Programs

We offer specific programs under 2 broad groups:

• Social skills group programs for children, adolescents and youg adults who are have having problems making or keeping friends:
  • Children's Friendship Program (Grades 2-6)

    This successful 12-week program is designed for the 1st* to 6th grader who has difficulty making and/or keeping friends. During each group session children learn a new skill, practice with group members, receive coaching on their play skills and are given a homework assignment in which they try out their newly learned skill.

    *First grade policy: Seven year old first graders are accepted into the program starting April/May of their first grade year.

    Enrollment is limited to 10 children per class. Classes are on Wednesday evenings. Regular attendance is imperative.

    Parent participation is required. Parents attend a concurrent class and will learn how to help their children make and keep friends by using the skills we teach in our program.

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  • PEERS: Social Skills (Grades 7-12)

    Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) is a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens between 13-17 years of age who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during real play activities (e.g. playing sports, board games, etc.).

    Parents are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.

    Enrollment is limited. Classes are on Wednesday evenings. Regular attendance is imperative. Parent participation is required.

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  • PEERS: Social Skills (Aged 18-22)

    We would like to inform you about an exciting new study for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders being conducted through The Help Group – UCLA Autism Research Alliance.
    The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for Young Adults is a FREE 14-week caregiver-assisted social skills training intervention for transitional youth ages 18-22 years of age who are interested and motivated to learn how to better develop and maintain social relationships. During each group session young adults will learn specific social skills and will be given opportunity to practice these skills through social activities. Caregivers will attend sessions in parallel with young adults, but in a separate group, and will receive instruction on how to better support their young adults in learning, solidifying and generalizing their newly learned skills in everyday life.

    Please see click here for more information.

• Parent training/behavior modification programs for parents with children and early adolescents:
  • Parenting 2-12 year old children

    Our 10-week group parenting program addresses common problems of family living as well as management of the difficult child and the child with ADHD. Discussions include parenting issues such as:

    • Giving effective commands or directions
    • Decreasing troublesome times of the day
    • Setting firm, fair limits on unacceptable behavior
    • Limit setting in social and public settings
    • Getting children to comply with family rules
    • Dealing with homework and other school blues

    Methods are based upon the latest knowledge of parenting techniques. Discipline is presented as a positive force, focusing on what children are allowed to do. Parenting techniques are demonstrated and practiced in sessions. Home assignments help parents put these techniques into action.

    Classes held Wednesday lunchtimes and Thursday evening; led by Cynthia Whitham, LCSW.

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  • PEACE: Parenting 12½-15½ year old children

    

    The 8-week Parents of Early-Adolescents Conflict Education program is designed for the parents of 12.5 to 15.5 year-olds who are having frequent and/or intense arguments with their teen. Each session deals with a problem common to parenting teens and gives you assignments to help you deal with them.

    Classes are held Thursday evenings; led by Cynthia Whitham, LCSW

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  • Individual Sessions

    Individual parenting sessions may be available if parents are unable to attend our group program or have very specific behavioral issues. Parents usually meet with one of our clinicians on a weekly basis for 4-8 one hour sessions.

    Please call our office for current availability.

How To Enroll

1. Call our office at 310-825-0142 to complete a 15-minute phone screen with a member of our staff and mail out an enrollment packet.
2. Complete and return your enrollment packet
3. Come in (parent and child) for a 1-hour intake appointment with one of our clinicians to determine if our program is appropriate for you and your child.

Dates for forthcoming courses are listed on our Calendar.