GROUP PROGRAMS
Group programs offer something unique that individual therapy cannot always provide: a safe, supportive space where children and teens can learn, practise, and grow alongside peers who “get it.” At Affirmative Minds Psychology, our groups are designed to be neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and grounded in evidence-informed practice.
Key Benefits of Group Programs
Real-life social learning
Group spaces allow participants to practise new skills (communication, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, problem-solving) with real peers in real time—something difficult to replicate in one-to-one sessions.
Shared experience and belonging
Being with others who have similar challenges or goals helps children feel less alone. They often say, “Finally someone understands me!” This sense of belonging builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
Safe, supported peer interaction
Our facilitators guide interactions, coach participants through tricky moments, and model helpful communication. This creates a safe, structured environment for learning how to navigate friendships and group dynamics.
Neurodiversity-affirming skill development
We focus on teaching skills in ways that honour each young person’s neurotype—supporting emotional regulation, communication differences, sensory needs, and individual strengths.
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Success within a group—being listened to, contributing ideas, and seeing their efforts recognised—helps participants feel capable and valued.
Cost-effective and accessible
Group programs can reduce the need for weekly individual sessions and offer a more affordable therapeutic option while still providing high-quality support.
Supportive environment for parents
Most programs include parent updates or summary feedback, offering guidance on how to continue supporting skill development at home and school.
See the range of Group Programs offered at Affirmative Minds Psychology Below...
Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS)
Social Skills Program
DOTS and DOTS+ are social play programs developed by Social Play Academy and delivered at Affirmative Minds Psychology by a certified facilitator.
The Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS) is a fun, story-based social learning program designed for children aged 10+. Built around a simplified tabletop role-playing game, DOTS helps children build social confidence, emotional awareness, and peer connection in a safe, neuro-affirming environment.
Each session features targeted social-emotional learning followed by a collaborative fantasy adventure. Participants create their own characters and work together to solve challenges, explore new environments, defeat enemies, and engage with playful but meaningful social tasks—using the skills they’ve just learned.
Dragons of the Spectrum PLUS (DOTS+)
Social Skills Program
The Dragons of the Spectrum PLUS (DOTS+) is a neuro-affirming, role-playing social skills program designed for returning participants who have already completed the original DOTS program. DOTS+ builds upon the core principles of connection, confidence, and collaboration from the DOTS program—while introducing more advanced skills, such as leadership, self-reflection, and peer feedback.
In DOTS+, participants take turns becoming the Game Master, where they plan and lead their own story-driven adventures for the group. Through this playful leadership role, they continue to grow their communication, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation skills in a highly supported and fun format.
Affirmative Minds Psychology
Affirming identities and amplifying voices for a brighter tomorrow.
© 2024. All rights reserved.
Affirmative Minds Psychology is a neuro-affirming psychology clinic in Watsonia, offering counselling, therapy and assessments for children, teens, adults and families. We support clients across Bundoora, Greensborough, Macleod, Rosanna, Heidelberg, Viewbank and Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Services include ADHD assessment, Autism assessment, child psychology, adult psychology, couples counselling, cognitive testing and animal-assisted therapy.
Affirmative Minds Psychology acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and honour their continuing cultural and spiritual connection to the land, waters, and community.
Affirmative Minds Psychology celebrates, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
