GROUP PROGRAMS

In-term friendship group programs for preschool, primary and secondary students


Who are the groups and/or individual sessions for?
The group sessions assist children and young people, who may be experiencing one or more of the following challenges:
• Difficulty making or keeping friends
• Difficulty negotiating conflict in a helpful and safe way
• Low self esteem/confidence
• Difficulty being assertive and communicating clearly
• Trouble playing games with others and following rules
• Wanting to have more friends but not knowing how
• Difficulty regulating their behaviour or feelings, such as anxiety, anger, or worry
• Becoming too rigid or too unstructured with play.

Goals of the Friendship Group are to:
• Help children and young people recognise and expand their social skills by using the group as a place to practice and explore a number of options and choices they have with friendships
• Facilitate emotional self-expression, assertive communication and confidence
• Provide ‘fun’ co-operative group experiences, with lots of sensory-motor and play activities for younger children and discussion, coping strategies and problem-solving for adolescents.

How are the groups run?
The groups are run by two therapists/support staff. A group session consists of a 60 minute group with a small group of children/young people. The groups consist of some structured activities – ‘joining in’ games, ball games, drawing, music, art, play, relaxation, games and some talking/discussion activities. Role plays and videoing are also used for practicing and experiencing new skills. Assertive communication and self-regulation is promoted. Parents do not attend the sessions, but receive regular verbal feedback. The program may provide a written summary or formal feedback at the conclusion of program detailing your child’s/young person’s strengths/weaknesses and recommendations for home/school (at therapist’s hourly rate).

Current in-term groups:

  • Ready Steady Prep Group with Simone Lenthall (for 4yo kinder age children)

  • Brick Building Group with Kate Gabb (6-9yo)

  • Girls’ Friendship Group with Kate Gabb (9-11yo)

  • Boys’ Friendship Group with Kate Gabb (8-11yo)

  • Girls’ Art Group with Kate Gabb (7-9yo)

  • Teen Girls Group with Sarah Edwards (14-17yo) (to be confirmed)

  • Executive Functioning with James Golds (11-15yo)

  • Transition to Year 7 Group with James Golds (Open for Term 4 registration) (Year 6’s)