In today’s world, social competence is more important than ever for children’s emotional well-being, academic success, and long-term psychological health. Yet, many children struggle to navigate the complex world of social interactions, often feeling nervous, unsure, or confused in peer settings. Rocky Mountain Psychological Services recognises this challenge and offers a Social Skills Group designed specifically to help children build confidence, enhance communication, and develop lasting friendships in a supportive, structured environment.

What Is a Social Skills Group?

A Social Skills Group is a structured, 8-week group-based program for children who may find it difficult to interact effectively with others. It is designed to help kids improve their social interactions at home, at school, and in the community by teaching them essential interpersonal skills.

Unlike informal play or unstructured social playdates, this program offers guided practice, expert facilitation, and personalized goals — all within small groups of 3 to 6 children. Groups meet weekly for 1.5-hour sessions that combine learning, practice, and real-time feedback.

The Goal: Building Skills That Matter

The primary purpose of the Social Skills Group is to help children who struggle with meaningful social interactions grow in confidence and competence. Many children today may feel shy, awkward, or unsure how to start conversations — not because they lack intelligence, but because they haven’t had explicit instruction or practice in social skills. This program meets that need by focusing directly on the behaviours and skills that underlie successful social engagement.

Some of the specific skills children work on include:

• Initiating social interaction with peers

• Problem-solving in social situations

• Understanding non-verbal communication

• Friendship maintenance skills
  These skills are foundational for healthy peer relationships and lay the groundwork for meaningful connections throughout life.

How the Program Works

The Social Skills Group runs over eight consecutive weeks. Sessions are intentionally kept small — typically between 3 and 6 participants — to ensure each child receives individualized attention and opportunities to participate actively.

During each session, trained clinicians guide the children through activities that are not only therapeutic but also engaging and age-appropriate. These may include structured role-playing, guided discussions, modelling of social behaviours, and collaborative games. Because learning social skills happens both cognitively and experientially, the group environment allows children to practice skills with peers in a safe and supportive setting.

There’s also a parent component: while children are in sessions, parents have an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn ways to encourage skill use at home. This holistic involvement helps ensure that what is learned in group sessions transfers into everyday life.

At the end of the program, families receive a written evaluation of progress, summarising the child’s strengths and areas of growth. This helps parents and caregivers understand exactly how their child has benefited and what next steps might be useful.

Age-Appropriate Groups: Tailored Support

Rocky Mountain Psychological Services splits participants into two age groups to ensure that content is developmentally appropriate and relevant:

• Group I: Ages 8–10

• Group II: Ages 10–12
  This grouping allows facilitators to tailor activities to children’s cognitive and emotional development and ensures participants are more comfortable interacting with age-mates.

For example, younger children might focus more on concrete skills such as initiating conversations and basic non-verbal communication, while older children engage in more complex social problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Why Small Group Size Matters

Small group sizes are a key strength of this program. They allow facilitators to:

• Give individualized attention to each child

• Provide immediate feedback and positive reinforcement

• Observe real-time social interactions and gently guide improvements

• Create a sense of safety and trust where every child feels seen and heard

Children often feel more comfortable participating, taking risks, and practicing new skills when they are not lost in a large group — which is why Rocky Mountain Psychological Services keeps group sizes limited.

Real Benefits Beyond the Group

Parents and clinicians alike report that children who complete the Social Skills Group experience real, tangible changes in how they relate to others. Some of the outcomes often seen include:

• Increased confidence in social settings

• Greater willingness to initiate conversation

• Improved emotion regulation in challenging situations

• Stronger problem-solving skills with peers

• Reduced anxiety around peer interactions

Parents often notice these changes both at school and at home — from initiating playdates to handling disagreements more calmly and confidently.

Professional and Supportive Facilitation

The Social Skills Group at Rocky Mountain Psychological Services is facilitated by highly trained mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and understand the unique emotional, social, and developmental challenges they may face. These clinicians bring both clinical expertise and a compassionate approach, ensuring that each child feels safe, respected, and encouraged throughout the program. Their experience allows them to recognize individual strengths as well as areas where additional support may be needed.

During sessions, clinicians use a variety of evidence-based techniques such as role-playing, modelling appropriate social behaviours, guided practice, and structured feedback. These methods help children not only understand social concepts but also apply them in real-life situations. By practicing skills in a supportive group setting, children gain confidence and learn from both facilitators and peers.

Because the program is grounded in well-established psychological research and best practices in child development, families can feel confident that their children are receiving high-quality, effective support. The skills taught are designed to promote long-term growth, helping children navigate social situations successfully well beyond the duration of the program.

Enrollment and Practical Details

The Social Skills Group typically runs on Saturdays from late January through March, meeting weekly. The fee for the full 8-week program is approximately $1,260.00, which is paid in full before the program begins.

Participants are encouraged to register early, as spots are intentionally limited to maintain a small group setting.

Conclusion

In a world where social skills are critical to children’s emotional well-being and overall success, structured programs like the Social Skills Group at Rocky Mountain Psychological Services offer a powerful and much-needed solution. By combining expert clinical guidance, experiential learning, and real-world practice, this program creates a safe and encouraging space where children can grow at their own pace. The small group format, individualized attention, and evidence-based techniques ensure that every child feels supported, understood, and motivated to participate.

Whether a child struggles with initiating conversations, understanding non-verbal cues, managing peer conflicts, or maintaining meaningful friendships, this program provides practical tools that extend far beyond the group sessions. Skills learned here can positively influence a child’s confidence at school, at home, and in social settings for years to come. For parents seeking a thoughtful, professional, and effective way to help their children thrive socially, Rocky Mountain Psychological Services and their Social Skills Group stand out as a trusted and valuable partner.