2019 DATES TBD 

Start Dates: 9/28/17
Cost: $20 per group, $200 for series of 8 groups - we encourage you to enroll for a series as it allows children to bond with each other and go through a meaningful process.

 

Note: An intake packet will be emailed to you upon registration, please fill it out and return it prior to your child starting the group. If you wish to use your child's health insurance for this group, please provide their health insurance information on the form, which you can email back at securececile@artrelief.com. We will be contact with you upon receipt of this information to set up and appointment.

​

The focus of the Expressive Arts Friendship Clubs are socialization for children (8-12 years old) who need an extra place to learn and practice social skills. We believe social competency is a continuum, and each child will be able to build and expand on their natural abilities. 

​

Conducted by an Expressive Arts Therapist/Licensed mental Health Counselor and student interns, the curriculum goals of the Expressive Arts Friendship Groups are to provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere where children can define and recognize social skills, explore social roles, experience social interaction, receive and give feedback and learn new ways to respond socially. Some of the skills highlighted are: Entering and interrupting play and conversation, communicating and negotiating ideas, body awareness, self-advocating needs in a group, respecting other people's needs, developing a group mind. This group draws from visual art, as well as musical, theatre and movement games.

​

Group activities are structured to provide extra support for children with difficulties in the following areas: non verbal learning disabilities (pragmatics), social cognition, sensory integration, attachment, and anxiety. This groups includes any child seeking support with social competency, with or without a medical diagnosis.