Therapy Referrals for Teachers

It can be difficult to know which students are in need of extra assistance. Some instances in which it may be helpful to refer students for play therapy are when:

• They are showing signs of stress or have unusually stressful circumstances
• They are having trouble making or keeping friends
• They are withdrawn or never talk in class
• They have difficulty recovering from a tantrum
• They are overly compliant

I can discuss these issues and more with you to see if she believes that it would be appropriate to refer a particular student for therapy, and if she believes she is not the right fit, I will assist you in finding the right therapist for the child.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be an excellent way to help children develop social skills or focus on other specific areas. It is usually time-limited and less expensive than individual or family therapy.

Building Blocks Social Skills Play Group: Preschool 3–5-yr olds

The preschool years are a critical time for learning to get along with peers and become part of a group. Through group play children learn to better understand the larger world and their place in it. Children who have difficulty getting along with their peers are missing opportunities for learning on many levels. This play group is designed to assist children with mild to moderate problems in one or more of the following areas:

• Shyness/social anxiety
• Impulse control in a group setting
• Bossiness
• Frustration tolerance/ coping skills

Goals of the Group include helping children:

• Feel more confident with peers
• Manage conflicts
• Develop problem solving skills
• Express feelings in an age appropriate manor
• Understand the feelings of others

Children with these skills will be better prepared to learn the most from their preschool years and enter kindergarten ready to function as part of the class.

8-week session: $975. Includes 30 min. intake session for individual child and parent(s), eight 45 min. play group sessions, one 60 min. group parent session, and a 30 min. parent consultation at conclusion of 8 sessions.

Building Blocks Social Skills Play Group: 5–7-yr olds

Social anxiety and difficulty with peers can interfere with a child’s ability to focus on academic learning as they enter elementary school. This group can help them gain confidence in interacting with peers, decrease resistance to following directions and learn to function as part of a classroom community. Through group play, children learn to better understand the larger world and their place in it. Children who have difficulty getting along with their peers are missing opportunities for learning on many levels. This play group is designed to assist children with mild to moderate problems in one or more of the following areas:

• Shyness/social anxiety
• Impulse control in a group setting
• Bossiness
• Frustration tolerance/coping skills

Goals of the Group include helping children:

• Feel more confident with peers
• Manage conflicts
• Develop problem solving skills
• Express feelings in an age appropriate manor
• Understand the feelings of others

8-week session: $975. Includes 30 min. intake session for individual child and parent(s), eight 45 min. play group sessions, one 60 min. group parent session, and a 30 min. parent consultation at conclusion of 8 sessions.