Supporting Your Child's Social Skills and Emotional Growth Through Group Therapy

Understanding Group Therapy for Children

Does your child struggle with social communication skills, executive functioning skills, worry, or physical symptoms of anxiety? Our Groups can be a supportive, fun, and effective way for kids to learn coping tools and feel more confident. It’s also a great, lower-cost way to begin therapy services for families wanting to start with a gentle, structured option.

We currently have openings in all of our groups! If you've considered a group for your child, now is a good time to try it out.

Group Options Available

• K-2nd Grade Social Skills - Every-other Tuesday at 5 PM

• K-2nd Grade Social Skills - Every-other Friday at 4 PM

• 3rd-5th Grade Social Skills - Every-other Wednesday at 5 PM

• Executive Functioning Skills Group (Middle School/High School) - Every-other Monday at 5:30 PM

• Anxiety Skills Group (Ages 9-11) - Weekly Thursdays at 4:30 PM for 12 weeks

Starting 1/29/26

Tips for Encouraging Participation in Group Therapy

If your child is resistant or hesitant to participate in a group, here are some tips for how to talk to them about it.

1. Validating Their Feelings

When kids feel nervous about joining a group, it helps to let them know their feelings make sense. Parents can remind them that lots of kids get worried before trying something new. Feeling nervous doesn’t mean something is wrong. Saying things like “It’s okay to feel this way” helps the child feel understood and supported instead of pressured.

2. Highlighting Safety and Support

Children feel more confident when they know the group is a safe place with caring adults who understand anxiety. Parents can explain that the leaders are specially trained to help kids who feel worried. The group is designed for practicing coping skills in a gentle, comfortable environment. This lets the child know they won’t be alone.

3. Reframing the Experience

Parents can help shift the child’s perspective so the group feels less scary. They can explain that the group is like a practice space where kids learn how to handle worries, just like practicing a sport or instrument. Emphasizing that other kids feel the same way makes the group seem more normal and less intimidating.

4. Using Gentle Encouragement

Instead of pushing or insisting, parents can encourage their child to try the group at a pace that feels manageable. Saying things like “Let’s just try it once and see how it goes” shows support without pressure. This lets the child know they’re not expected to be perfect. They just need to take the first step.

5. Empowering the Child

Kids feel braver when they have some control. Parents can remind them that they decide how much they participate and that it’s okay to listen quietly at first. Encouraging statements like “You can take your time” help the child feel capable and in charge, which reduces anxiety.

6. Highlighting Strengths and Progress

Parents can help build confidence by pointing out times the child has faced hard things before and succeeded. Reminding them of their strengths shows that they’ve already handled challenges and can handle this one too. Celebrating small steps helps the child feel proud and motivated.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy offers numerous benefits for children. It provides a unique opportunity for kids to connect with peers who share similar experiences. This connection can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

In a group setting, children can practice social skills in real-time. They learn to communicate, share, and collaborate with others. These skills are essential for building friendships and navigating social situations.

Moreover, group therapy allows children to observe and learn from one another. They can see how their peers cope with similar challenges. This can be incredibly reassuring and can inspire them to try new coping strategies themselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, group therapy can be a transformative experience for children struggling with social skills, anxiety, and emotional regulation. By participating in a supportive environment, they can learn valuable coping tools and build confidence.

If you’re considering group therapy for your child, now is the perfect time to explore our offerings. For a list of all of our current groups visit our website here.

Together, we can help your child thrive.