CRG is happy to announce the line-up for groups for the spring semester! Groups provide a good opportunity to meet new friends and improve social skills. If you are interested in a group, please call our office at (371) 575-9111. Here are the descriptions of each group:
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. In order to facilitate more effective communication with parents, parents are encouraged to periodically schedule individual therapy sessions. These sessions will be focused on providing a summary of the child’s progress in group, providing an opportunity to develop specific goals for group, and monitoring progress toward each goal. Please note that these appointments will be billed at the Individual/Family therapy rate ($160). Scheduling these sessions is voluntary and are not required for participation in group.
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. In order to facilitate more effective communication with parents, parents are encouraged to periodically schedule individual therapy sessions. These sessions will be focused on providing a summary of the child’s progress in group, providing an opportunity to develop specific goals for group, and monitoring progress toward each goal. Please note that these appointments will be billed at the Individual/Family therapy rate ($160). Scheduling these sessions is voluntary and are not required for participation in group.
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
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
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.)
