What is Social Skills Coaching?

Social skills coaching helps individuals build the tools to communicate clearly, interact appropriately, and feel at ease in social settings. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on underlying mental health or behavioral challenges, social skills coaching is about practical skill-building through guided practice, conversation, and scenario-based learning.

My background includes training in speech communication and experience working with children with communication differences, so I also provide gentle guidance on pronunciation and articulation when it supports overall social confidence — although I am not a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.

In sessions, I use WH-questions (who, what, where, when, why) to explore real-life situations, ask about feelings, and encourage problem-solving. I help students plan what to say, how to say it, and how to manage any anxiety they might feel during interactions. For younger children, I also weave in basic language, numbers, and simple question practice to build foundational skills.

Who Can Benefit?

My social skills coaching is designed for:

• Children ages 5 and up

• Teens and young adults

• Mainstreamed students with autism, ADHD, or mild speech delays

• Those who feel shy, anxious, or unsure how to talk with peers

• Anyone who wants to grow their confidence and communication skills

No formal diagnosis is required — if social interactions feel stressful, these sessions can help.

How Social Skills Coaching Works

Every student is unique, so your coaching is unique, too. I follow a highly personalized process where the student has a say in where they want to go next — whether it’s a playground scenario, a classroom conflict, or speaking to new coworkers.

I build each lesson around the specific people, places, or situations the student expects to face. Together, we look at what might feel uncomfortable, talk through possible challenges, and role-play positive responses. This lets us target certain behaviors (like interrupting, ignoring, or shutting down) in a safe environment, with supportive guidance.

In sessions, I typically use:

• New social situations to introduce real-life practice

• WH-questions to spark critical thinking and discussion

• Feelings exploration to build empathy and emotional awareness

• Problem-solving questions to plan different approaches

• Basic language and number skills (for young children)

• Active listening and turn-taking practice

• Pronunciation support to help students feel clearer and more confident

This approach is flexible, so lessons can grow and change as the student becomes more skilled and comfortable.

Benefits of Social Skills Coaching

• Build confidence to speak up

• Feel more comfortable in conversations

• Understand social rules and boundaries

• Make and keep friends

• Handle conflicts calmly

• Communicate feelings clearly

• Reduce social anxiety

• Strengthen language, listening, and pragmatic conversation skills