What to expect in our social skills groups?

Our merger with Solutions for Life at our Homeworld Helensvale location, means we can now offer new services. We now offer group therapy for a multitude of age groups! In our previous blog, we delve into the group therapies now available. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to group therapy. That’s why we offer so many! But what can your children expect when attending these?

What to expect in each group therapy?

Secret Agent Society (SAS)

Throughout our Secret Agent Society (SAS) program, children can expect to use exciting games and activities to improve emotional understanding and social skills.

For the ages 6-11 years old, this program teaches social skills by teaching real skills to help them navigate later life. Children can expect to learn skills such as how to cope with making mistakes, how to make friends and how to manage bullying.

Take Action

Take Action is our group therapy for anxiety management.

This program, designed for children aged 7-12 years-old, is designed to teach children about being aware of their anxiety and strategies to help reduce symptoms and unhelpful thoughts.

You can expect to attend 10 sessions, each 2 hours once a week. The first 90 minutes are for the child to learn skills including practical skills such as how to approach and ask for help, and how to integrate the strategies into their everyday life.

The final 30 minutes are to teach parents how to support children use their new skills in the home.

Asperteens

Asperteens is our social skills intervention and social group for ages 12-15-years old. This program focuses on teens with autism spectrum disorders and their parents.

Running across two terms, teens can expect to target & develop their skills, rather than correction of social mistakes. Teens will develop skills such as using humour, teasing, bullying, relationships and first jobs. Across the 14 sessions, teens will meet for 90 minutes, with a chance to practice their new skills during socialising activities.

Parents will attend 30-minute sessions whilst the teens socialise, learning how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends.

BroCode

This fortnightly program focuses on helping boys learn and practice age-appropriate social skills, whilst fostering friendships. For ages 15-19, boys can expect to learn and develop skills in managing areas of life including conflict resolution, respectful relationships, managing risky situations, assertiveness & hygiene.

The boys participating can expect to learn how to order food, communicate effectively, budgeting and managing money!

Group therapy may be a great fit for you, or your child, even if you’re not 100% sure at first.

If it’s something you’re considering, it might be a good idea to investigate these group therapies to see if one suits your family. You can reach out to us for recommendations.

If you, or someone you know, require help, please reach out to organisations like Beyond Blue.

Additionally reach out to these organisations that may be able to help.

• ReachOut (youth mental health service) — online help
• SANE Australia — call 1800 187 263
• Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) — call 1800 985 944
• LifeLine 13 11 14 — for anyone in crisis

(Health Direct, 2020).

If this is an emergency, please contact 000 or visit your local emergency department.

Disclaimer: Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only and is not intended to replace advise from your doctor or registered health professional. Readers are urged to consult their registered practitioner for diagnosis and treatment for their medical concerns.