Group Approach

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 children don’t develop social competency at the same pace as their peers.  This can be especially true for children with ADHD/ADD, anxiety issues, Asperger’s Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and other problems. Challenges with peer socialization can lead to bullying, low self-esteem, and depression. Pathways social skills groups can help map out your daughter’s needs and provide not only a compass, but a set of effective tools for navigating their social world more effectively.

Goals of the Group:

• Making and Keeping Friends

• Dealing with Peer Pressure

• Stopping False Rumors

• Using Self-control and Following Directions

• Improving Self-image and Self-esteem

• Thinking Before Acting

• Listening

• Accepting Rules and Consequences

• Goal Setting

• Problem-Solving

• Dealing with Feelings

• Dealing with Anger

• Accepting Change

• Communicating Effectively

• Understanding Boundaries

• Empathy and Helping Behaviors

Each group includes a lesson covering developmentally specific social skills. The children in the group have a chance to learn, practice, and receive feedback regarding the skills. Group members will also be offered suggestions regarding how they can more effectively interact in and out of the group. The groups include activities and projects designed to engage the girls in a fun yet educational manner.

Modes of Learning Include:

• Activities

• Role-play

• Art

• Stories

• Poems

• Puppets

• Games

• Giving and Receiving Feedback
  

Curriculum Overview

The Social Skills Curriculum is designed to teach social behaviors in a safe and friendly environment. Each lesson provides a model for children to imitate and activities to practice the skills. The approach is based on Structured Learning, a holistic teaching method that provides a framework for systematic teaching of a skill in a way that is similar to academics. The emphasis is to provide alternative behavioral options to increase effective social interactions.

Structured Learning consists of four basic components:

• Modeling

• Role Playing

• Discussion of Performance

• Practice in Real-life Situations

The group format, length of time spent on each topic, and the order in which skills are introduced will depend largely on the needs of the group members.

Many insurances will reimburse for the groups. Sliding scale fee rates also available.

Dr. Jaime Maurella, PsyD, LCPC
Dr. Maurella is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor experienced in providing services to children and adults. Dr. Maurella completed both her Master’s degree and Doctorate degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Undergraduate studies include a double major in Criminal/Social Justice and Psychology, graduating with honors from Lewis University.  Dr. Maurella works with children as young as five, adolescents, and adults. She has advanced clinical training in play therapy, adoption issues, and parenting strategies for parenting difficult children. Her ability to effectively engage children and teens in the counseling process and clinical expertise on unique issues ranging from ADHD to developmental disorders to mood and anxiety disorders makes her a well-qualified therapist with children, adolescents, and families. She has prior experience in working with children in the school setting and is knowledgeable regarding current ‘peer culture’ dynamics.

Referral Process

 

For more information or to initiate an initial consultation for the groups, contact Dr. Maurella at (630) 588-8490 or drmaurella@pathways-psychology.com.

Serving: Naperville • Wheaton • Glen Ellyn • Winfield • West Chicago • Geneva • Bloomingdale • Elmhurst • Villa Park • Lombard  • Aurora • Carol Stream • Elgin • Bartlett • Plainfield • Batavia • Lisle • Downers Grove • St. Charles • Dupage County • Kane County • Will County • Cook County • Illinois

Office Contact and Location:
Pathways Psychology Services
Phone: 630-588-8490
Fax: 630-588-8491
E-mail: drjoe@pathways-psychology.com
27W130 Roosevelt Road, Suite 203
Winfield, IL 60190