Our group services offer a supportive and dynamic space for individuals to build social and emotional skills alongside peers who truly understand. Led by experienced therapists, these groups are designed to help participants navigate challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social connection.
PPA’s Social Group Program offers a safe and engaging environment for children, adolescents, and young adults to develop their social competencies and build meaningful connections with peers. Within this program, we offer two specialized groups tailored to different age groups and developmental stages: the Social Understanding and Relationships Fundamentals (SURF) Group Program and the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Social Skills (PEERS®). Led by our team of highly experienced group facilitators, these groups provide a supportive setting where participants can learn, practice, and refine their social skills.
Social skills are essential for building relationships and thriving as well-rounded individuals. People with strong social skills tend to be more likable and develop a positive self-image. When social skills are lacking, it can lead to peer rejection, isolation, emotional struggles, behavioral issues, and challenges in making friends. While some children develop social skills naturally, others may have the ability but struggle to apply them due to emotional or behavioral barriers. Additionally, children with learning disabilities, sensory integration difficulties, attention difficulties (ADHD), social anxiety, social communication challenges and Autism Spectrum Disorders often need additional training to develop social skills. Our Social Groups, led by experienced therapists, provide a structured and supportive environment for children, adolescents, and young adults to learn and practice these crucial skills. Our group therapists are also available for consultations and individualized support to help participants and their families apply these skills in the natural environment, while addressing other possible areas of concern, such as behavior and family dynamics.
PPA’s SURF (Social Understanding and Relationship Fundamentals) Group Program has been a trusted community partner for over 20 years, providing engaging and impactful social learning experiences for children and adolescents. Using a combination of proven strategies, primarily based on Social Thinking methodology and Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI), our programs provide a dynamic and effective approach to developing and refining social skills. Many families share that their children not only enjoy attending our group programs, but also experience meaningful progress in their social competencies and relationships. Read More ...
PEERS® is a caregiver/social coach-assisted evidence-based social skills intervention designed to help children, adolescents, and young adults develop and maintain friendships. This program includes two groups that run simultaneously, one for the child/adolescent/young adult and the other for the caregiver/social coach. Through structured lessons, demonstrations, and role-plays, participants learn essential social skills, while their caregivers/social coaches are trained to support the use of these skills in everyday life. Read More ...
PPA offers engaging summer programs designed to help children and teens build essential social, emotional, and life skills. Our Intensive Social Skills programs provide children ages 7–14 with hands-on activities like science experiments, cooking, and collaborative projects to strengthen conversation skills, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and self-regulation. For teens entering high school, our High School Life Skills program focuses on fostering independence through real-world skills such as social etiquette, navigating relationships, using public transportation, as well as decision-making for safety and success in the community and online. Programs are offered at our multiple South Florida locations with small group sizes to ensure personalized attention. Join us for a supportive and fun summer learning experience! Read More ...
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