Social Space Adventurers

Welcome to the Social Space Adventurers group at Therapywell Allied Health and Wellbeing! Designed and led by experienced clinicians and educators, this group offers a neurodiversity-affirming approach to social and emotional learning, grounded in evidence-based frameworks such as the CASEL social-emotional competencies, Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner, the Interoception Curriculum by Kelly Mahler, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions.

Our program centers around the five CASEL competencies—Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making—and integrates these with activities that build social understanding and emotional regulation. Rather than encouraging individuals to mask or change who they are, we emphasize helping participants develop a greater awareness of their own unique ways of communicating, connecting, and understanding emotions.

What Does This Look Like?

• Self-Awareness: Participants learn to tune into their own thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations through mindfulness and interoception practices. We encourage them to understand their unique responses and strengths without pressure to fit a “standard” mold of social interaction.

• Self-Management: Through structured activities and reflection, we explore self-regulation techniques that help participants manage emotions and impulses in ways that feel right for them, supporting self-control without masking natural tendencies.

• Social Awareness: By drawing on Social Thinking principles, we help participants develop an understanding of social cues and perspectives. This is done with a respectful, affirming approach that encourages curiosity and empathy rather than rigid rules or scripts.

• Relationship Skills: We practice open communication, empathy, and trust-building, supporting participants in forming connections that are authentic to them. Group activities foster a sense of belonging and community where differences are celebrated.

• Responsible Decision-Making: Participants are empowered to make choices that align with their values and personal needs. We emphasize thoughtful decision-making that honors each individual's unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world.

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

The Social Space Adventurers group is committed to a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, supporting individuals to understand the components of social communication and emotional regulation in a way that respects their identity. Our goal is not to “fix” or “change” participants but to provide them with tools and insights that enhance self-awareness, social-awareness, self-acceptance, and relationship skills.

Join us in a supportive space where social and emotional development is celebrated, individuality is respected, and each participant can explore what authentic connection and communication mean for them. Together, we’re adventuring into a social world that’s as unique and diverse as each one of us!