Group Therapy for Kids
Making friends and finding confidence through FUN and play.
As a parent, you want to see your child happy, thriving, and confidently navigating the world. But what happens when you notice them struggling? Maybe they’re withdrawn, have a hard time making or keeping friends, or seem overwhelmed in social situations. You might feel a sense of helplessness, a deep wish that you could give them the tools to feel more comfortable and connected.
At Inneractions Therapy Services, we understand these struggles deeply. Our specialized child therapy groups provide a safe, fun, and welcoming space where kids can work through their challenges and build the social and emotional skills they need to flourish. Instead of a traditional therapy setting, we use the language children understand best: play. Through engaging games, creative activities, and positive peer interaction, we help them learn, practice, and gain the lasting confidence they need to thrive.
Why Group Therapy Works Wonders for Children
While individual therapy provides a vital one-on-one connection, group therapy offers a unique and powerful benefit: the power of peer connection through play and fun. Children learn and grow by observing and interacting with other kids who are facing similar challenges.
Our groups act as a safe, and fun place where your child can practice new skills without the pressure or judgment they may be facing at school or other social environments. In this supportive setting, they get to:
Practice social skills in a natural environment, learning everything from how to listen and take turns to how to share their feelings and opinions.
Build confidence by successfully navigating peer interactions and receiving positive feedback from both their peers and our licensed therapists.
Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, seeing firsthand that they are not alone in their struggles and that other kids share similar experiences and feelings.
Learn to manage big emotions, gaining practical tools for handling frustration, disappointment, and conflict in a healthy and constructive way.
Develop empathy and a new perspective by hearing from peers, which can help them build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Groups Designed for Your Child’s Age & Needs
We believe that effective therapy must be tailored to a child’s developmental stage. A 5-year-old’s social world is vastly different from a 12-year-old’s, and our groups are designed to meet them exactly where they are.
Building a strong social foundation
Our pre-school groups are all about play. For a young child, a simple act like sharing a toy or taking turns on a slide can feel like a monumental task. Our therapists use a play-based therapy approach, incorporating games, storytelling, and imaginative role-play to teach the foundational social skills they need. We help them learn how to express their feelings in a healthy way, understand the feelings of others, and navigate the initial complexities of peer interaction.
These groups are a perfect fit for children who are shy, have difficulty with early peer interactions, or struggle with emotional regulation in social settings like preschool or daycare. This is especially true for neurodivergent kids who may find these skills more difficult.
Navigating Friendships and Building Self-Esteem
Our elementary-age groups are designed to help kids manage the social complexities of the school playground and classroom. We use structured games, cooperative activities, and creative projects to help kids who are struggling with friendships, social anxiety, or understanding social cues. For a child who feels left out or is unsure how to approach a group, our therapists provide gentle guidance and a clear framework for success. The focus is on giving them the tools to build their self-esteem, handle peer conflict, and navigate the unspoken rules of friendships.
Finding Your Place in a Changing World
Middle school is a time of immense change and social pressure. Friend groups shift, social dynamics become more complicated, and the need for belonging is more intense than ever. Our groups for pre-teens provide a place for your child to prepare for these challenges. We use open discussion, collaborative games, and guided conversations to address issues like peer pressure, self-esteem, stress management, and social anxiety. Our groups offer a confidential, safe space for them to talk openly about their experiences and discover that many of their peers feel the same way. The goal is to build a supportive peer environment and help them find their unique place in the world.
If your child is too old for these groups and has begun navigating their teenage years, click here to learn more about our groups for teenagers.
Social Skills Groups for Neurodivergent Children
We believe that every child deserves a place to feel understood and connected. Our groups for neurodivergent children are specifically designed to create a safe and affirming space for kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergences. We use a strengths-based approach, celebrating each child's unique way of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. Our therapists work to help children develop communication skills, understand social expectations, and build meaningful connections with others who truly "get it." By connecting with peers who share similar experiences, children in these groups often feel a sense of relief and belonging they may not find in a traditional setting. We focus on building skills to support emotional regulation and social confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Our Therapeutic Approach: A Fun and Effective Process
Your child's comfort and well-being are our top priorities. When you contact us, we’ll start with a brief, free consultation. This helps us get to know your child and their specific needs, ensuring they are placed in the right group for their personality and goals. Our groups are kept intentionally small—typically ranging from 3 to 6 members—to ensure every child gets the attention and support they need.
Our licensed therapists act as facilitators, guiding the group, setting clear expectations, and creating a safe and confidential atmosphere where children can freely express themselves. We also make a point to partner with parents, providing you with feedback and strategies you can use at home to reinforce what your child is learning in the group.
The Benefits You’ll See
By bringing your child to group therapy, you're giving them a gift that will last a lifetime. You can expect to see them develop skills that go far beyond a single session. Some of the benefits we often see in children that are in our groups include:
Increased Self-Confidence: We watch as children who once felt shy or unsure of themselves begin to speak up, take the lead in activities, and volunteer their opinions. They start to believe in themselves and their ability to handle new social situations, and social situations in which they struggled in the past.
Improved Communication: They learn to listen not just with their ears, but with their whole body. They practice expressing themselves clearly and confidently, reducing frustration and miscommunication at home and in school. They also begin to notice nonverbal communication from others.
Stronger Friendships: Our groups give kids the skills they need to make and keep meaningful connections. This leads to a richer social life and a sense of belonging that is crucial for their mental health and development.
Reduced Social Anxiety: With each positive interaction and each new skill in their toolkit, your child will feel more comfortable and confident in social settings. The fear of social situations will gradually be replaced with excitement and a willingness to participate.
Better Emotional Regulation: They will have tools to manage big feelings like frustration, sadness, and anger in a healthy and constructive way, leading to fewer meltdowns and more peaceful interactions.
Ready to help your child connect?
Taking this step is a sign of strength as a parent and a sign of love for your child. It shows that you are committed to their happiness and well-being. Whether your child is struggling with friendships, self-esteem, or social anxiety, we are here to help. Join us and start your child on a journey toward a more connected, confident, and joyful future.