CRG providers will run five different groups to address a range of interest areas and age groups. We want to offer the opportunity to meet new friends, develop new skills, and acquire new knowledge. Here are the descriptions of each:
Solutions
This group has been designed for 7 to 10 year old boys to provide supportive and solution-focused group therapy aimed at enhancing the development and use of appropriate social skills. The goal of group will be to assist group members in developing a better understanding of their difficulties and learning skills to more effectively cope with their emotions and the situations they encounter. Participants will be given opportunities to work on social skills, adaptive functioning (learning to read social cues, regulating behaviors, being patient, being confident, and paying attention in social situations), and learning how to control mood and impulsive actions. We do this through role play and goal-directed interactions, where we share experiences with one another and think of new and appropriate ways to handle common situations.
Facilitated by Dr. Nathan Larson
Thursdays (5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.) Year Round, $70/Session
Challengers
This group has been designed for boys ages 12 to 15 to provide eight weeks of supportive and solution-focused group therapy to enhance the development and use of appropriate social skills. The goal of group will be to assist group members in developing a better understanding of their difficulties and learning skills to more effectively cope with their emotions and the situations they encounter. Participants will be given opportunities to work on social skills, adaptive functioning (learning to read social cues, regulating behaviors, being patient, being confident, and paying attention in social situations), and learning how to control mood and impulsive actions. We do this through role play and goal-directed interactions, where we share experiences with one another and think of new and appropriate ways to handle common situations.
Facilitated by Dr. Nathan Larson
Thursdays (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) Year Round, $70/Session
Girl Power
This social skills group is designed for girls ages 8-12. Format for the fall will be similar to last year with a variety of themes and topics discussed depending on the needs of the group. The discussion is usually accompanied by some art activity, role playing or social skills game. The girls seem to work best and talk more when they are involved in an activity. In addition, the activity works on the executive functioning skills of listening, planning ahead, using time well, staying on task and completing a task in a timely manner. The art activity also helps to strengthen visual spatial, fine motor skills, and the ability to follow directions. In addition, cooperation is usually needed between the girls to complete their activity so conversational skills are strengthened.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Norris
Tuesdays (5:oo P.M. – 6:00 P.M.) Year Round, $70/Session
Middle School Mavericks
This social skills group is designed for girls ages 11-13. Middle school is a time of pressure for girls to conform to a peer group. Issue of acceptance, concerns about being different and fitting in are prominent. Usually there are shifts in peer groups at this age and girls often worry about being left out. In addition, most girls being to rely more and more on their peer group as a source of support. Family stress sometimes increases as girls navigate between dependency and independence. Research has shown that middle school girls take a hit in terms of self-confidence and self-esteem at this age. Girls often show a decline in interest in school. Grades in math and science are often affected. Girls become more concerned about their changing appearance and how they compare with peers. This group is to address some of the social and emotional challenges at this age. Format will includes topics such as managing social relationships, developing and maintaining healthy friendships, time management, issues of bullying and how to sustain physical and emotional health. The goal of the group is to help girls continue to maintain a strong sense of self through this period of their life. Discussions will be usually accompanied by expressive art work, role playing and/or social skills games. There is some overlap in age at 11 with the Girl Power group, so girls will be selected as to which group best meets their needs. This group is scheduled to run for 6 weeks however, depending on interest and participation, the group may be extended.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Norris
Tuesdays (6:oo P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) Year Round, $70/Session
Transitions
This group has been designed for 18 to 21 year old young men to provide support from peers and greater social interactions as they launch life plans after high school. This group is geared to young men who have completed high school and are in the process of determining or launching plans for a satisfying adulthood. While a disability is not required, this group might be particularly helpful for young men with ADHD, Anxiety, and/or High Functioning Autism (Asperger’s). We will create a supportive environment in which participants can get to know peers, enhance their social skills/interactions, and gain support from others as they enhance their self-awareness and self-confidence regarding life plans.
Facilitated by Dr. David Parker
Will Meet Every Other Week Year Round, $70/Session, Day of week – TBA
Gap Year
Gap year is a combination of services at CRG designed to help high school graduates develop and carry out intentional paths to adulthood. Participants choose one of two tracks: Local (stay in central Indiana) or Global (travel or work around the U.S. or abroad). Based on research and practices in Europe and the U.S., this is a structured year between high school and college/work that helps participants increase skills, clarify interests and goals, and implement a realistic plan for entering college or the workforce with success. Participating students need to have graduated from high school and some participants may already have some college experience. Given whom CRG serves, most participants will have diagnosed disabilities that can impact their learning or social functioning or symptoms of these diagnoses. Typically, participants will be between 18 and 21 years of age.
Facilitated by Dr. Dana Lasek and Dr. David Parker
First Tuesday of Every Month (1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.) School Year, $70/Session
Recipes for Success
This pyschoeducational group is for parents or grandparents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Rather than provide therapy, Dr. Burkhardt will provide instruction and promote greater educational awareness. You will learn more about ASD issues and how to apply them in your family while raising your children or grandchildren. Session topics include suggestions for positive management of behaviors, handling meltdowns, structuring family time, and finding support.
Facilitated by Dr. Sandra Burkhardt
First Monday of Every Month (4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
