Older Kids Group Therapy

Ages 6-9

Real conversations. Real progress. A space to speak up, mess up, and try again.

The Older Kids Group is designed for children in early elementary school who are starting to use their voice more but still face blocks—at school, in social settings, or around unfamiliar people. Some whisper. Some freeze. Some wait until the moment’s already passed. We help them break that cycle.

Each 90-minute, in-person session supports brave talking through structured exposure practice and peer interaction. Kids work on goals like responding out loud in class, greeting peers at recess, sharing ideas during a group project, or ordering food at a restaurant. Every goal is personal. Every success is tracked.

The group model lets kids stretch their speaking skills with the right amount of challenge. It also helps them realize they’re not the only one who struggles. That alone changes the game.

Parents receive regular updates and specific coaching to help progress stick outside the room.

SESSION OPTIONS

This 90-minute, in-person group is designed for children ages 6 to 9. We offer one weekly meeting times for parents to choose from:

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Cost: $300 / session

in-person 

Location: 330 W 58th St
New York, NY 10019

Every session includes a mix of whole-group activities, peer-to-peer speaking opportunities, and individualized exposure tasks. We might set up a classroom game where kids take turns answering questions, a collaborative craft with speaking built into the instructions, or a roleplay where kids practice making requests or starting conversations.

We keep the group size small. That way, each child gets enough attention to work on their specific goals while still benefiting from the group dynamic. Activities stay age-appropriate and flexible, with plenty of repetition to help new skills stick.

Progress happens in little steps like raising a hand, saying a word, or speaking in front of peers. Those small wins build momentum.

Interested in registering?

Fill out a quick form and we’ll be in touch to talk more about your child, your goals & the next steps for joining the group.

Apply here

FAQs

  • This group is for children ages 6 to 9 who experience selective mutism or social anxiety. Most kids in this group speak comfortably at home but have difficulty using their voice in places like school, extracurriculars, or public settings.

  • Yes. Children in this group should be able to speak in at least one setting, even if it’s only with close family at home. We’ll talk during the intake about whether group is the right starting point or whether individual or intensive support might come first.

  • No. While kids do socialize and make peer connections, the structure is therapeutic. The goal is to support exposure-based speaking practice using real-life scenarios and evidence-based methods.

  • No. But parents play an active role behind the scenes. We provide coaching between sessions to help you support brave talking at home, during playdates, or at school events.

  • We’ll schedule a brief intake and orientation session. This helps us understand your child’s current speaking patterns and build a starting plan for their first group session.