Business Details
Social Skills Groups for Children in Southfield, MI
Open Doors Learning Center has dedicated over two decades to empowering children and adolescents through structured social skills development. Founded by Nicole Pollack, LMSW, CSW, our program combines evidence-based techniques with personalized support for individuals facing social communication challenges, ADHD, and learning differences. Our weekly sessions utilize role-play, goal setting, and creative activities to foster emotional resilience and peer connection.With expertise rooted in clinical social work and education, we provide tailored group experiences that address self-esteem, bullying prevention, and family dynamics. Our approach emphasizes practical skill-building for managing anger, impulsivity, and problem-solving while offering weekly progress summaries to families. By creating safe spaces for expression, we help participants navigate social complexities and build foundational life skills.
Services
Social Skills Groups
Anger Management
Bullying Prevention
Communication Training
Self-Esteem Building
Family Dynamics Support
Impulse Control
Problem-Solving Skills
Coping Strategies
Social Cues Training
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized experience in child behavioral therapy
- Customized group sessions tailored to participant needs
- Evidence-based techniques for emotional regulation and communication
- Weekly progress summaries for family engagement
- Expertise in supporting children with autism and ADHD
Services
Social Skills Groups
Structured weekly sessions help children develop essential social competencies through role-play and interactive activities. Participants learn effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation techniques. Our age-grouped format creates safe environments for practicing new skills while addressing individual challenges like autism or ADHD.
Anger Management
Specialized curriculum teaches healthy coping mechanisms for managing frustration and strong emotions. Participants practice breathing techniques, cognitive restructuring, and constructive expression methods. Our approach emphasizes self-awareness and practical application in real-life situations to improve emotional regulation.
Bullying Prevention
Comprehensive program addressing bullying dynamics through peer support and assertiveness training. Children learn to differentiate between aggression and self-advocacy while developing strategies for safe conflict resolution. Group discussions foster empathy and collective problem-solving around social challenges.
Communication Skills
Targeted instruction in verbal and nonverbal communication fundamentals. Participants practice active listening, eye contact maintenance, and conversational initiation techniques. Our sessions emphasize both expressive and receptive communication skills to improve peer interactions and family relationships.
Self-Esteem Building
Therapeutic framework for cultivating positive self-identity through guided self-reflection. Children learn constructive self-talk patterns and goal-setting strategies to enhance self-worth. Activities focus on recognizing personal strengths and developing resilience against negative social influences.
People
Nicole Pollack
Founder
LMSW-certified therapist with 25+ years of experience in child mental health. Holds advanced degrees from University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Specializes in developmental disorders and family systems therapy. Former educator and hospital affiliate with expertise in behavioral interventions.
Questions
What age groups do your social skills groups serve?
We welcome children and adolescents of all ages, with groups organized by developmental stage and specific needs.
What conditions do you specialize in addressing?
Our program supports individuals with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, and social communication challenges.
How long are your group sessions?
Each session lasts one hour, with weekly meetings providing consistent skill development opportunities and progress tracking.
What techniques do you use in your groups?
Our evidence-based approach includes role-play, arts and crafts, guided games, and structured communication exercises tailored to participants' needs.
Do you provide family communication tools?
Yes, we offer weekly group summaries and follow-up recommendations to help families reinforce skills at home.
Where are your groups currently offered?
Our sessions operate at Corewell Children's Center in Southfield, Michigan, with groups forming regularly throughout the year.