Children's Groups

A Children’s Group is a unique form of therapy designed to meet the specific needs of children who are having trouble accomplishing the normal tasks of childhood--or growing up.

Dr. Gruen has designed an effective format for children’s groups that focuses on the three main areas of child development: emotional, social and behavioral growth.

This effective program combines developmental tasks into an interesting and fun-filled experience for kids.

The first part of the therapy session works with an informal sharing of ideas and experiences that requires the child to verbalize feeling. The second part uses game-type activities to help the child to relate to others in a positive social manner. The final segment uses free play activities, which help the youngster practice, the communication of social skills being addressed. Finally, the children learn to "process" and evaluate their part in the day’s session in a supportive and accepting environment.

Groups generally are formed by age rather than by sex or specific shortcomings. The children in the group become more of a working social system.

Following this format, children generally feel the session is "play" time and express very positive feelings toward being part of the group. They enjoy it, and the program works.