The ability to understand and use age-appropriate social skills is vital to social and academic success. Social behavior and academic behavior are highly correlated. Though we learn academics in a highly structured, goal-oriented format, social skills are frequently not systematically taught. Consequently, some adolescents don’t develop social competency at the same pace as their peers. This is especially true for those that have ADHD/ADD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Communication Disorder, Learning Disabilities and other problems. Difficulties with peer socialization can lead to bullying, low self-esteem, depression, social isolation and avoidance. The Socialites Social Skills and Self-Esteem Groups for Girls help members navigate the social challenges of adolescence in a safe, supportive and psycho-educational setting where group members benefit from structured lessons, exercises, and discussions on developmentally specific social skills. The group also provides opportunities to share, explore and process some of the emotional or behavioral impacts of the members’ social challenges with a focus on coping skills for increasing emotional regulation, distress tolerance and assertive communication.

The Goals for the Socialites Group for Girls include:

• Making and keeping friends and the changing dynamics of friendship through adolescent development

• Managing peer pressure and recognizing manipulation or malicious intent from peers

• Recognizing and managing gossip, rumors or bullying

• Improving self-image and self-esteem

• Understanding social boundaries

• Accepting social rules or expectations and their consequences

• Increase effective and assertive communication

• Managing negative emotions, depression or anxiety related to challenges with socialization

• Understanding social expectations in situations/settings common during adolescence

• Perspective taking, empathy for others and helping behaviors

• Internet safety and the appropriate use of social media​

• Role – Plays to practice skills taught

• Discussion of Performance

• Practice in peer setting

• Modeling Appropriate Behaviors, Actions, and Responses

• Giving and Receiving Feedback – from facilitators and peers

6th grade through high school age groups are offered.

Group meets at Aurora/Naperville Office