MCC OFFERS ONGOING GROUPS, (WHEN POSSIBLE) FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, AGES 8 TO 12 YEARS, COMPRISED OF UP TO 4 MEMBERS EACH.
THE GROUPS MEET ONCE A WEEK FOR 50 MINUTES
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE GROUPS
- The 8 to 12 year old age range is generally a playful time when children are eager to engage in social activities that are mentally and physically exciting. This involves skills of cooperation, flexibility, frustration tolerance, listening and effective communication.
- Children often need to learn skills of effectively dealing with teasing and bullying. Many children need to rehearse various responses to teasing, practice being assertive, without being overly selfish or boorish, and know when to report problems to adults.
- Entering the middle school years presents new developmental challenges. Adolescents need a firm foundation of social skills as the gravity of the peer group, in terms of its power and influence in their lives, increases tremendously. A primary concern becomes what peers think of them, in relation to how they feel about themselves. A group counseling situation offers a platform for peers to process their concerns about identity and social role, and to practice relationship skills.
- A major function of all the groups is to facilitate a deep sense of trust among the participants, which allows children to take the risks involved in sharing feelings and giving and receiving honest, constructive feedback.
Please call if you might be interested.
Mark Dodd, LCSW
(973) 783-6977 ext. 33
