SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS
OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE.
Our goal is to help equip our clients with more confidence and understanding of the social world so they can meet the goals they have within it.
​
Each group provides not only a safe, inclusive and (hopefully) fun environment for them to learn- but also focusing on natural, unstructured interactions with "teachable moments" throughout as they engage, play and goof off with age and developmentally appropriate peers!
​
We offer the 2 most evidence based & effective approaches for teaching people social-emotional skills. PEERS® & DIR® Floortime.
​
​
​
​
DIR FLOORTIME®
​
For our younger social learners ( 6-8 years old), we offer DIR Floortime® . DIR Floortime® is rooted in the science of human development and can sound technical at times, but it is also simple. It is a pathway to promote healthy development in a respectful manner that builds connections, understanding, love, communication, and engagement. The objectives of the DIR model are to build healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing exclusively on skills and isolated behaviors. You can learn more about DIR Floortime® here: www.icdl.com/dir
​​
​
​
​
PEERS®
Social skills
For our older social learners (ages 9 & Up ), we use The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) developed at UCLA in the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills treatment to children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Level 1, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and other socio-emotional difficulties.​ We couple the PEERS® curriculum with Social Thinking®, which focuses on helping kids figure out how to observe, process and respond in social situations.
WHAT DOES A SOCIAL GROUP AIM TO HELP WITH?
KIDS STRUGGLING TO MAKE OR KEEP FRIENDS
SOCIAL ANXIETY OR SOCIAL AVOIDANCE BEHAVIORS
DIFFICULTIES ENGAGING IN PLAY OR CONVERSATIONS
CHALLENGES IN READING THE SOCIAL CUES OF THOSE AROUND THEM
THOSE WHO ARE INFLEXIBLE WITH PEERS
DIFFICULTIES WITH PERSPECTIVE TAKING OF OTHERS
MEET THE TEAM
Curtis Valvo,B.S.
PEERS® Certified Provider & Social Skills Program Director
​
Laura Labus, COTA/L
Anna Fogle, OTR
DIR Floortime®
Certified Provider
Maria Vorel, M.A.
Social Coach
Social Coach