Children and adolescents are often faced with daily challenges of navigating their social environment. I offer social skills counseling to further develop their skills to be able to manage those challenges and be more successful.
Hosted by Mary E Burke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSSW
Group meets in Denville, NJ 07834
Children and adolescents are often faced with daily challenges of navigating their social environment. I offer social skills counseling to further develop their skills to be able to manage those challenges and be more successful.
Online Groups
Social skills group for middle school students. Topics include but not limited to: conversation/communication skills, making/keeping friends, impulse control, nonverbal body language/cues, anger, bullying/teasing, problem solving, conflict resolution. Call for intake.
Hosted by Cheryl Kasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Toms River, NJ 08753
Social skills group for middle school students. Topics include but not limited to: conversation/communication skills, making/keeping friends, impulse control, nonverbal body language/cues, anger, bullying/teasing, problem solving, conflict resolution. Call for intake.
Is your child struggling to make friends, speak up, or hold it together when things get hard? You're not alone, and neither are they. As a retired educator and licensed therapist, I know the skills kids are missing, and more importantly, I know how to teach them in a way that actually sticks. Sessions are hands-on and engaging - because kids don't learn through worksheets. You're invited to learn more at https://www.freetobemindful.com/groups/
Hosted by Vanessa De Jesus Guzman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Ridgefield, NJ 07657
Is your child struggling to make friends, speak up, or hold it together when things get hard? You're not alone, and neither are they. As a retired educator and licensed therapist, I know the skills kids are missing, and more importantly, I know how to teach them in a way that actually sticks. Sessions are hands-on and engaging - because kids don't learn through worksheets. You're invited to learn more at https://www.freetobemindful.com/groups/
Through Dr. Jed Baker's Social Skills Training Project, we run social skills groups with children, teenagers, and young adults every night of the week.
Hosted by Dan Bender
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEdS, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Springfield, NJ 07081
Through Dr. Jed Baker's Social Skills Training Project, we run social skills groups with children, teenagers, and young adults every night of the week.
Social Skills group for group for high school students. Topics include but not limited to: conversation/communication skills, making/keeping friends, impulse control, nonverbal body language/cues, anger, bullying/teasing, problem solving, conflicts, exploring jobs, dating. Call for intake.
Hosted by Cheryl Kasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Toms River, NJ 08753
Social Skills group for group for high school students. Topics include but not limited to: conversation/communication skills, making/keeping friends, impulse control, nonverbal body language/cues, anger, bullying/teasing, problem solving, conflicts, exploring jobs, dating. Call for intake.
A supportive group designed to offer education, connection, and community for adults who identify as neurodivergent. You do not need to be officially diagnosed, self-diagnosed is accepted in this space.
Hosted by Growth & Empowerment LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Flemington, NJ 08822
A supportive group designed to offer education, connection, and community for adults who identify as neurodivergent. You do not need to be officially diagnosed, self-diagnosed is accepted in this space.
Intense Behavioral Service is a group of practitioners that service children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities including Autism, ADHD and mental health counseling.
Intense Behavioral Service is a group of practitioners that service children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities including Autism, ADHD and mental health counseling.
Social skills group for elementary school students beginning in 1st grade. Topics include but not limited to:conversation/communication skills, making/keeping friends, impulse control, nonverbal body language/cues, anger, bullying/teasing, problem solving, conflict resolution, accepting "NO" for an answer. Call for intake.
Hosted by Cheryl Kasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Toms River, NJ 08753
Social skills group for elementary school students beginning in 1st grade. Topics include but not limited to:conversation/communication skills, making/keeping friends, impulse control, nonverbal body language/cues, anger, bullying/teasing, problem solving, conflict resolution, accepting "NO" for an answer. Call for intake.
