playing, guided communicating, behavioral rehearsal, and open sharing. Opportunities are available for children to discuss relevant issues and concerns. Finally, participants offer feedback regarding themselves and the others when the groups close.

Personalized parent feedback sessions occur approximately every eight weeks, unless otherwise indicated. This affords the opportunity for parents to provide insights into their children's progress, and for the psychologist to offer feedback based on in-session performance. Individual and/or family therapy is also available for children and families when these needs arise. For children who participate in outside psychotherapy with another psychologist, consultation is available to coordinate treatment.

Social skills groups are held on a weekly basis, occurring at the same time for an hour each week. Groups will most likely take place somewhere between the hours of 4:00 to 8:00, from Monday through Thursday. The success of the group, and the success for each participant, is highly contingent upon your child's regular attendance. Each child plays an important role in the group's dynamics and maintenance of continuity for the group experience. For these reasons attendance is mandatory.

To explore the social skills group therapy experience further, you may contact me at 908-222-1099.

Disclaimer: The information on this web site is for informational purposes only. Your use of this web site does not create a professional relationship between you and Dr.Feldman, nor is it intended to provide psychological advice or treatment. Dr.Feldman does not provide psychological services on-line or through this website. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 908-222-1099.