Services

What is group therapy?

Group therapy may look different depending on a variety of factors, including the ages and developmental levels of the attendees, the presenting issues of clients, and purported purpose of the therapy program as developed by the therapist.  In the most basic terms, group therapy is exactly as it sounds—a counselor working with several individuals on a therapeutic level.  Many benefits arise as part of the group process, as groups allow for clients to identify with others who are similar to themselves, learn from others, help others, model and imitate appropriate behaviors, and to practice skills (e.g., social skills) in a natural environment.

What types of group therapy programs are offered at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics?

Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics offers an array of group therapy programs at this time.  Currently, the following group therapies are available:

• Swift: Every Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm:  This group is for middle- to upper-adolescent males.  Swift focuses on the development of social skills such as emotional recognition and empathy, nonverbal communication, initiating and sustaining conversations, initiating and sustaining activities with peers, problem solving, and self-awareness as it relates to interacting with others.  During each session, there are three general parts. First, participants discuss recent social or relational struggles and successes, and engage in problem-solving to develop appropriate strategies to handle difficult situations. Next, a lesson with a theme is introduced, explained, and then practiced in role plays or in vivo activities (off-site trips are occasionally a part of this process). Finally, participants discuss the application of the skills to generalize lessons to their daily lives.  Due to the age range of this group, traditional group therapy processes (e.g., catharsis, development of group cohesion, etc.) are often incorporated as well.
• Super Stars: Every Thursday from 5:00-6:00:  This group is for elementary-aged children, geared mostly for children between the approximate ages of 7 and 9 who exhibit symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or other related concerns.  Super Stars focuses on the development of social skills, including making friends, engaging in conversation, play skills, etc.  This group also focuses on emotion regulation and coping skills.  During group therapy, children will participate in discussion about recent behavioral struggles and successes (as reported through 'Hassle Logs' and 'Star Sheets' brought from home) and will engage in problem-solving to help each other develop more appropriate strategies to handle difficult situations.  Children will also be taught new skills through didactic lessons, role playing, and practice during sessions.
• Girls Group: Every Thursday night from 5:00-6:00: This group is for girls between the approximate ages of 6 to 9 years old. Girls Group is a skill-based group which provides treatment for girls who are experiencing difficulty with peer relations. Group members focus on improvement in the following skills: appropriate peer interactions, anxiety reduction in a group format, exhibiting appropriate boundaries, appropriate problem solving skills, and anger and stress management.
• In-Betweeners: Every Monday from 5:00 -6:00 pm: This group is for children between the approximate ages of 6 and 9 years old who exhibit developmental delays, Autism Spectrum symptoms, or related concerns. The focus of The In-Betweeners is on developing social skills which include, making friends, conversations, reading non-verbal clues, the difference between friends and acquaintances, mean teasing verses friendly teasing, topics encompassing bullying, and humor/jokes. During sessions, children are exposed to different topics or themes through an interactive process. Children are also taught new skills through games and activities that are socially facilitated. During sessions, children also learn coping/self regulation skills to assist in handling difficult social interactions. Typically, themes last six weeks and each session builds off the previous session.
• Youngsters: Every Monday from 5:00-6:00: This group is for children between the approximate ages of 3 and 6 years old who exhibit developmental delays, Autism Spectrum symptoms, or related concerns. The Youngsters is a skill-based group which focuses on the social skills needed to exhibit appropriate play skills and peer interaction, use discrimination skills in a group setting, acknowledge and greet others, maintain appropriate distance from others, follow receptive instructions, exhibit turn taking and appropriate waiting, and answer and ask basic social questions with proper nonverbal communication. These skills are taught in a group setting using group instruction, games, activities, and play.   Each session builds off the previous session.

What if I want my child in group therapy, but none of the current groups match my needs?

The currently offered group programs have developed in response to client need and interest.  If you feel that your child might benefit from participation in a group therapy program but don't see a group that matches his or her needs and characteristics, please obtain a 'Group Therapy Interest Survey' from the receptionist or from our website and return it completed to the clinic.  As we collect completed interest forms, we will begin to develop natural groupings based on the needs and characteristics of interested parties, and will contact you as soon as an appropriate group becomes available.

What else do I need to know about group therapy at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics?

• All groups meet for an hour a week.
• Requirements for group attendance is variable by group.  While some groups have open attendance (e.g., clients can come to as few or many sessions as they would like, as often as they like without the need to inform the clinic of intent, and clients may join or leave the group at different points of the group process), other groups have more stringent recommended attendance guidelines (e.g., the group program begins and ends at specific times of the year with a definite number of sessions predetermined for that period of time). 
• Depending on the type of program, groups may have anywhere between three and ten clients in attendance at a time. 
• All groups are led and co-led by the highly-qualified staff at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics, which includes psychologists, post-doctoral psychology residents, BCBAs, BCaBAs, and behavior therapists. 

How do I get my child started in a group therapy program?

Please obtain a 'Group Therapy Interest Survey' from the receptionist or from our website and return it completed to the clinic.  You may also speak with your child's current therapist at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics or email the clinic at Info@KeystoneBehavioral.com for more information.

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