CRG’s work is built on a foundation of three approaches: assessment, treatment, and education. Our providers work hard to recommend and deliver a unique combination of all three to meet the needs of a given client. Several CRG psychologists conduct educational groups to inform family members or to help children and adolescents build important skills for life success. This fall, three of our most popular groups are being offered again. All meetings are at CRG. It’s not too late to sign up for any of these groups, which you can do by calling our front office at (317) 575-9111.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), social skills are an essential tool for successful life functioning. The development of effective social skills can influence a young person’s academic performance, behavior, social and family relationships, and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Conversely, students with poor social skills often experience difficulties with interpersonal relationships, show signs of depression or anxiety, and have a higher incidence of involvement in the criminal justice system as adults.
Dr. Sandy Burkhardt runs “Recipes for Success.” This free educational group is for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Burkhardt is a national expert on autism and just retired from a successful career as a university professor. Come to one or several of these monthly sessions to learn more about Asperger’s and autism and to increase your skills at caring for and raising a successful child on spectrum. Future dates, times, and topics include:
- Monday, October 26 (4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) – “Outgrowing ASD: How to Tell If Treatment Is Working.”
- Monday, November 16 (11:00 a.m. to noon) – “Making Positive Plans for the Future.”
- Monday, December 14 (11:00 a.m. to noon) – “How to Have Happy Holidays”
Dr. Sarah Norris runs “Girl Power.” This group is for girls between the ages of 7 and 11. It meets every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dr. Norris engages group participants in fun art activities to promote conversational skills, planning and problem-solving (executive functioning) skills, and cooperation behaviors. She helps the girls discuss issues of importance to them while promoting their ability to follow directions, use visual spatial abilities, and enhance their fine motor skills. Each group session is $70.00.
Dr. Nathan Larson runs the “Solutions” group. This group is for boys between the ages of 7 and 10. “Solutions” meets every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The purpose of this group is to provide supportive and solution-focused group therapy aimed at enhancing and developing the use of appropriate social skills. Participants learn how to better understand their feelings and cope with their emotions in a variety of settings. Dr. Larson coordinates role play and goal-directed activities where the boys share experiences with each other and collaboratively problem solve ways to handle common situations. Each group session is $70.00.
