We specialise in supporting children and young people who struggle to communicate in a way that is socially appropriate, safe and effective. We use a range of evidence-based strategies and interventions to maximise every child’s social competence.

Social skills therapy aims for peer group inclusion. The training is a combination of cognitive-behavioural and social learning. It focuses on encouraging attitudes and behaviours which enhance positive social interactions (i.e. prosocial behaviour); and building coping strategies for dealing with peer pressure and bullying. Throughout the sessions, basic social skills are also taught, depending upon the specific social area the child struggles with.

Speech-language therapy addresses challenges with language and communication. It can help people with social communication deficits improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. The overall goal is to help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways. 

Children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties often have underlying language difficulties; difficulty understanding and expressing themselves verbally. Our Speech and Language therapists identify these language difficulties and provide intervention enabling them to understand those around them and promote self-expression.

Children can struggle to find the words to express their thoughts, feelings and concerns. Play therapy is a non-directive intervention which uses play as a medium to process social, emotional and behavioural difficulties as well as upsetting life experiences. The therapist helps the child understand what has happened and develop coping skills to manage themselves in their environment.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is a well-researched talking therapy which can be an effective treatment for a range of emotional health concerns in young people. CBT explores the link between our thoughts, feelings and actions.  The therapist and child work towards addressing unhelpful thoughts and changing unwanted patterns of behaviour. Evidence shows that effective CBT can successfully treat anger management issues, anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder among other things.

Social Skills Group Therapy comprises of small groups of three to six children. Children are grouped by age and ability and intervention includes interactive group activities aimed at developing skills and confidence based on each child’s strengths and weaknesses within a supportive peer environment. Sessions take place weekly for 8-weeks for an hour to 1 1/2 hours. Each 8-week course includes a parent feedback session. All groups are led by 1 professional and 1 assistant. Social skills groups are generally appropriate for children with difficulties in the following areas: autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, ADHD and other social or behavioural difficulties.

We provide specialist teaching for whole classes addressing class dynamics, bullying issues, social skills, building self-awareness/self-esteem and promoting class cohesion.

We provide bespoke INSET/PAD days to increase staff awareness of social, emotional and behavioural development and associated difficulties. Once a year we run training sessions for teachers. This course offers the knowledge, skills and understanding for a teacher to integrate and embed social skills training into his/her general teaching routine.

Our parenting courses run twice yearly and consist of 8 weekly 2 hour sessions.