There is a new (not so new) approach to assist children, teens and adults to help build social competence.
Initially developed by Daniel B Legoff to address communication difficulties for children in the Autism Spectrum, it is now used to assist children with other mental health conditions.
In his book LEGO-Based Therapy, Legoff says "Similarly, children with other mental health conditions or social learning problems (e.g. anxiety disorders, social adjustment difficulties, stigma, childhood abuse/neglect/trauma, social isolation, physical or sensory disabilities) are also often resistant to participating in group activities with peers (Christophersen and Mortweet 2001): Garber,Garber and Spizman, 1993; Kendall and Hedtke, 2006). Often this has been due to anxiety about or unfamiliarity with peer group social situations, and the inherent demands for social competence in those situations (Rapee and Heimberg 1997).
The "LEGO Club" model was developed largely because of the interest and motivation to participate shown by these children who might otherwise be resistant or aloof in social situations with peers" (Legoff et al. 2014).
Playful Healing Therapy saw the need to improve and offer new therapeutic approaches to our cohort of clients and identified LEGO-Based Therapy as one of the best options therapy tools to assist with motivation to participate and interact with peers.
LEGO-Based Therapy is structured, and all participants have a role in the play. It is important to highlight that individual therapy continues alongside the joint sessions, allowing for reviews, practicing and rehearsing skills and problem-solving strategies. (Legoff 2014).
Playful Healing Therapy is already working with LEGO-based therapy and soon will be offering weekly group sessions. It is another opportunity to provide your child with the skills they need to increase their relationship skills, manage anxiety and make friends.
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