Social Skills Training
A structured intervention that teaches specific interpersonal and communication skills through instruction, modeling, and practice.
What Is Social Skills Training?
Social skills training is a structured, behaviorally based intervention that teaches specific interpersonal and communication skills, such as starting conversations, expressing needs, and reading social cues, through direct instruction, modeling, role-play, and feedback.
How It Works
This approach is based on learning theory principles, breaking down complex social behaviors into specific, teachable skills that are demonstrated, practiced, and reinforced. It is used across a range of conditions where social functioning is affected. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions, often conducted in groups, typically involve instruction on a specific skill, therapist modeling of the skill, role-play practice with feedback, and assignments to practice the skill in real-world settings between sessions.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports social skills training for improving social functioning in people with schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and social anxiety disorder, with evidence generally strongest when skills training is combined with opportunities for real-world practice.
Who May Benefit?
Social skills training may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for people experiencing significant social functioning difficulties related to schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
Limitations and Considerations
Skills learned in structured settings may not automatically generalize to all real-world situations without ongoing practice and support; approaches vary in intensity and specific focus.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Social skills training is delivered by psychologists, occupational therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and other trained professionals, often within group or rehabilitation program settings.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Social skills training program length varies widely depending on the population and setting, from brief structured groups to longer ongoing programs.
Therapy vs. Medication
Social skills training is a behavioral, skills-based intervention and does not replace medication for underlying conditions such as schizophrenia; it is generally used as an adjunct, in consultation with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.