{"id":2676,"date":"2026-04-06T18:40:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:40:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bcsnygroup.com\/group-therapy\/?p=2676"},"modified":"2026-04-06T18:49:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:49:22","slug":"self-advocacy-social-skills-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bcsnygroup.com\/group-therapy\/self-advocacy-social-skills-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Advocacy & Social Skills Group"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Self-Advocacy & Social Skills Group<\/span><\/span><\/h3>

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

This group supports neurodivergent adults in building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through practical life skills and guided social interaction.<\/p>\n

The focus is on real-world application<\/strong>, helping members navigate friendships, dating, employment, and independent living while practicing communication and self-advocacy in a supportive, low-pressure environment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

What Members Will Gain<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Confidence in social and community settings<\/li>\n
  • Skills for building friendships and navigating dating<\/li>\n
  • Improved communication and understanding of social cues<\/li>\n
  • Practical knowledge about jobs, money, and housing<\/li>\n
  • Increased independence and self-advocacy skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The Roadmap: 8-Week Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Week 1 \u2013 Getting Comfortable + Starting Conversations<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Focus:<\/strong> Group safety + basic social initiation<\/p>\n

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

      Week 2 \u2013 Reading Body Language<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Focus:<\/strong> Understanding nonverbal communication<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Eye contact, tone, posture<\/li>\n
      • Signs someone is interested, uncomfortable, or disengaged<\/li>\n
      • Personal space and boundaries<\/li>\n
      • Practice: identifying cues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Week 3 \u2013 Friendship & Dating<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Focus:<\/strong> Building and navigating relationships<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Difference between friendships and romantic relationships<\/li>\n
        • How relationships develop over time<\/li>\n
        • Boundaries, consent, and respect<\/li>\n
        • Managing expectations and rejection<\/li>\n
        • Red flags vs green flags<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Week 4 \u2013 Breaking Social Anxiety & Overthinking<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Focus:<\/strong> Internal barriers to connection<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Common thoughts that block social interaction<\/li>\n
          • Overthinking and fear of judgment<\/li>\n
          • Simple grounding and confidence strategies<\/li>\n
          • Reframing mistakes in social situations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Week 5 \u2013 Job Readiness<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Focus:<\/strong> Employment skills<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Identifying strengths and interests<\/li>\n
            • Basics of resumes (simple, accessible format)<\/li>\n
            • Job search strategies<\/li>\n
            • Interview basics (what to say, what to expect)<\/li>\n
            • Practice: answering simple interview questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Week 6 \u2013 Money Management<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Focus:<\/strong> Financial independence<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Needs vs wants<\/li>\n
              • Basic budgeting<\/li>\n
              • Spending in social situations<\/li>\n
              • Avoiding financial pressure or scams<\/li>\n
              • Making safe financial choices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Week 7 \u2013 Housing & Independent Living<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Focus:<\/strong> Preparing for living independently<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Overview of housing options:<\/li>\n
                • OPWDD supports<\/li>\n
                • DOH resources<\/li>\n
                • Other public assistance programs<\/li>\n
                • What you need to live<\/li>\n
                • Independently:<\/li>\n
                • Budgeting<\/li>\n
                • Daily routines<\/li>\n
                • Responsibilities<\/li>\n
                • Understanding readiness and support needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Week 8 \u2013 Self-Advocacy & Moving Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  Focus:<\/strong> Speaking up and applying skills<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Asking for help appropriately<\/li>\n
                  • Communicating needs and preferences<\/li>\n
                  • Navigating services and support<\/li>\n
                  • Setting personal goals<\/li>\n
                  • Review + next steps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>
                    <\/div>
                    <\/div><\/div>