Self-Advocacy & Social Skills Group

Self-Advocacy & Social Skills Group

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP
Facilitated by: Kevin Martinez, LCSW
Start: Friday, April 17th, @ 6:00pm
Duration: Weekly, for 8 weeks

This group supports neurodivergent adults in building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through practical life skills and guided social interaction.

The focus is on real-world application, helping members navigate friendships, dating, employment, and independent living while practicing communication and self-advocacy in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

What Members Will Gain

Confidence in social and community settings
Skills for building friendships and navigating dating
Improved communication and understanding of social cues
Practical knowledge about jobs, money, and housing
Increased independence and self-advocacy skills

The Roadmap: 8-Week Structure

Week 1 – Getting Comfortable + Starting Conversations

Focus: Group safety + basic social initiation

Icebreakers (structured, low pressure)
Group expectations (respect, boundaries, participation options)
How to start conversations (simple, realistic ways)
Reading basic interest/disinterest
Practice: conversation starters

Week 2 – Reading Body Language

Focus: Understanding nonverbal communication

Eye contact, tone, posture
Signs someone is interested, uncomfortable, or disengaged
Personal space and boundaries
Practice: identifying cues

Week 3 – Friendship & Dating

Focus: Building and navigating relationships

Difference between friendships and romantic relationships
How relationships develop over time
Boundaries, consent, and respect
Managing expectations and rejection
Red flags vs green flags

Week 4 – Breaking Social Anxiety & Overthinking

Focus: Internal barriers to connection

Common thoughts that block social interaction
Overthinking and fear of judgment
Simple grounding and confidence strategies
Reframing mistakes in social situations

Week 5 – Job Readiness

Focus: Employment skills

Identifying strengths and interests
Basics of resumes (simple, accessible format)
Job search strategies
Interview basics (what to say, what to expect)
Practice: answering simple interview questions

Week 6 – Money Management

Focus: Financial independence

Needs vs wants
Basic budgeting
Spending in social situations
Avoiding financial pressure or scams
Making safe financial choices

Week 7 – Housing & Independent Living

Focus: Preparing for living independently

Overview of housing options:
OPWDD supports
DOH resources
Other public assistance programs
What you need to live
Independently:
Budgeting
Daily routines
Responsibilities
Understanding readiness and support needs

Week 8 – Self-Advocacy & Moving Forward

Focus: Speaking up and applying skills

Asking for help appropriately
Communicating needs and preferences
Navigating services and support
Setting personal goals
Review + next steps

Name *

First

Last

Phone *

Email *

Address

Address Line 1

City

State

Zip Code

You are, or have previously been a BCS Counseling client: *

Yes, currently a client
Yes, previously a client
No

You are interested in the following support group: (You may only join 1 group at a time.) *

I have a question:

When is the best time to call you? (between 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri) *

It will be about a 10 minute intake call, to collect all information needed to confirm suitability for the group.

Insurance Details: Provider / Plan / Number: *

Please state N/A if self pay.

Group facilitated by
Kevin Martinez LCSW

I have worked with diverse populations including individuals with developmental disabilities, substance abuse and mental health concerns, dual diagnoses, and have extensive experience serving the LGBTQ+ community.

I provide therapy services to clients across the lifespan in both individual and group settings. I employ a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic approach that emphasizes helping clients feel heard and understood. I specialize in Strength-Based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and spiritual therapy, tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. I take time to collaborate with clients in understanding their concerns before developing treatment strategies.

My additional expertise in Motivational Interviewing supports short-term, goal-focused counseling that empowers clients to create meaningful change in their lives. I have been providing compassionate mental health services since earning my MSW in 2016, with over a decade of experience in the human services field.