Social Skills Training

What is Social Skills Training?

Social Skills Training is a form of behavior therapy that uses specific methods of learning to teach children social and interpersonal skills that are necessary for success in life. Skills that are taught include conversational skills, and non-verbal communication through facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. Additional skills include active listening, self-control of emotions, and the development of empathy.

How Can Social Skills Training Help My Child?

Social Skills Training has been shown to be helpful in children with shyness, social anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as those dealing with bullying. The benefits of this approach include improved personal well-being and mental health, greater success in school, better career prospects, and stronger interpersonal relationships.

How is Social Skills Training Carried Out?

Social Skills Training is a structured learning approach that teaches children new skills by breaking them down into manageable steps.

The four main components of Social Skills Training are:

Instruction
The therapist provides the child with a clear and concise explanation of the desired skill or behavior.

Modeling
The therapist demonstrates the correct way to perform the desired skill or behavior, allowing the child to observe and understand the expectations.

Practice
The child practices the skill or behavior, receiving guidance and support from the therapist. There may be behavioral homework assignments in which the child practices skills between sessions.

Feedback
The therapist provides the child with constructive feedback, praising the aspects that were done well, and pointing out areas that need improvement.

Social Skills Training often takes place in real-life community settings, as well as in the child’s home and therapist’s office. For many children, desirable results can be achieved in one or two sessions per week. Children can be helped individually or in groups.