The following groups are considered some of the "Core Groups" offered at Social Sparks. Additional
specialized and themed groups also run depending on the session and availability and may not be
listed here. Not all groups are offered at both Social Sparks locations. Please call the office for more information.
Play Date: utilizes elements of play therapy and social emotional curriculum to support functional play skills such as sharing and turn-taking. Visuals and other environmental supports are used to nurture social communication. Concepts are introduced through the use of fun games and interactive activities that encourage a deeper understanding of emotions within ourselves and others and how to manage them across settings with a variety of tools and strategies.
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Social Thinkers: utilizes various social-emotional curricula, to target problem-solving, social awareness, perspective-taking, and coping strategies in an inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive manner.
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Game Group: utilizes Social Sparks developed curriculum to address social skills through gameplay. Group participants learn skills to negotiate, compromise and practice winning and losing in a safe and supportive environment. Specific skills are targeted each week to address emotional regulation and positive peer relationships.
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G.I.R.L.S Group: Girls In Real Life Situations is a group where girls are encouraged to share feelings and struggles as they openly discuss important issues in a safe and supportive environment. They are given the opportunity to feel empowered, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, understand that they are not alone, and learn to make healthy decisions.
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Social Circles: A group developed for tweens and teenagers and loosely based on the Circles Forward curriculum. Social Circles teaches communication strategies to promote a safe space and build healthy peer relationships where everyone can feel connected and respected. While receiving social coaching, participants engage in guided conversations around various topics (coping skills, identity development, interpersonal conflict, school stress, etc.). Social Circles groups promote self-reflection practices, social support-seeking skills, conversation skills, collaborative problem-solving skills, and friendship-building skills.
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DBT Skills Group: DBT (or Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a type of therapy that is effective in helping those who feel emotions intensely. It has been proven to be effective in treating and managing a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal behavior, PTSD, substance use disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Our DBT skills group focuses on four core areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. This group runs in sessions.
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Dungeons & Dragons-Realm of Connections: Together, we'll engage in exciting quests and challenging scenarios where teamwork, effective communication, and empathy reign supreme. Through guided adventures, interactive exercises, and engaging discussions, we'll tackle various social situations and develop a robust toolkit of skills to navigate both in-game and real-world situations. Whether you're an experienced D&D player or a complete newcomer, our group is open to all who seek to level up their interpersonal interactions.
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Sparks on the Move (Therapeutic Movement Group): focuses on supporting children and youth in increasing self-regulation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills in a naturalistic setting through play and fitness. Participants will be able to practice these skills through activities that resemble everyday life situations, which supports generalization outside of the therapeutic environment. Movement groups will meet in sessions for 8 weeks at a time. Following each session families will meet individually with group clinicians to discuss progress and next steps as needed.
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Tween Esteem: utilizes various curricula to address the new adventures on the road to becoming a teenager along with the rules and expectations of friendships, self-regulation, perspective taking, self-advocacy, and building and fostering independence. Problem-solving skills are explored and practiced.
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Teen Esteem: utilizes a variety of curricula including CBT-based therapeutic activities to build self-esteem and social skills through interactive activities. The group focuses on building a community where participants can feel supported, safe, and heard.
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Young Adult/Adult: this group was developed for participants ages 18 and older who are navigating the complex world of adulthood. This transition can be overwhelming and often feels isolating for many. In this supportive setting, group members can comfortably discuss important aspects of adulthood including seeking and maintaining employment, balancing a social life, self-care, independence, and dating and relationships. Group members will be given access to information and resources that will support them in meeting their individual goals as well as opportunities to share successful strategies and experiences.
This group may include community outings as scheduled by the group clinician.
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Adult Group: The group is an overall health and well-being group whereby the focus is on the following areas of health: physical health, spiritual health, mental health, social health, environmental health, occupational health, and financial health.
Lincoln Clubs
$15 Thursdays 4:00-5:00 pm for Thursday night Teen/Young Adult participants
$15 Fridays 6:30- 7:30 pm for Friday night Teen/Young Adult participants
$15 Saturdays 11:15-12:15 pm for Tween Esteem participants
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South County Clubs
$15 Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm for Young Adult participants
$15 Fridays 6:30- 7:30 pm for Teen/Young Adult participants
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Activities include center and community-based events such as karaoke, movies, going out to eat, arts & crafts, arcade, bowling, and more! Contact the office to inquire about joining and for more information about upcoming events at 401-475-0653, info@socialsparksri.com.
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