In addition, teenagers that are anxious, withdrawn, and have a negative self-image need to learn new skills that improve their ability to establish and maintain positive social relationships.

Through Cognitive-Behavioral approaches that utilize role-modeling techniques, as well as exercises that build self-esteem and friendship skills, young clients become socially engaged in ways that are fun, non-threatening, and rewarding.

Teenagers with special needs, such as Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome, can learn how to appropriately respond to non-verbal social cues, give appropriate contextual facial and vocal expressions, and improve social problem-solving skills.

Social Skills Training focuses on:

• Helping shift unrealistic and critical self-beliefs that contribute to anxiety, social withdrawal, and negative self-image
• Practicing comfortable ways of engaging others positively and with confidence.
• Setting gradual, achievable social goals that reduce apprehension and reinforce success & hope
• Finding healthy, positive peer groups and learning skills to combat peer pressure

• Active listening
• Conversational skills
• Responding appropriately to social cues
• Identifying personal feelings and understanding the emotions of others
• Problem solving for conflict situations
• Compromising, sharing, being a good sport
• Negative thoughts and management of feelings
• Anger and frustration management
• Teasing and bullying