Practice San Francisco Launches Social Skills Group for 3rd-5th Grade Girls to Build Healthy Friendships and Social Confidence
SAN FRANCISCO — Jan. 3, 2025 — Practice San Francisco is launching a new Social Skills Group for 3rd to 5th-grade students who identify as girls, designed to help children build meaningful friendships, navigate complex social interactions, and strengthen essential social skills. Created and led by Alana Wolens, LCSW, the program uses evidence-based strategies and interactive activities to provide a structured environment where students can develop confidence and social intelligence.
The group is divided into two five-week sessions, giving families the flexibility to choose one or both based on their child’s needs and interests:
Part 1: Building Positive Friendships focuses on helping participants understand and cultivate healthy and authentic relationships.
Part 2: Navigating Social Challenges equips participants with practical tools to manage tricky social situations, resolve conflicts, and repair friendships effectively.
"I developed our Social Skills curriculum to address the real challenges many of my clients face: building connections with others and cultivating meaningful relationships. Friendships are a vital part of development. This group is designed to provide every girl with the skills and tools to define what they want from their peer relationships and effectively navigate the more complex aspects of social dynamics. My goal is for each participant to leave the group feeling more confident in themselves," said Alana Wolens, LCSW (CA LCSW 117908).
Throughout the sessions, participants will engage in role-play, group discussions, games, and reflection exercises to reinforce key concepts in a supportive and collaborative environment. These activities introduce the science of connection and practical techniques like reflective listening, effective communication, and empathetic conflict resolution.
“Social skills are the foundation of emotional and psychological growth, helping children navigate relationships, build self-confidence, and develop empathy. For 3rd to 5th-grade girls, a social skills group offers a safe space to practice communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, empowering them to connect with others and manage the complexities of social interactions with resilience and understanding,” said Molly McCobb, LCSW (CA LCSW 98584), Director of Group Programs at Practice San Francisco.
This program aligns with Practice San Francisco’s mission of supporting families through life’s transitions and challenges by equipping children and teens with essential skills for success.
Dr. Nina Kaiser, licensed psychologist (CA PSY 22555) and founder of Practice San Francisco, notes, “Research tells us that mental health relies on foundational skills that we can all learn and practice. Our team’s mission consequently revolves around providing evidence-based and developmentally attuned programs that help children, teens, and their families build the skills that supports long term mental health and well-being. Our new social skills programs offer another practical and skill-focused way for families to support their kids’ growth and resilience.”
Parents seeking a safe and engaging opportunity for their children to grow socially will find this group an ideal fit. With year-round enrollment and a rotating schedule, families can choose to enroll their child in either Part 1, Part 2, or both—no prerequisites required. This flexibility allows participants to join at any time and tailor their experience to their needs.
For more information or to register, please visit https://www.practicesanfrancisco.com/all-programs/by-program-name/social-skills or contact Practice San Francisco at hello@practicesanfrancisco.com.
About Practice San Francisco
Practice San Francisco is a family-focused mental health and wellness practice with locations in San Francisco and Mill Valley. We provide evidence-based clinical and assessment services, as well as educational programs, to support the mental health and well-being of children, teens, young adults, and parents.
Our mission is to help families navigate life’s challenges by fostering resilience through skills, strategies, and community-based support.