The goal of this virtual group is to provide support to individuals on the spectrum including learning about their diagnoses, improving social skills, and practicing strategies to overcome challenges and foster independence. Each session will have a different topic to focus on including respecting boundaries and personal space, maintaining relationships, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, increasing motivation, support with education, conversation skills, coping strategies, routines and accepting change. Group meets once a month for 1 hour. For more information contact Kerrianne at 732-702-1454 or email kerrianneg@onesteptherapycenter.com
Hosted by Kerrianne Galvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in East Brunswick, NJ 08816
The goal of this virtual group is to provide support to individuals on the spectrum including learning about their diagnoses, improving social skills, and practicing strategies to overcome challenges and foster independence. Each session will have a different topic to focus on including respecting boundaries and personal space, maintaining relationships, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, increasing motivation, support with education, conversation skills, coping strategies, routines and accepting change. Group meets once a month for 1 hour. For more information contact Kerrianne at 732-702-1454 or email kerrianneg@onesteptherapycenter.com
Weekly virtual interpersonal process group for neurodivergent young adults seeking authentic connection and deeper self-understanding. This neurodivergent affirming, LGBTQ+ affirming space welcomes ADHD, autistic, AuDHD, OCD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent experiences. No formal diagnosis required. Explore relationships, identity, masking, burnout, communication, and life transitions in a supportive community where you can show up without pressure or judgment. No worksheets or skills lectures, just genuine connection and meaningful conversation. Ongoing and open-ended.
I specialize in the treatment of teens and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, people pleasing, perfectionism, parenting concerns, ADHD and Autism.
Weekly virtual interpersonal process group for neurodivergent young adults seeking authentic connection and deeper self-understanding. This neurodivergent affirming, LGBTQ+ affirming space welcomes ADHD, autistic, AuDHD, OCD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent experiences. No formal diagnosis required. Explore relationships, identity, masking, burnout, communication, and life transitions in a supportive community where you can show up without pressure or judgment. No worksheets or skills lectures, just genuine connection and meaningful conversation. Ongoing and open-ended.
Our Summer Social Skills Group for Kids is a group for children in grades 1–3 who would benefit from extra support building confidence, friendships, and social connection. Through interactive activities, games, role play, and guided peer interaction, children will practice skills such as starting conversations, joining groups, taking turns, managing frustration, handling disagreements, and reading social cues. This group is a great fit for kids who are shy, struggle socially, feel left out, or have difficulty navigating peer relationships. The group provides a supportive, structured environment where children can build confidence and practice social skills in real time.
Our Summer Social Skills Group for Kids is a group for children in grades 1–3 who would benefit from extra support building confidence, friendships, and social connection. Through interactive activities, games, role play, and guided peer interaction, children will practice skills such as starting conversations, joining groups, taking turns, managing frustration, handling disagreements, and reading social cues. This group is a great fit for kids who are shy, struggle socially, feel left out, or have difficulty navigating peer relationships. The group provides a supportive, structured environment where children can build confidence and practice social skills in real time.
Our teen social skills groups for 13 to 17 year old's also experiencing attention deficit disorder and or autism spectrum disorder, provides a safe, nurturing and confidential environment for teens to grow socially and emotionally. Topics include: dealing with isolation, conflicts at home and school, peer pressure, bullying, low motivation, anxiety and depression, problem solving and more. https://www.bringhope.ngo/scheduling/
Hosted by Bring Hope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP
Group meets in Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Our teen social skills groups for 13 to 17 year old's also experiencing attention deficit disorder and or autism spectrum disorder, provides a safe, nurturing and confidential environment for teens to grow socially and emotionally. Topics include: dealing with isolation, conflicts at home and school, peer pressure, bullying, low motivation, anxiety and depression, problem solving and more. https://www.bringhope.ngo/scheduling/
At HWS Center, located in Fort Lee New Jersey, we treat our patients with the help of not just a single specialist but a team of licensed mental health experts that each attend to your unique needs. We have both traditional outpatient psychiatry as well as interventional treatments. We make sure to have personalized treatment plans that include a combination of our services. In our center, we specialize in working with children and families. We also offer a variety of treatment options for individuals of any age.
At HWS Center, located in Fort Lee New Jersey, we treat our patients with the help of not just a single specialist but a team of licensed mental health experts that each attend to your unique needs. We have both traditional outpatient psychiatry as well as interventional treatments. We make sure to have personalized treatment plans that include a combination of our services. In our center, we specialize in working with children and families. We also offer a variety of treatment options for individuals of any age.
Children, ages 4-14, are carefully screened and placed in social skill groups according to ages, abilities, and grades. There are currently 5 concurrent groups. Groups are conducted during fall/winter, winter/spring, and summer sessions. Groups emphasize sharing, compromising, negotiating, expressing feelings, body language, conflict resolution skills, handling teasing, self-confidence and following rules of games. Any child in need of social skill building, and children with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome participate in the groups.
