Social, Emotional and Creative Therapy Groups
Group therapy is a powerful way for kids and teens to connect with others. Whether it’s to work on new skills, express and process their emotions, or experience the magic of knowing they are not “the only one”, group therapy is an important and impactful therapeutic experience. Learning that there are other kids who struggle with expressing and managing their emotions or that other kids might also get anxious on the way to school every day makes kids feel less alone. For kids who struggle to make friends, it becomes less intimidating and less awkward to work on skills knowing that there are other awesome people doing the same. When kids struggle with flexibility or sportsmanship, it’s so helpful to see how hard others are working on the same skills. The truth is, there are other kids going through exactly what your kids are going through and group therapy can be a place to work on some great skills in playful, fun, and connected ways.
We believe strongly in the power of groups here at Child Therapy Boston and we are so happy to offer a range of social, emotional and creative therapy groups for kids and teens. We have groups to work on skills like making and keeping friends, tolerating difficult feelings, gaining confidence, joining in, managing anxiety, and so much more. All of our groups are different but you will find that we run them the same way we run all of our therapy. We offer a safe place for connection, support and growth. We use a combination of games, teamwork challenges, art, drama, music, stories, projects, movement, mindfulness or play in all of our groups. We want them to be engaging, individually designed, and fun.
Just a note about our groups: Sometimes kids are referred to our groups but might not be “group ready” just yet. We prioritize the safety of our group members and unfortunately are not able to work with kids in groups who struggle to keep themselves or others safe. Additionally, our groups are the best fit for kids who can participate in settings with 5 other kids without one-on-one support. Kids also need to be able to follow basic directions (staying in the room, safety related requests). We sometimes recommend that children participate in individual therapy first to work on skills required for group participation. We are happy to provide individual therapy in this case or work with another provider to collaborate around group readiness.
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Needham Group Therapy Schedule
Sudbury Group Therapy Schedule
Social Skills Group Therapy
It can be tough out there in the social world. Not all kids naturally know the ins and outs of making and keeping friends, reading social cues or navigating complex social situations. It’s similar to not being a natural at math or spelling. Some “subjects” come easily to some, and some “subjects” need extra attention, practice and training.
Teachers, psychologists, therapists, and pediatricians alike are recommending social skills groups as a helpful and important type of therapy, skill building, and enrichment for more and more kids every day.
Are social skills groups the right answer for your child?
Social Skills group therapy isn’t just for a specific group of kids anymore, it can be for any child, diagnoses or not. We work with Kids who have ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, NLD, Learning Disabilities or kids who just struggle to make and keep friends.
Is your child or teen:
- Struggling to join in and connect with peers?
- Having a difficult time reading social cues & navigating social situations?
- In need of practice being more assertive and more confident with peers?
We take group placement very seriously so we can find the right fit for each child. Our social skills groups offer kids a safe and supportive place to work on & practice the essential skills for making and keeping friends.
What skills do we work on?
- Joining In with Peers
- Making and Maintaining Friendships
- Communicating, Cooperating, & Compromising
- Learning to be Flexible
- Conversation Skills
- Reading and Understanding Social Situations
- Empathy -Perspective Taking
- Using Impulse Control
- Sharing & Turn-Taking
- Managing Frustrations
- Nonverbal Communication Skills
- Eye contact
- Tone of voice
- Personal Space
- Body Language
- Understanding humor and sarcasm
- Appropriate use of humor
- Sportsmanship
- Self-confidence
- Feeling comfortable with peers
- Having fun with friends
Social Skills Group Therapy Q & A
What is all this talk about social skills?
Social skills are a big thing right now and a big part of life. We frequently get referrals from school counselors, neuro-psychologists and pediatricians siting that a particular child could benefit from working on the important skills to make and keep friends. It can be tough out there in the social world; not all children and teenagers naturally know the ins and outs of making and keeping friends, communicating with others effectively, and how to best navigate the complexity of social situations. It’s similar to not being a natural at math or spelling. Some “subjects” come easily to some, and some “subjects” need extra attention, practice, and training.
Who would benefit from a social skills group?
Social skills are moving in a different direction these days. The truth is, social skills group therapy isn’t just for a specific group of kids anymore, it can be for any child, diagnoses or not. Social skills groups are helpful for kids who need practice reading social cues and navigating different social and friendship dynamics as well as an opportunity to work on confidence and assertiveness in peer settings. Connecting with other kids who are experiencing similar “struggles” is a truly special experience. Groups can be magical. We love them and we think your kid will too!
What do children and teens do in Social Skills Groups at Child Therapy Boston?
