Therapy and Support Groups

Social Skills Group

Group sessions focus on teaching children a variety of basic social skills (i.e., introducing oneself, friendly body language, how to start a conversation, how to keep a conversation going, how to deal with frustration). The sessions also are experiential with skills practice through games and role-plays so that skills can be developed and refined in real time. Parents are invited to join for the last 10-15 minutes of each session so that the group members can share what they learned and practice the skills again with parents and/or each other. This way parents can learn how to help their children practice the skills outside the sessions. The group meets weekly for one hour and is designed for children ages 10-12 years. The group is offered in six-week cycles with the option to continue for additional cycles. Feedback is individually provided to parents at the end of the six-week cycle.

Life Skills Group

This dynamic group is for male and female adolescents (ages 14-18), who are interested in improving their positive coping skills, relationship/interpersonal skills, and ability to manage emotions. A combination of psycho-education, skills and process, the group offers a variety of modalities to address the needs of members. The group meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and runs throughout the year.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group serves adolescents who are aiming to improve their ability to regulate emotions in a healthy manner, work through crisis effectively, engage in healthy interpersonal interactions/relationships, and enhance mindfulness. The goal also is to replace maladaptive coping/high risk behaviors with healthier coping strategies. Participation requires a 16-week commitment and is designed to supplement individual therapy. The group meets Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and includes a multi-family component once per month.

Boys’ Group

Boys’ Group is an ongoing process-oriented group for middle- and high-school aged boys. The group provides a confidential space for boys to be open about personal issues and to gain support from their peers. The topics discussed each week arise from group members themselves rather than from a set curriculum chosen by the group leader(s). Group members can discuss personal concerns or everyday problems; relationships with friends, family members, or significant others; or specific reactions, thoughts, or feelings to events within the group. Boys’ Group currently meets on Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m.

Adolescent Girls Psychotherapy Group

The Adolescent Girls Psychotherapy Group is a process-oriented group designed for teenage girls (ages 13-18). The topics discussed each week arise from group members themselves rather than from a set curriculum chosen by the group leader(s). Topics discussed typically include self-esteem, peer and family issues, decision-making, coping skills, mood issues, stress management, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. The group currently meets on Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.