Hosted by Sheila Franklin Gilstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, RPT-S
Group meets in Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Children, ages 4-14, are carefully screened and placed in social skill groups according to ages, abilities, and grades. There are currently 5 concurrent groups. Groups are conducted during fall/winter, winter/spring, and summer sessions. Groups emphasize sharing, compromising, negotiating, expressing feelings, body language, conflict resolution skills, handling teasing, self-confidence and following rules of games. Any child in need of social skill building, and children with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome participate in the groups.
Growth and learning through creative expression and the tapping of the imagination, a person can examine the body, feelings, emotions and his or her thought process. The creative process of art making allows for a child to move into the psychosocial stage of industry vs. inferiority. During this period, a child with ASD can use the creative process to enhance competency and mastery, allowing for positive development of their self-esteem and relationship skills.
Growth and learning through creative expression and the tapping of the imagination, a person can examine the body, feelings, emotions and his or her thought process. The creative process of art making allows for a child to move into the psychosocial stage of industry vs. inferiority. During this period, a child with ASD can use the creative process to enhance competency and mastery, allowing for positive development of their self-esteem and relationship skills.
Social skills such as making a good first impression, starting and maintaining conversations with other children, finding common interests, playing fairly, and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. They will also learn how to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying, join other children during play, be a good host during playdates, and show respect to others. This program may benefit children who have few or no friends, have difficulty sharing or resolving conflicts, are bossy, controlling, or aggressive with peers, or are shy, reserved, or inattentive in social situations.
When one person in the family has an identified special need such as autism, adhd, add, depression, anxiety, etc
Social skills such as making a good first impression, starting and maintaining conversations with other children, finding common interests, playing fairly, and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. They will also learn how to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying, join other children during play, be a good host during playdates, and show respect to others. This program may benefit children who have few or no friends, have difficulty sharing or resolving conflicts, are bossy, controlling, or aggressive with peers, or are shy, reserved, or inattentive in social situations.
Develop Emotional Regulation, Establish Self Confidence, Build Social Awareness through play based activities. Group runs in 8 week increments four times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). K, 1st and 2nd Grade runs 4:15 on Tuesdays. 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade runs 5:15 on Tuesdays. Dates and times subject to change. Please inquire for the most up to date information. This is a closed skills development group and not a therapeutic group.
Hosted by Gabriella Mullady Fink
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS
Group meets in Paramus, NJ 07652
Develop Emotional Regulation, Establish Self Confidence, Build Social Awareness through play based activities. Group runs in 8 week increments four times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). K, 1st and 2nd Grade runs 4:15 on Tuesdays. 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade runs 5:15 on Tuesdays. Dates and times subject to change. Please inquire for the most up to date information. This is a closed skills development group and not a therapeutic group.
This weekly group is for adults with autism, especially those diagnosed later in life. Each session covers topics like relationships, household management, and conflict resolution. It provides a supportive space to share experiences, connect with others, and build a strong sense of community.
Neuropsychology- diagnostic testing for ADHD, autism, and learning differences
This weekly group is for adults with autism, especially those diagnosed later in life. Each session covers topics like relationships, household management, and conflict resolution. It provides a supportive space to share experiences, connect with others, and build a strong sense of community.
Social Skills group for teens on the Autism Spectrum using a combination of peer-led discussions and inspired by the evidence based practice Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) from UCLA Semel Institute.
Hosted by Jenna Siciliano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, ASDCS
Group meets in Manasquan, NJ 08736
I have recently become a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist in an effort to continue to provide the best care to clients
Social Skills group for teens on the Autism Spectrum using a combination of peer-led discussions and inspired by the evidence based practice Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) from UCLA Semel Institute.
For many years, neurodivergent people have lacked a supportive, nurturing, and safe space to exist. This group is meant for neurodivergent people to help one another by providing support, creating activities, and clearly communicating feelings and needs.
Hosted by Peter Keenan Linden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in West Caldwell, NJ 07006
I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for the neurodivergent community to feel loved, honored, held, and seen.
For many years, neurodivergent people have lacked a supportive, nurturing, and safe space to exist. This group is meant for neurodivergent people to help one another by providing support, creating activities, and clearly communicating feelings and needs.
See more therapy options for Morris County
Autism Support Groups
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.