Group therapy & social skills groups · Lane Cove
Group Therapy and Social Skills Groups
Some skills are easier to learn with a friend beside you. Taking turns, reading the room, joining in, and bouncing back when things do not go to plan are all things children practise best with others. Our group therapy programs in Lane Cove give children a safe, playful space to build social and everyday skills together, alongside Paediatric Occupational Therapists.
- Members of Occupational Therapy Australia
- Small, supported peer groups
Together is better
Learning and Growing
Together
Our group therapy programs are designed to encourage thinking, playing, laughing and learning together. Through these shared experiences, children practise social skills, group work, emotional regulation, movement, play and coping skills, in a setting that feels more like fun than therapy.
Groups give children something one-to-one sessions cannot: real peers to connect with. In a small, supported group, children can try out new skills, make mistakes safely, and discover that others share similar experiences.
Why it helps
Why Group Therapy Helps
Group programs offer a unique way for children to build skills in the moment they matter most, while interacting with others. Group therapy can help children to:
Build social skills
Practise taking turns, sharing, listening and starting conversations.
Make connections
Experience friendship and a sense of belonging with peers.
Regulate emotions
Learn to recognise and manage feelings alongside others.
Grow in confidence
Try new things in a safe, encouraging environment.
Practise real-life situations
Rehearse everyday social moments in a supported setting.
Our programs
Our Group Programs
We run a range of programs across the year. Some groups run weekly, while
others are intensive holiday programs. Both formats give children the chance
to explore and practise new skills in a safe, supportive space. Here are the
programs we currently offer.
Social Saturdays
A small-group occupational therapy programs designed for children and teenagers from Kindy age through to high school. Groups are tailored by age and stage to support social skills, communication, emotional regulation, confidence, friendships and independence through fun, engaging activities. We also offer a specialised community access and daily living skills group, helping young people build practical life skills and confidence for everyday participation.
School Readiness
A program designed to help young children build the skills and confidence they need for the move to school. Through play-based activities, children work on attention, following routines, group participation and the foundational skills that help them feel ready and settled when school begins.
Playful Pals
Playful Pals is a weekly run group for younger children aged 2.5 - 4 years. Through play-based activities, children are supported to develop early social skills, communication, turn-taking, shared attention, confidence and friendships in a fun, nurturing environment. Our therapists gently guide interactions while helping each child build the foundations for a successful transition to preschool.
Holiday Groups
Intensive, engaging programs that run during the school holidays. Holiday Groups pack plenty of fun into a shorter timeframe, giving children the chance to build social, play and coping skills while connecting with others and enjoying their break.
Program schedule, age ranges, group sizes, session times and intake dates vary from term to term. Get in touch and our team will share what is currently running and help you find the right fit.
Is it the right fit?
Who Group Therapy Is For
Our groups suit children and teens who would benefit from building skills alongside their peers, whether that is making friends, getting ready for school, managing emotions, or simply growing in confidence.
If you are not sure which group is the right fit, our team is happy to talk it through and help you find the best match for your child.
Why families choose us
Why Families Choose OT Kids Academy
Experienced paediatric specialists
Our team focuses on children and teens, and is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia.
Play-based and practical
Skills are built through play and real interaction, so they carry into everyday life.
A neuroaffirming approach
We build on each child's strengths and interests, celebrating who they are.
A purpose-built clinic
Engaging spaces designed for group learning in the heart of Lane Cove.
Small, supportive groups
A safe space where children can try new skills and feel they belong.
We would love to hear from you
Find the Right Group for Your Child
If you think your child would enjoy learning and connecting with others, we would
love to hear from you. Get in touch to ask about our current groups, check
availability, or register your interest, and our friendly team will help you find the
right fit.
Enquire about our groups
Send an enquiry and we will help you find the right group for your child.
Register your interest
Not running right now? Call us on (02) 8040 0876 and we will keep you posted.
Explore our services
See the full range of paediatric OT support we offer.
Group Therapy Questions
Common questions about our groups, programs and getting started. Can't find yours? Our friendly team is happy to talk it through.
What is group therapy for children?
Group therapy brings a small number of children together to build skills alongside their peers, guided by paediatric occupational therapists. Through play and shared activities, children practise social skills, group work, emotional regulation, movement and coping skills in a safe, supportive setting. For many children, learning with others is both effective and enjoyable, because they get to practise real social moments rather than just talk about them.
What social skills groups do you offer for kids?
We currently offer several group programs, including Social Saturdays, School Readiness, Girls Group and Holiday Groups. Some run weekly throughout the term, while others are intensive programs during the school holidays. Each group has its own focus, from building friendships and social skills to preparing for school. If you are unsure which group suits your child, our team can help you find the right match.
How is group therapy different from one-to-one sessions?
One-to-one sessions focus on your child working individually with an occupational therapist on their specific goals. Group therapy adds the element of peers, giving children the chance to practise social and everyday skills in real interactions. Many children benefit from both. Groups are especially helpful for skills like turn-taking, making friends and managing emotions, which are easier to build when other children are involved.
What is a school readiness program?
A school readiness program helps young children build the skills and confidence they need before starting school. Through play-based activities in a group, children practise attention, following routines, participating with others and other foundational skills. The aim is to help your child feel more settled and confident about the move to school. Get in touch for current dates and age ranges for our School Readiness program.
What ages are the group programs for?
Our group programs are designed for different ages and stages, from younger children preparing for school through to older children and teens building social skills. Because each program has its own age range and focus, the best way to find the right fit is to contact our team. We will talk through your child's needs and let you know which current groups would suit them.
Does my child need a diagnosis to join a group?
No. Your child does not need a diagnosis to take part in our group programs. Many families join because they would like their child to build social skills, prepare for school, or grow in confidence alongside peers. If you are wondering whether a group is right for your child, you are welcome to get in touch and we can help you decide.
When do the holiday groups run?
Holiday Groups run during the school holidays as intensive programs, offering plenty of skill-building and fun in a shorter timeframe. Dates, themes and age ranges vary from one holiday period to the next. The best way to find out what is coming up is to contact our team or register your interest, and we will keep you informed about upcoming Holiday Groups.
How do I enrol my child in a group?
Getting started is easy. Contact our reception team by phone, email or through our website to ask about current groups and availability. We will talk through your child's needs, recommend a suitable program, and let you know about intake dates and how to register. If a group is not running right now, we can add you to our list so you hear about the next intake.