Group therapy provides children a safe environment to practice skills and techniques learned in individual sessions. They allow therapists to identify and focus on key areas of challenge and strength in a social setting that we may not otherwise have an opportunity to observe.

Some of the things we work on in our groups include:

• Social confidence
• Using the right language, body language and gestures
• Making and keeping friends
• Attention and concentration
• Awareness of others
• Dealing with feelings
• Perspective taking
• Group participation and turn taking
• Resilience
• Negotiating social situations
• Reading body cues
• Following directions
• Problem solving and reasoning
• Sensory and motor skills

HOW DO I ENROL MY CHILD IN A GROUP?

If you are interested in groups or your therapist has recommended you consider a group for your child, please complete an Expression of Interest form available at reception, or give us a call to discuss further. If you are new to our practice, you will meet with a therapist to set goals and decide which group is best suited to your child.

Playmates (ages 3-5)

This group focuses on enriching social skills, playing with others, sensory and motor skills, attending and following directions and motor skill development.

School Readiness Group (For children commencing Prep the following year)

Our specially developed group program is perfect for children needing a little extra support and practice with:

• Paying attention and listening at mat time
• Following instructions in the classroom or playground
• Understanding the rules
• Making friends
• Interacting with peers confidently
• Expressing him/herself clearly

Social Dyads (Ages 3+)

Intensive social skills-based program for children who require practice with a peer, without the larger group setting. The therapist guides and supports two children in play to help further develop play and social  skills.

My Buddies (Prep – Grade 2)

A vibrant, fun group for children who have difficulty negotiating social situations, including children experiencing general anxiety, or difficulties with social interaction, attention or developing a robust sense of self.

A group designed to help kids navigate social situations in a natural setting.  Lots of opportunities to learn practical skills and practice these with their peers, focusing on negotiation, problem-solving, recognising and appreciating differences in others, compromising, reading subtle social messages and conflict management.

Yoga Classes (Ages 3-5 & 6+)

The newest addition to our groups!  Join us in this kid-friendly, fun and engaging group to work on attention, concentration, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, language and listening.  All classes are run by our skilled therapists, certified in kid’s yoga training. Classes are run weekly, throughout the year.

Lidcombe Group (Ages 3-6)

An ongoing group (join when you want/need) for children who stutter. These groups provide an opportunity to practice smooth speech skills with parents, under the guidance of an experienced therapist. Our Lidcombe groups are the first of their kind in Victoria and offer a flexible and cost-effective option for families.

Music Therapy Groups 

Our varied Music Therapy programs offer a different approach to therapy, through music.  Focussing on social skills, language, listening skills, turn-taking and motor skills, kids engage through a variety of musical experiences, from listening through to playing instruments.  We offer three different groups:  Music & Me (0-2 years); Preschool of Rock (3-5 years); Jamming Sidekicks (6-9 years) run on a term-by-term basis.