Friendship Building Psychological Services, PLLC

06/18/2026

Listening to what kids are saying about the Friendship Building social skills groups they attend.

06/10/2026

For kids who find friendships tricky — the joining, the reading the room, the recovering when something goes wrong — summer can be a lot.

It doesn’t have to catch you off guard this year.

That’s exactly why we run our summer group program.

Over six weeks with a small group that teach real skills that kids can actually use: how to start or join a conversation, how to recover when something goes sideways, help kids find “their people.”

Led by Dr. Fern and Dr. Kristin, who between them have spent 30 years helping kids exactly like yours.

Spots are limited. Link in bio to learn more.
🌱 campanxiety

Let’s build friendship skills together We help kids develop social competence, confidence, and coping skills for life. Inquire Today Social skills training by experienced, licensed psychologists Friendship Building Psychological Services, PLLC, is Long Island’s leading psychologist-led social s...

06/10/2026

For kids who might find the friendship part tricky — the joining, the reading the room, the recovering when something goes wrong — summer can be a lot.

It doesn’t have to catch you off guard this year.

That’s exactly why we run our summer group.

Six weeks with small group and to learn real skills they can actually use: how to get into a conversation, how to recover when something goes sideways, how to find her people in a room full of strangers.

Led by Dr. Fern and Dr. Kristin, who between them have spent 30 years in the room with kids exactly like yours.

Spots are limited. Link in bio to learn more.

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05/29/2026

Camp excitement and camp nerves often go hand in hand ☀️😎

A little emotional preparation before camp can go a long way in helping kids feel more confident, connected, and ready for the experience ahead.

Download our free psychologist-created Sleepaway Camp Coping Toolbox with practical strategies to help kids manage homesickness, friendship worries, anxiety, and big feelings at camp.

Download here: https://www.friendshipbuildingpsych.com/camp-toolbox

05/28/2026

Social skills are often assumed to develop naturally. For some children, they do. For others, these skills require more direct teaching and practice.

Skills like sustaining a conversation, interpreting social cues, or adapting within group dynamics are complex. They are not simply “picked up,” they are learned, practiced, and refined over time.

When children are given clear instructions and opportunities to practice in a supportive setting, these skills become more accessible and usable in everyday life.

05/20/2026

Parents often ask what distinguishes our approach.

Our program was built from clinical experience, with a focus on what helps children and parents not only learn social skills, but understand and use them meaningfully with peers.

Every aspect of our work, from group formation, curriculum, to parent collaboration, is designed to support that goal.

05/19/2026

Social challenges are not always immediately obvious 👀

Some children deeply want connection, but struggle when things don’t go their way. A game has to be played a certain way, a plan changes, or they lose and suddenly the moment becomes overwhelming 😱

Parents may notice this during playdates, board games, or group activities. What starts as fun can quickly shift into frustration, rigidity, or difficulty moving forward.

These moments are not about behavior alone. They often reflect a child who is still learning how to tolerate flexibility, manage disappointment, and stay engaged when things feel out of their control.

With more explicit support, children can begin to navigate these situations differently, building both confidence and resilience over time ☺️

05/14/2026

Our groups are structured and intentional, but what stands out most is how naturally the children begin to connect ✔️

Over time, we see real friendships form. Kids start to feel comfortable, look forward to coming, and engage with one another in a more meaningful way.

Each session introduces a specific skill, but the real work happens as they practice in real time—through conversation, play, and shared moments with peers.

It’s not just about learning skills, it’s about experiencing connection, and beginning to carry that confidence into everyday life 🎉

05/13/2026

Navigating conflict is not always intuitive 🤨

Many children want connection, enjoy being around peers, and have strong language skills, yet find it difficult to manage moments of disagreement or frustration within friendships.

Our work focuses on helping children understand how to move through conflict in a healthy, productive way:

✅ How to express feelings appropriately
✅ Pause and respond instead of react
✅ See another child’s perspective
✅ Repair interactions after a disagreement

Through structured, guided group experiences, children begin to approach these moments with greater clarity and confidence.

05/09/2026

We approach this work as licensed psychologists, grounded in child development and evidence-based practice. BUT we also approach it with an understanding of what it means to support a child through social challenges, as moms 💕

That perspective shapes how we think about group composition, how we guide interactions, and how we support families throughout the process.

Our role is to bring structure, clarity, and support to experiences that can often feel uncertain for both children and parents.