iFriend

Child and Adolescent Services
iFriend: A social skills group for children ages 8 to 11

Some young children may have trouble making, deepening or keeping friendships with their peers. Perhaps the child is fearful in social situations, or maybe he or she struggles with basic social skills, such as poor body language or difficulty understanding social cues. The inability to make friends and feel comfortable with peers can impact a child’s development and lead to feelings of low self-esteem.

iFriend is a social skills group offered by the Bradley Hospital outpatient department which can help children improve their ability to build and maintain friendships. Designed for children ages 8 to 11, iFriend aims to teach social skills in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. During each session, children participate in an interactive lesson, a practice activity and free play. Topics include steps to improve body language, conversational skills, dealing with teasing and learning how to understand what others are feeling.

Parents meet separately to talk about ways to encourage and enhance social skill development outside of the group setting, such as how to plan a successful play date and tips for increasing self-esteem in children.

"Developing healthy social relationships is an important part of a child's development, and connecting to another child can positively impact self-esteem," said Karyn Horowitz, M.D., director of Bradley Hospital's outpatient department. "If a child doesn't seem to have friendships, or has difficulty engaging with other children at school or in the neighborhood, then parents might want to consider speaking with their pediatrician."

Parent Group Leader: Bev W. Rich, PMHCNS-BC is an advanced practice nurse who has been at Bradley Hospital for more than 20 years.

Child Group Leader: Angela Stewart, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with a specialization in child psychology. 

Contact

For more information or to enroll, call Eunice in Bradley Hospital’s outpatient department at 401-432-1119 or send an email to bradleygroups@lifespan.org.

Bev W. Rich, PMHCNS-BC is an advanced practice nurse who has been at Bradley Hospital for more than 20 years.

Child Group Leader:Angela Stewart, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with a specialization in child psychology.