The clinicians at McLean Psychotherapy Practices have over 50 years of combined experience running groups. We offer numerous ongoing social skills and process-oriented groups for children, adolescents, and young adults of varying ages and developmental levels. Each group is specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by the group members. We use a variety of research-based therapeutic interventions, including expressive, art, play, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Groups typically run from September to June, with additional summer groups offered as well. .
Research shows that group therapy is a proven and effective method of treatment for those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as many other disorders. Children and adolescents often feel a common identity and shared purpose when they are apart of a group. Our preschool through high school groups are co-led, which research also shows is most effective since two sets of eyes and ears can provide different insights and pick up on different group dynamics. (www.apa.org , Amy Paturel, 11/12, Volume 43, #10)
Preschool Groups – The primary goals for preschool groups are to assist with school preparation, encourage collaborative play, help children label and identify feelings, develop empathy, establish boundaries, develop and maintain friendships, read social cues, and improve imaginary play skills. These play-oriented groups incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches including the Floortime or DIR method, expressive play therapy techniques, and behavioral approaches.
School Age Groups – The primary goals for school age groups are to help your child develop and maintain friendships, learn to read social cues, identify and process feelings, build confidence, develop empathy, establish better boundaries, strengthen outdoor play skills, and explore feelings about social inclusion and exclusion. These groups also incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches including the Floortime or DIR method, expressive play therapy techniques, and behavioral approaches.
Adolescent Groups – The primary goals of adolescent groups are to provide a safe environment for preadolescents and adolescents to talk about peer pressure, process their feelings about social interactions, develop and maintain friendships, increase self esteem, regulate emotions, develop empathy, healthfully manage mood and anxiety, and improve family relationships. These groups are tailored to address specific issues raised by group members and clinicians use psychodynamic/insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior (DBT), and solution-focused therapeutic approaches.
Young Adults Groups - The primary goals of young adults groups (ages 18-25) are to provide a safe environment for young adults to talk and connect with each other around issues related to post-high school/college/career decisions, connecting/maintaining friendships with peers, mood disorders/anxiety and how that impacts their experience as a young adult, and dating/romantic relationships. These groups are tailored to address specific issues raised by group members.