The Social Circle: Social Skills & Emotional Regulation Groups
Helping children and teens grow through communication, connection, and understanding.
These groups are designed to support children and teens in developing social skills, emotional awareness, and self-regulation in a supportive, relational environment. Many kids know what is expected of them socially, but struggle with how to manage emotions, communication, and reactions in real-life situations. This group helps bridge that gap.
The foundation of the group is understanding before intervention. Rather than correcting behavior, we work to understand what is happening beneath it — emotionally, socially, and developmentally. From that understanding, participants learn practical, age-appropriate skills they can use at school, at home, and with peers.
Intake & Group Placement Process
Before joining a group, families participate in an intake process to ensure the group is the right fit for each child or teen.
A parent intake is the first step for all participants.
For children over the age of 13, an individual intake with the teen is also included.
This process allows us to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, emotional needs, and social goals. Based on this information, groups are intentionally formed to create a supportive, balanced, and developmentally appropriate dynamic.
Groups are thoughtfully “mixed and matched” so that participants can feel safe, understood, and supported - and so that meaningful learning and connection can take place within the group setting.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Approach
These groups are neurodivergent-friendly and affirming. Differences in communication styles,
emotional expression, attention, and sensory needs are respected and normalized.
Some groups are intentionally created for specific profiles or shared experiences, such as:
ADHD
Autism spectrum (ASD)
Anxiety and emotional regulation challenges
Other groups may include children and teens with diverse neurotypes, depending on fit, goals, and group dynamics. Placement is always guided by the intake process and the belief that feeling understood is essential for growth.
What we work on
Emotional awareness and emotional regulation
Social communication and conversational skills
Perspective-taking and empathy
Managing frustration, anxiety, and impulsivity
Executive functioning skills such as flexibility, planning, and problem-solving
Building confidence in peer interactions.
How the groups work
Groups are structured, goal-oriented, and highly interactive. Sessions include guided discussion, role-play, experiential activities, and real-life practice. Children and teens are encouraged to reflect, ask questions, and experiment with new ways of communicating in a safe and respectful setting.
The group itself is a central part of the learning process. Participants practice skills in real time while
receiving support, feedback, and modeling — helping them generalize these skills beyond the group.
Approach
The groups are facilitated using an integrative, evidence-informed approach that draws from Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and executive
functioning life coaching.
Parent collaboration
Parent collaboration is an important part of the process. Parents may receive guidance and tools to help
reinforce skills at home and support continued growth outside of sessions.
Our goal is not to place children into a group quickly, but to place them thoughtfully, so
each participant has the best opportunity to grow, connect, and feel understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
This group may be a good fit if your child or teen:
Struggles with social interactions, friendships, or peer communication
Has big emotions or difficulty regulating reactions such as frustration, anxiety, or anger
Knows what is expected socially, but has trouble applying skills in real-life situations
Becomes overwhelmed in social or group settings and needs support navigating them
Has challenges with flexibility, impulsivity, or executive functioning
Benefits from practicing skills in a structured, supportive, and understanding environment
Is neurodivergent (including ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or related profiles) and would benefit from a strengths-based, affirming approach
This group is especially helpful for children and teens who need more than advice or correction — and who benefit from understanding, practice, and connection.
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This group may not be the best match if a child or teen currently needs:
One-on-one therapeutic support before participating in a group setting
A crisis-focused or intensive mental health intervention
Support that is primarily behavioral without an emotional or relational component
If this is the case, we will discuss alternative options and help guide you toward the appropriate support.
-
That’s completely okay. The intake process is designed to explore fit thoughtfully and
collaboratively. Together, we will determine whether this group — or a different type of support
— is the best next step for your child and family.
If you’re wondering whether this group is right for your child, the intake process allows
us to explore fit together — with care, curiosity, and no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if this group is a good fit for my child or teen?
This group may be a good fit if your child or teen:
Struggles with social interactions, friendships, or peer communication
Has big emotions or difficulty regulating reactions such as frustration, anxiety, or anger
Knows what is expected socially, but has trouble applying skills in real-life situations
Becomes overwhelmed in social or group settings and needs support navigating them
Has challenges with flexibility, impulsivity, or executive functioning
Benefits from practicing skills in a structured, supportive, and understanding environment
Is neurodivergent (including ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or related profiles) and would benefit from a strengths-based, affirming approach
This group is especially helpful for children and teens who need more than advice or correction
— and who benefit from understanding, practice, and connection.
When this group may not be the right fit
This group may not be the best match if a child or teen currently needs:
One-on-one therapeutic support before participating in a group setting
A crisis-focused or intensive mental health intervention
Support that is primarily behavioral without an emotional or relational component
If this is the case, we will discuss alternative options and help guide you toward the appropriate support.
Still unsure?
That’s completely okay. The intake process is designed to explore fit thoughtfully and collaboratively. Together, we will determine whether this group — or a different type of support— is the best next step for your child and family. If you’re wondering whether this group is right for your child, the intake process allows us to explore fit together — with care, curiosity, and no pressure.