The CAARE Center offers psychotherapy groups for children ages 4-18. Our treatment begins by recognizing that the negative experiences maltreated children have had in the past can cause them to expect negative social interactions today. Children who have a history of maltreatment often feel threatened, alone, or different. Without adequate coping skills or a history of successful social experiences these children can appear aggressive, withdrawn, and suspicious. They also may engage in negative attention seeking behaviors. If left untreated, these behaviors can cause them to feel alienated from their peers. Their fears and anxieties can have a negative impact on their relationships and their general view of the world.

In a controlled therapeutic group setting, children can learn and practice prosocial skills while feeling accepted, safe, and supported by their peers. This is often a powerful experience for children who for the first time are discovering what it feels like to be accepted and belong to a group. Children can share and begin to understand their earlier experiences in a new way with other children who have similar histories. This shared understanding can decrease their sense of isolation and feelings of being different. The skills they learn can help them in their school, home, and in their neighborhoods.