THE FRIENDSHIP HOUR : SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING
A.What is the “Friendship Hour”?
The Friendship Hour is a unique and comprehensive therapy-based program that has been developed from over a decade of research and experience by Miriam Ahuva Schecter, LCSW-C . It is a step by step training program that focuses on the “complete child”, incorporating techniques that strengthen social behaviors, cognitive thought processes and social/emotional awareness.
Miriam Ahuva Schecter has treated hundreds of children and has witnessed tremendous growth and success. The children love the “Friendship Hour” and look forward to their sessions each week. In addition, teachers and parents have reported that they clearly noticed an increase in self-confidence and social development!
The program consists of five levels which address the fundamental social skill building blocks. They are:
1. Self -Esteem/ Listening skill- This level focuses on the foundational skill of listening. We teach the client how to listen to their own “inner voice” and then how to listen to others. This level is the very foundation of social and emotional well-being.
2. Expressive communication/ Conversational skills-This level teaches the fine art of communication, which is pivotal in all relationships.
3. Emotional awareness skills-This level strengthens the client’s “feeling vocabulary” fostering greater emotional awareness as well as teaching anger management techniques.
The Friendship Hour is a unique and comprehensive therapy-based program that has been developed from over a decade of research and experience by Miriam Ahuva Schecter, LCSW-C . It is a step by step training program that focuses on the “complete child”, incorporating techniques that strengthen social behaviors, cognitive thought processes and social/emotional awareness.
Miriam Ahuva Schecter has treated hundreds of children and has witnessed tremendous growth and success. The children love the “Friendship Hour” and look forward to their sessions each week. In addition, teachers and parents have reported that they clearly noticed an increase in self-confidence and social development!
The program consists of five levels which address the fundamental social skill building blocks. They are:
1. Self -Esteem/ Listening skill- This level focuses on the foundational skill of listening. We teach the client how to listen to their own “inner voice” and then how to listen to others. This level is the very foundation of social and emotional well-being.
2. Expressive communication/ Conversational skills-This level teaches the fine art of communication, which is pivotal in all relationships.
3. Emotional awareness skills-This level strengthens the client’s “feeling vocabulary” fostering greater emotional awareness as well as teaching anger management techniques.
4. Flexibility skills- This level focuses on flexibility vs. rigidity, helping the client to “think out of the box” (reduce “black and white“/ “all or nothing” thinking) as well as building the client’s creativity and problem solving skills.
5. Assertiveness Training- This level builds assertiveness, teaches conflict resolution skills, and offers the client techniques and support on managing bullying and teasing.
B. Social Skills/ Group Therapy Program:
The Social skills group therapy program is an interactive experience that offers the child a wonderful opportunity to practice and strengthen his/ her social skills. The program activities are truly unique. To list a few: Sandplay Therapy, Art Therapy, Psychodrama, and Bibliotherapy. Groups consist of four to six children to ensure effectiveness.
C.Who is a good candidate for the “Friendship Hour” program?
The “Friendship Hour” program is an effective program for both children with clinical diagnosis as well as mainstream children with mild social weaknesses.
1. Some examples of clinical diagnosis are: Social Anxiety, Aspergers, ADD/ADHD, ODD, OCD, ED, Bipolar and Depression etc.
2. Children with mild social weaknesses: Examples are:
D. Initial Evaluation: First, all clients need to have an initial evaluation to determine if this is the right treatment program or not. I will meet with the parents for 1⁄2 an hour and get a history of the child’s social development. I will then conduct a social play assessment with the child during the second 1⁄2 hr. of the session.
Intake Fee: $300: 1 hr. session
E. Individual or Group Therapy Program:
Depending on the social readiness of the child parents will be notified as to which is the best starting point for the child: individual or group therapy. Each individual/group therapy program consists of eight sessions; six child sessions and two parent sessions. After each level, I will evaluate the child’s strengths and weaknesses and inform the parents if there is a need to repeat a level or if the child is ready for the next level. The five levels are hierarchal and build upon one another. Completing all five levels of the program will ensure generalization of social skills and allow the child to make concrete and noticeable changes in his/her social development. You can join one level or the entire program. Each level is an investment in your child's future.
Each program has an array of exciting, creative and fun exercises to keep the child highly motivated as they develop their social skills. Groups are kept small to ensure effectiveness.
Fee: $100 - 55 minute session
To Schedule an initial evaluation click on the contact button above.
5. Assertiveness Training- This level builds assertiveness, teaches conflict resolution skills, and offers the client techniques and support on managing bullying and teasing.
B. Social Skills/ Group Therapy Program:
The Social skills group therapy program is an interactive experience that offers the child a wonderful opportunity to practice and strengthen his/ her social skills. The program activities are truly unique. To list a few: Sandplay Therapy, Art Therapy, Psychodrama, and Bibliotherapy. Groups consist of four to six children to ensure effectiveness.
C.Who is a good candidate for the “Friendship Hour” program?
The “Friendship Hour” program is an effective program for both children with clinical diagnosis as well as mainstream children with mild social weaknesses.
1. Some examples of clinical diagnosis are: Social Anxiety, Aspergers, ADD/ADHD, ODD, OCD, ED, Bipolar and Depression etc.
2. Children with mild social weaknesses: Examples are:
- A child who has trouble initiating and/or maintaining friendships.
- A child who is highly sensitive or overly shy.
- A child who is intense and has a hard time managing his/her anger or other emotions.
- A child who bullies or is controlling and bossy.
- A child that is being teased or picked on.
- A child who has a hard time following authority or instructions.
- Sibling rivalry issues- (Difficult family dynamics).
D. Initial Evaluation: First, all clients need to have an initial evaluation to determine if this is the right treatment program or not. I will meet with the parents for 1⁄2 an hour and get a history of the child’s social development. I will then conduct a social play assessment with the child during the second 1⁄2 hr. of the session.
Intake Fee: $300: 1 hr. session
E. Individual or Group Therapy Program:
Depending on the social readiness of the child parents will be notified as to which is the best starting point for the child: individual or group therapy. Each individual/group therapy program consists of eight sessions; six child sessions and two parent sessions. After each level, I will evaluate the child’s strengths and weaknesses and inform the parents if there is a need to repeat a level or if the child is ready for the next level. The five levels are hierarchal and build upon one another. Completing all five levels of the program will ensure generalization of social skills and allow the child to make concrete and noticeable changes in his/her social development. You can join one level or the entire program. Each level is an investment in your child's future.
Each program has an array of exciting, creative and fun exercises to keep the child highly motivated as they develop their social skills. Groups are kept small to ensure effectiveness.
Fee: $100 - 55 minute session
To Schedule an initial evaluation click on the contact button above.