In our groups, children and teens participate in fun and dynamic games, activities, team work challenges, art projects, conversations, play, and improvisational acting. Groups are fun, engaging, and exciting so that group members are connecting with each other and enjoying themselves. The goal is to create as much of a natural environment as possible to ensure the likelihood that children and teens can generalize and use the skills and feedback from group when they are at school or with their friends.
What is the process like to join a social skills group at Child Therapy Boston?
Children and teens are placed in groups based on appropriate fit rather than strictly based on age or diagnoses. An intake session is required to establish goals, get to know the child or teen, and to determine the best fit for a group. Groups typically run the length of the school year and regular attendance is required unless 48-hour notice is given in advance. A full school year commitment is certainly not required. At the end of each group, parents are either debriefed or emailed to learn about the skills we have worked on that day, activities that we used, and what they can do at home to help reinforce the skills. Information about individual group participants is of course kept confidential during the parent “wrap-up”.
Why are social skills groups so helpful?
The great thing for children, teens and parents is that the groups are so much fun and that’s how kids learn best! During our groups, there is no harsh criticism, only coaching and gentle or humorous feedback. During our groups children and teens end up having some of the most positive social experiences that they have had in a long time. These positive experiences help build self-confidence and children and teens gain proof that they can be socially successful. This will make them more likely to use these skills outside of the group. Social skills groups not only provide kids and teens with a toolbox full of skills, they gain confidence and a repertoire of real-life experiences to draw from. It’s a recipe for progress and success!
How do I sign my child up?
You will need to contact Child Therapy Boston to complete a screening form and to set up an intake at 781-400-2641 or by email connect@childtherapyinboston.com.
Jump to:
Needham Group Therapy Schedule
Sudbury Group Therapy Schedule
Anxiety management and coping skills groups
Here at Child Therapy Boston, we believe the best way to learn new skills is through connection and fun. We offer a variety of anxiety management and coping skills groups that utilize art, drama, play, movement and more. We have art therapists, music therapists, dance and movement therapists, expressive arts therapists, and therapists who are also trained in yoga, mindfulness, and improv. In these groups, kids and teens will work together and with our therapists to find strategies, gain confidence, and learn skills to express and manage emotions in positive ways.
Skills We Work On
- Recognizing Emotions
- Identifying Emotions
- Appropriate Expression of Emotions
- Self-Soothing Strategies
- Coping Skills
- Tolerating Difficult Emotions
- Paying Attention to Cues and Triggers
- Increasing Frustration Tolerance
- Managing Stress
- Self-Advocacy
- Self-Awareness
- Being Appropriately Assertive
- Self-Regulation
If you would like more information about any of our groups, please feel free to reach out any time! 781-400-2641 Connect@childtherapyinboston.com
Playful Coping
Playful Coping is an anxiety management and coping skills group for our younger clients. Using play, games, stories, drama, and art, kids will learn ways to recognize, understand and cope with their big (often anxious) feelings. This is a great way for kids to connect with other kids who experience similar things and to gain skills in a fun and supportive group.
Creative Coping
“Creative Coping” is a therapeutic art group that will work on coping skills, anxiety management, stress management, and more. We will use all different types of artistic and creative interventions to learn new ways of managing difficult feelings, expressing thoughts and emotions, and coping with current stressors. Please reach out with any questions or to sign up.
“Yes And…” Therapeutic Improv Group
“Yes And…” is a therapeutic Improv Group to help Middle Schoolers work on Social Skills and Social Anxiety in a fun, creative and engaging way. Improv offers kids and teens an opportunity to engage with others, be flexible, creative, silly, funny, work through insecurities, connect with peers, and gain confidence. Please reach out with any questions or to sign up.
“Go With The Flow” Mindfulness, Movement, and Meditation Group
(paused-let us know if interested)
Go With The Flow will offer kids helpful and effective ways to manage & cope with stress and anxiety through therapeutic mindfulness, movement and meditation. We will use yoga, art, meditation, and more to work on coping skills and self-regulation.
If you would like to sign up for one of our groups, you will need to contact Child Therapy Boston to complete a screening form and to set up an intake at 781-400-2641 or by email connect@childtherapyinboston.com.
Jump to:
Needham Group Therapy Schedule
Sudbury Group Therapy Schedule
Child Therapy Boston is a private pay therapy practice and does not accept any health insurance. All services are strictly out-of-pocket and full payment is required at the time of service. We will provide a monthly statement showing services and payments that can be used to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network coverage if you like.
Parents are welcome to use Health Savings Accounts or Flex Spending Accounts for payment. If you have questions regarding your out of network coverage, please be sure to call your insurance company as it varies between all plans.
If you have questions about our fees and services, please feel free to reach out any time.