Social Skills Training in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Social Skills Training helps people learn the “people skills” needed for school, work, and daily life. If you feel left out, misunderstood, or anxious around others, you are not alone—and support can be practical and step-by-step. Our Social Skills Training in Michigan focuses on clear tools you can practice, not just “trying harder.” It can help kids, teens, and adults who want better friendships, stronger family talks, and more confidence in groups.

Signs You Might Benefit

Social skills are learned skills. Some people need extra coaching because of anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma, depression, learning differences, or long time away from others. You might benefit from Social Skills Training if you notice any of these signs.

• Hard time starting or keeping conversations (not sure what to say, talk too much, or go silent).
• Missing social cues (tone of voice, facial expressions, personal space, turn-taking).
• Feeling rejected or “always the outsider” even when you are trying.
• Conflict with friends, family, or coworkers because messages come out the wrong way.
• Strong social anxiety before parties, meetings, school, or group work.
• Problems with flexibility (getting stuck, arguing, or melting down when plans change).
• Bullying or being taken advantage of because it is hard to spot unsafe or unfair behavior.
• Work or school feedback like “your tone is rude” or “you need to be more of a team player.”

Benefits can show up in many areas of life:

• More confidence in social settings
• Better friendships and healthier boundaries
• Clearer communication (speaking, listening, and repair after mistakes)
• Improved emotion control during stress
• Stronger school and work success (teamwork, feedback, problem-solving)

Evidence-Based Approach

Our approach is structured and practical. We teach skills, practice them, and then use them in real life. We choose methods based on your goals, your strengths, and what research supports.

Skills coaching with practice and feedback

Many people understand social rules in their head, but cannot use them in the moment. Sessions include direct teaching, modeling, role-play, and kind, specific feedback. This “practice with coaching” style is supported in social skills work, especially for autism and related needs.

Research note: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes autism as involving differences in social communication and interaction, and structured supports can help improve day-to-day functioning (NIH, National Institute of Mental Health).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools for social anxiety

If fear or worry blocks your social life, we may use CBT to help you notice unhelpful thoughts, test them, and build coping plans. CBT is a well-studied therapy for anxiety and can reduce avoidance so your new skills can “stick.” The American Psychological Association (APA) notes CBT is an evidence-based treatment used for many concerns, including anxiety.

Emotion regulation and coping skills

Social situations can feel big and fast. We may teach calming tools, body cues, and “pause plans” for frustration, worry, or overwhelm. This can help reduce shutdowns, outbursts, or leaving situations too soon.

Perspective-taking and problem-solving

We work on understanding different points of view, flexible thinking, and how to solve social problems without blaming or shutting down. We keep it concrete with examples from your real life (school lunchroom, group projects, workplace meetings, dating, or family events).

Parent, caregiver, or partner support (when appropriate)

For children and teens, caregiver coaching can help skills carry over at home. For adults, a partner or trusted support person may join some sessions if you want help practicing in real situations. We only include others with your consent and clear boundaries.

Clinical quality and Michigan standards: Services are provided by clinicians trained to work within Michigan licensing and scope-of-practice standards (such as Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Master Social Workers, and Licensed Psychologists, as appropriate). We follow ethical rules, informed consent, and privacy standards, and we coordinate care when needed.

What to Expect

Starting something new can feel stressful. We try to make the process simple, predictable, and supportive.

Step 1: Intake and goals

Your first visit focuses on understanding you. We ask about your concerns, strengths, history, and what “better social life” would look like for you. If this is for your child, we may ask about school, learning, friendships, and home routines. We may use brief checklists or rating scales to measure progress over time.

Step 2: A clear plan

Together, we pick 2–4 goals that are specific and easy to track, such as:

• Start a conversation using a simple opening line and a follow-up question
• Notice signs someone wants to end a conversation
• Handle teasing with a calm response and a next step
• Practice “repair” after a mistake (“I didn’t mean it that way—can I try again?”)

Step 3: Sessions (individual or group)

Social Skills Training can be done one-on-one or in a small group, depending on your needs and what is available. Sessions often include:

• Skill of the day (simple and specific)
• Practice (role-play, scripts, video or visual supports when helpful)
• Real-life planning (where you will try it this week)
• Review (what worked, what didn’t, and how to adjust)

How long does it take?

Many people notice small wins within a few weeks, especially when they practice between sessions. Some goals take longer, like building friendships, dating skills, or workplace communication. We review progress often and adjust the plan as you grow.

Insurance

We know cost matters. Our office can help you understand benefits and expected costs before you start.

• Copays: Many plans use a set copay per visit (for example, $20–$60), but it depends on your policy.
• Deductibles: If you have a deductible, you may pay the full contracted rate until your deductible is met.
• Coinsurance: Some plans pay a percentage and you pay the rest (like 80/20) after the deductible.
• Medical necessity: Insurance often requires a diagnosis and a treatment plan tied to daily functioning.
• Mental health parity: Many plans must cover mental health benefits in a way that is similar to medical benefits, per parity rules. Coverage still varies, so verification is important.

If you are out-of-network, we can often provide a superbill for you to submit for possible reimbursement. If you are not using insurance, ask about self-pay rates and payment options.

FAQ

Is Social Skills Training only for autism?

No. Social Skills Training can help many people, including those with social anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma history, learning differences, or anyone who missed practice due to isolation or bullying. We tailor the plan to your needs and your goals.

Do you offer group social skills training?

Group training can be helpful because it gives safe, real-time practice with peers. Availability can change based on schedules and age groups. If a group is not a good fit right now, individual sessions can still build strong skills that transfer to real life.

Will you work with my child’s school or doctor?

Yes, with written permission. Care coordination can help everyone use the same language and goals. We can also share general strategies that support classroom behavior, peer interactions, and IEP/504 planning when appropriate.

What if I feel embarrassed talking about social problems?

That feeling is common. We keep the space respectful and practical. You will not be judged. We move at your pace, and we focus on skills you can use right away.

References: American Psychological Association (APA) information on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and evidence-based practice; National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health information on Autism Spectrum Disorder and social communication differences.