Group Therapy

• Exploring and understanding the self – This is a time for exploring one’s likes and dislikes that start to define the choices made, areas of interest, and level of motivation. This is a middle ground where children are encouraged to make decisions within set boundaries. These boundaries are set by teachers and parents. Some children fixate on certain interests and have low motivation for anything outside of those. Other children struggle with making choices and may be overwhelmed, leading to withdrawal, uncertainty, and insecurity. It is important for children to start creating a clear understanding within this process of self-identity, which creates a foundation for solidification of the same in adolescence.
• Expanding Moral Reasoning -Moral reasoning is primarily defined by people of authority in the early stages of development. With increasing independence and understanding of multiple perspectives, differences in moral reasoning can be seen at this age. It is important for children to define their own moral spectrum and find their space within their peer group as well as society. It is important to start coping and accepting opposing moral spectrums.
• Fantasy and reality -This is often a period of transition from imaginative fantasy to more realistic versions of the same. It is important to hold on to creative possibilities and cope with the disappointment of lost fantasy. This helps create a foundational understanding of acceptance of realistic possibilities while being motivated to sustain the possibility of creative ones.
• Peer roles -Peer interactions start to change at this time. With clarity in self-preferences, there is more conflict between peers with different preferences. There are two elements to be focused on: first, accepting others with different preferences, and second, coping with the lack of acceptance that may come from being different.
• Making connections through the Pandemic -Touch, play, and sharing are some elements of interactions that have been impacted by social distancing . The caution and level of worry about being outdoors has further reinforced a screen culture that the younger generation was already leaning towards. Encouraging children to explore and connect within this new capacity may open to possibilities of making connections within the new normal.
• Parent-child interactions -The pattern of interaction and communication starts to change during this period. There tends to be higher expectations and less tolerance for deviation. Finding a balance that allows for continuous development of creativity within set boundaries can help solidify the bond between parent and child, and help them understand each other better as well.

If you’d like to know more about our group therapy program, you can call the Cambridge Medical Centre on: +971 4 554 3245, or alternatively, you can book online by clicking here.