The EPT Clinic’s 10-week social detective programme was designed by Deirdre O’Shea and the EPT Clinic’s Team to support children to develop foundational skills in social emotional competencies such as social observation and social self-awareness. It is based on the Social Thinking ® Methodology and is used in conjunction with the internationally renowned resource You are a Social Detective! by Michelle Garcia Winner and Dr. Pam Crooke. The Social Thinking ® methodology teaches individuals about the social world, how it works and how to navigate to regulate in the social world.

Research has demonstrated that competency in social interaction skills leads to more resiliency, and a decreased risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Therefore, this programme aims to build a foundation of skills that will help your child to interpret, problem solve and respond in social situations. Throughout the weekly sessions, your child will be introduced to the concept of social thinking and how to navigate the social world through the lense of a social detective. Over a period of 8 weeks there will be weekly missions, mysterys and challenges to solve, presented in a fun manner and tailored to the child’s individual profile.

This programme is a language and meta-cognitive based framework suitable for children aged 7-10 years old. Parents will be given guidance on how to support their child to develop social competencies outside of the clinic setting. It is important to note that the EPT clinic’s qualified team of therapists work uniquely with each individual child and their personal social goals. This programme is respectful of individual differences, and at no point will your child be encouraged to develop skills that are not reflective of their authentic selves.

This is an evidence based framework that draws from Cognitive Behavioural approaches and social learning theory, with an emphasis on respecting the autistic perspective within a neurodevelopmental framework.

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• Provides children with a therapeutic space to process worries and challenges
• Provides family access to an experienced, qualified child and adolescent psychotherapist, psychologist or assistant psychologist
• Enables children to understand and control big emotions
• Improves family life

The EPT Clinic’s renowned Emotional Regulation Programme helps children and parents better manage anxieties and upsets at home and in school. When these difficulties persist, they can lead to arguments, outbursts, hurt and disappointment both at home and in school. However, these difficulties can be alleviated with the right support, restoring harmony and fun to a child’s home and school experience.

This programme uses a cognitive – behavioural therapy and somatic psychology approach to teach children how to identify, understand and regulate big feelings and associated behaviours. It also provides parents and/or teachers with a weekly handout, equipping them with one new psychology skill to try out at home or in school each week. Our therapists are happy to link in with parents and school during the course of this programme, ensuring a holistic, family and child centred approach to therapy.

The programme is carried out in a one-to-one setting so as to enable the therapist to tailor the programme to the individual child and family.

This programme theraputically helps children adapt to the changes brought about by parental divorce or separation. 

Sessions give children the opportunity to clarify misperceptions about divorce and separation, engage in meaningful activities, and discuss topics that they may not have been allowed to explore previously. Because some of these topics may be difficult, each group session includes practice of relaxation skills, homework focused on seeking social support, and opportunities for adaptive cognitive coping.

The Keeping Cool Anxiety Reduction Programme is a structured 10 session programme run over a minimum of 10 weeks that teaches children (ages 7-17 years). It teaches children and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety. The programme can be run with individuals or in a group, in a clinical or school setting and involves participation of child and parent. 

This intervention is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with a focus on teaching practical skills. Current results indicate that most young people who complete the programme show significant improvement. Following treatment, there are marked increases in school attendance, academic achievement, confidence, number of friends and involvement in extra-curricular activities and decreases in worry, shyness, fear and family distress.

Initial Parental Consultation and Brief Report:

An initial consultation involves discussion with parents, initial feedback and advice, recommendations on how to help their child at home and in school/preschool, and Initial Consultation Report.

Occupational therapy assessment will clearly identify your child’s motor, sensory and adaptive day to day needs and strengths. You will be provided with recommendations and a support plan in a detailed occupational therapy report.

Occupational therapy will help your child develop their motor, sensory, and day to day skills.  Ongoing support will help you monitor how they are progressing, and provides you with activities to work on at home.