Social skills training for preschoolers is a group therapy program for preschool age children that uses both traditional play therapy methods and behavioral intervention to help young children achieve age-appropriate social skills and social awareness. Small groups of three to four children meet on a bi-weekly basis for 45 minutes, led by child psychologist Dr. Beverly Tignor. Group sessions are held in the Fall (mid-September through mid-December) and in the Winter-Spring (mid-January through May), days and times to be arranged.

A parent (history-taking) interview and child interview and/or evaluation is required in order to best balance the groups and to determine the appropriateness of group for each child.

Social Skills Training for School Age Children

Social skills training for school age children (grades K-3) is a group therapy program which makes use of creative role-play techniques (e.g. psychodrama with children or puppets), music, crafts, games, and talk therapy to increase social awareness, appropriate behavior, and to foster self-esteem. The groups are small (4-6 members) and meet regularly on a bi-weekly basis. Groups have a club format in which all members get to participate and everyone's vote really counts. Children are grouped according to age and grade over a two-year span, and in accordance with the maturity level and specific needs of each child. Skills learned in the group are to be practiced at home in between sessions, and a specially designed home assignment is given for this purpose after each session.

A parent (history-taking) interview and child interview and/or evaluation is required in order to best balance the groups and to determine the appropriateness of group for each child.

Adventure Club

Adventure Club is a socialization club for children in the fourth through sixth grades, who through shyness or due to verbal or non-verbal learning issues have difficulty developing and maintaining friendships. Social skills training is accomplished by involving the children in normal, fun, and somewhat challenging activities in an out-of-doors naturalistic setting. Adventure Club will meet approximately once every four to six weeks for two hours - times, date, and place to be announced. Members are encouraged to exchange phone numbers and arrange play dates in between meetings.

Each child and parent should arrive at the designated meeting place on time and with the necessary equipment for the days activities. This will normally include a day backpack, hiking boots, or sturdy shoes with ankle support, a 1L or 32oz. container of water, a lunch and nutritious snacks, plastic bags for garbage, rain parka, and small first aid kit. On hiking days, Dr. Tignor will lead the hike and one or more parents will be assigned posts in the middle and rear of the group to ensure that we all stay together and to accommodate any differences in the pace of the children.

The following rules of basic mountaineering safety will be strictly enforced for Adventure Club members:

1. Stay together with the group - do not leave the trail.
2. Think positive (happy!) thoughts. Grumpiness and bad attitudes will not be tolerated.
3. Be alert to your environment - watch your step.
4. Help each other and ask an adult for help if you need it.
5. Listen carefully to instructions when given, and follow them.
6. Leave only footprints behind - take pictures - leave a clean trail site.

One parent per family is required for maintaining supervision and discipline of your own child. Dr. Tignor will be responsible for designing, organizing, and leading the activities which will include a combination of short day hikes, games, and other fun activities appropriate to the season.

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