Social Understanding Groups

Our Social Understanding Groups are influenced by the evidenced-based UCLA program PEERS®. The primary focus of our program is increasing each teen’s self-confidence as well as their understanding of social interactions rather than learning prescribed social skills. This focus promotes autonomy as well as the ability to make an intentional choice when socializing rather than complying with social rules and/or masking. Each group incorporates the themes of self-advocacy, self-regulation, perspective-taking, boundaries, and problem-solving skills into the lesson. This group may be appropriate for teens with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, & Depression. **Parent participation is required for the 10 week group. 

Our groups differ from other social skills programs because it:

• is evidence-based
• includes parents throughout treatment of the 10 week program
• is structured like a class, not a therapy group
• breaks down social situations into understandable steps
• generalizes social understanding to “real life” settings and includes awareness that transfer to the workplace

Dates: 

TBD

Ages:  Young teens 11-17 years

Weekly Groups:  10-weekly groups

• 90 min Teen group
• 90 min Parent group 

This 10 week program is influenced by the evidenced-based UCLA program PEERS®. The primary focus of our program is increasing each teen’s self-confidence as well as their  understanding of social interactions rather than learning prescribed social skills. This focus promotes autonomy as well as the ability to make an intentional choice when socializing rather than complying with social rules and/or masking. Each group incorporates the themes of self-advocacy, self-regulation, perspective-taking, boundaries, and problem-solving skills into the lesson. This group may be appropriate for teens with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, & Depression. Parent participation is required.

The group is open to clients ages 11-17 who have difficulty initiating and maintaining friendships. Teens learn social understanding through didactic instruction, live demonstrations, and extensive practice via group play activities such as sports, board games, etc. Regular attendance is imperative to program success.

Parents attend weekly group sessions, held simultaneously with the client group, where they learn how to assist their teen by providing feedback and coaching for weekly socialization homework assignments. Weekly attendance for parents/caregivers is a program requirement.

Topics include:

• Navigating Reciprocal Conversations
• Friendship is a Choice
• Toxic Friendships
• Use of Humor 
• Electronic Communication and Group Texts
• Entering and Exiting Conversations
• Hosting Get-Togethers
• Good Sportsmanship
• Responding to Disagreements
• Altering a Reputation
• Responding to Embarrassing Feedback
• Managing Rumors and Gossip
• Handling Rejection, Teasing, and Bullying