Group Therapy
Group therapy provides children with the opportunity to develop communication, social, emotional, and play skills in a supportive, engaging environment alongside their peers. While individual therapy focuses on personalised goals, group therapy allows children to practise these skills in real-life social situations, helping them build confidence, flexibility, teamwork, and meaningful relationships. At Blackburn Speech & Paediatric Therapy, our small group therapy programs are designed and led by experienced therapists to ensure every child receives the guidance and support they need while enjoying the motivation and fun that comes from learning with others.
Friday Group Therapy
FAQ Group Therapy
What is group therapy for children?
Group therapy is a small, therapist-led session where children learn and practise skills together instead of one-on-one. At our Blackburn clinic (supporting families from Box Hill, Doncaster, Burwood, Nunawading, and nearby suburbs), children join a group of peers matched by age, interests, or needs.
Through games, role-play, teamwork activities, and guided play, children learn to:
- communicate with others
- make friends
- take turns and share
- manage emotions
- build confidence in social settings
For many children—especially those who are shy, have social difficulties, or are on the autism spectrum—group therapy provides a safe space to practise real-life skills with other kids. It feels fun like a playgroup, but every activity has a therapeutic purpose.
What are the benefits of group therapy compared to individual therapy?
Group therapy creates a realistic social setting that individual therapy can’t always provide. Children can:
- Practise social skills in real time
- Learn from peers (peer modelling)
- Build confidence and feel “I’m not alone”
- Develop emotional regulation in group situations
- Improve teamwork, problem-solving, and flexibility
For children who struggle in group environments—like classrooms, playgrounds, or birthday parties—group therapy is a powerful stepping stone between learning a skill and actually using it in daily life.
Many parents tell us their kids are more willing to join play with others at school or kinder after attending a group program here in Blackburn.
How many children are in a group, and who runs the sessions?
Our groups are intentionally small: 3–6 children, with a therapist-to-child ratio under 1:3.
- Groups are led by qualified professionals such as:
- Speech Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Psychologists
- Play Therapists
Sessions are carefully planned but flexible, ensuring every child participates, feels included, and receives individual support within the group environment.
Parents receive a short update after each session so skills can be supported at home.
What types of group programs do you offer?
We run a range of evidence-based groups throughout the year, including:
Board Games Social Groups
For children who need help with:
- making friends
- joining play
- turn-taking & sharing
- conversation skills
- confidence in groups
Cook & Connect Social Groups
For children who need help with:
- Following instructions
- making friends
- Exposure to different food groups
- turn-taking & sharing
- conversation skills
- confidence in groups
Prep & School Readiness (Prep Play Learn – Term 3 & 4)
Focused on:
- following group instructions
- fine motor skills - preparing for hand writing
- Phonics skills - preparing for reading
- classroom routines
- listening in a group
Holiday Programs
Themes vary – social clubs, board game groups, dance/movement, cooking & connection, handwriting bootcamps, and more.
If we don’t currently offer a group that fits your child’s needs, let us know—we often form new groups based on demand.
Where are the sessions held?
All group programs take place at our Blackburn clinic – Suite 3, 208 Whitehorse Road (near Middleborough Rd). Families from Box Hill, Doncaster, Burwood, Nunawading, and Ringwood commonly attend due to our central location.
Our therapy room is designed for movement, play, group seating, and hands-on activities. Parents may wait onsite or nearby (Box Hill Central is a quick drive away!).
Can my child join if we speak Cantonese or Mandarin at home?
Yes.
Many families in Blackburn, Box Hill, and Doncaster speak Cantonese or Mandarin. We can support children in:
- English
- Cantonese (廣東話)
- Mandarin (普通话)
This helps children feel comfortable and helps parents fully understand strategies.
Do we need an assessment before joining a group?
Yes.
A 30 min intake call with the leading therapists to ensure your child is placed in the right group with peers who share similar goals. This helps them feel safe, successful, and supported from day one.
Can I use NDIS funding for group therapy?
Yes — if your child is self-managed or plan-managed.
We can invoice you or your plan manager directly.
(Agency-managed NDIS requires registered providers.)
We hope these FAQs help clarify our services and put your mind at ease. Our team at Blackburn Speech & Paediatric Therapy is here to support your child and family in every step, whether you’re navigating bilingual language development or helping a picky eater, whether it’s in our clinic or at your home in Blackburn, Box Hill, or surrounding areas. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions – no question is too small. We’re here to help!
Our group therapy programs provide children with a supportive, play-based environment to practise communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and teamwork. Groups are small, structured, and run by experienced speech pathologists, OTs, psychologists, or play therapists. We offer groups in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin for families across Blackburn, Box Hill, Doncaster, and nearby communities.
View our latest groups or express your interest to join our groups