01/10/2020
Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, 2E, 3E, Neurodiverse Groups still taking referrals for our new and ongoing groups beginning mid-January for individuals with Autism, Aspergers, ADHD as well as all who consider themselves to be among the Neurodiverse. I have also attached flyers.
Note: Although many of our groups include those with average to above-average IQs (We serve many twice and thrice-exceptional individuals), we also offer groups for those whose IQs might trend lower than 70.
We have openings in our Monday 5-6pm *D&D group (more about D&D below), Tuesday group 6-7pm group (both groups are for ages 12-15) and our Thursday 6-7pm group for ages 15-17. No previous experience with D&D is necessary. Game skills will be taught by current members and the group leader(s). You only need a willingness to learn. These D&D therapy sessions have been shown to help with cognitive flexibility as players must consider each other’s strategies and role play in a way that helps the outcome of the entire group (no just themselves!). Participants can also expect to learn about how to use their own latent or emerging skills of wisdom, perception, investigation, constitution and charisma.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
For those not interested in D&D, we have a new Thursday group that will meet at 4pm. It will be a DBT/ACT based Card and Board Game Group for 10-12 year olds. Participants can expect to learn many of the same skills as the D&D group as well as other skills related to social and emotional well-being, including brief, but effective mindfulness skills shown to improve the regulation of emotions.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
We will also be offering DBT/ACT based Skills Training groups (One for ages 14-16 and one for ages 17-23) on Tuesdays at 4pm and Wednesday at 5pm, . These groups are particularly effective for individuals who are having trouble meeting demands at school, having difficult executing on the executive functioning needed to complete and turn in homework and managing technology use. The groups will be creating mini SMART goals to work on throughout the week, sharing experiences and encouraging each other, troubleshooting challenges, as well as learning and practicing DBT and ACT skills shown to be effective for managing stress, communicating needs and interacting effectively with others.
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Our Friday group, is a tabletop gaming group for ages 15-18. This group currently plays Magic the Gathering and employs a CBT/ACT approach. However, this group mostly meets for the social aspect at the end of a long week to enjoy this live card game (no screens needed) that is similar to a video game, but requires individuals to meet in-person, negotiate their intentions and witness their actions.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
***For all groups, specific goals will be developed and tracked for each group member. Baseline data and progress on goals will be shared with parents on a quarterly basis.
Social Confidence and Self-Empowerment for Adolescents and Pre-Teens
Ages 8-11 and 12-14. This group will meet on Saturdays beginning the second week of January and end right before the summer break.
The group will be guided through skills-based strategies to build and increase social confidence and self-empowerment.
The groups are designed to allow participants to process the week’s hurdles and successes as well as troubleshoot areas which may require more guidance.
Take home assignments with strategies for parents will be given weekly.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
Social Superpowers: DBT based skills for Children and Adolescents
Ages 5-7, Ages 8-10
This group will meet on Saturdays beginning the second week of January and end right before the summer break.
The group will be guided through the superpowers of mindfulness, emotion regulation and perspective taking.
Effective Social Skills statistically proven to work will be practiced in vivo in an exciting and engaging format.
Take home assignments with strategies for parents will be given weekly.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
Loosen Up! Saturday Movement Groups
Various ages
These groups are designed for those who are looking to increase physical movement with the goal of physical health and recreation. Participants explore a host of exciting therapeutic activities geared towards recreation, relaxation and social engagement.
This group will meet weekly beginning 2nd week of January and end right before the summer break.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
The Art of Conversation
Ages 16-20, Ages 21 & Up
This 16 week course is designed to provide intensive in-vivo practice of proven conversation skills. Time TBD. This course is recommended for people with mild to moderate social anxiety, ADHD, Autism or just plain shyness.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
Emerging Adults: The Path to Adulthood
Ages 16-21
This DBT informed group is designed to meet emerging adults where they are on the pathway to adulthood.
Previous and current group members appreciate the ability to talk openly about curiosities, struggles, fears, hopes and dreams in a safe, supportive space while also incorporating real-life role-play strategies to deal with adult issues such as budgeting, dating and employment.
This group will meet weekly beginning 2nd week of January and end right before the summer break.
Schedule an Intake for this Group
* What is D&D? The core of D&D is storytelling. People gather to tell a story together, guiding their chosen hero through quests for treasure, battle with deadly foes, daring rescues and more
For additional info, contact:
Leon Monroe, LCSW, UNC-CH Affiliate
at
Essential CTS
www.essentialcts.com
email@essentialcts.com
