Dominique offers in person and virtual groups for elementary school, middle school, and high schoolers. In addition, Dominique offers weekly virtual groups for college students who are struggling to connect with their peers.
Social Skill Groupwork is an interactive learning environment designed to help kids and adults cultivate a better understanding of how to effectively communicate, self-regulate, and build friendships.
What does a Social Skill Groupwork Session look like?
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
After check in, a topic is introduced, often something one or more kids has been struggling with at school. We discuss the topic and discuss various ways of reacting. Drama is a tool often used as we can explore body language, and how it impacts the message. The group then decides on a group game (usually one of the many games in the office), which also relies on negotiation skills and flexible thinking. Sometimes the group can come to a consensus quickly, sometimes it requires a longer discussion. At the end of our group play, kids are allowed to have “free play”. They are allowed to play with anything in the office as long as they are playing with someone else. While the kids play, I observe and determine future lessons based on the difficulties that emerge. During the final 15 minutes, parents come into the office or check in over zoom where they hear about what concepts were taught and how to carry the language over into other settings.
What can I expect from a Social Skill Groupwork Session?
LEARNING THROUGH STORY
Each week, participants hear about a new fictitious characters who illustrates a social behavior that others find challenging (Oscar the Overreactor, Bragging Bob, just to name a few). As the cast of characters grows, kids practice roleplaying in order to identify when a “character” might be emerging in their own behavior. Using fictitious characters provides a neutral, playful way for kids to recognize and label their own undesirable social behaviors and their impact on others.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL
The schedule follows the same format of an elementary group. The topics change as communication at this age often becomes more nuanced, which is difficult for many kids. We spend a lot of time exploring the hidden rules and how people feel when those unspoken rules are not followed. We role play scenarios that occur in school and think about how different reactions impact the outcome. We explore what “hanging out” means and how to connect to peers during unstructured times. We spend time learning and practicing how to initiate conversations and get togethers.
SOLO AND GROUP PLAY
Each session includes a period of observed free play, loosely structured to provide kids with the chance to practice targeted skills. Dominique uses her observations to formulate individualized goals for each child.
VIRTUAL COLLEGE SUPPORT GROUPS
This group also starts with check in, but kids will often share their sense of lonliness and isolation. We talk about all the opportunities available for students and practice starting conversations with people they might encounter. Social anxiety is often at play, which makes the process of connecting seem unattainable. We break tasks down into small, manageable pieces, and help kids move towards joining a small group or club where they can meet new people.
GROUP FEEDBACK FOR PARENTS
At the end of each session, Dominique provides parents with an overview of what was covered and simple instructions for how to apply and reinforce these skills at home, in school, and in real life.