Social Skills Therapy for Kids & Teens in Wilmington, NC

Play-based support to build connection, confidence, and communication skills, without shame or pressure.

Does this sound like your child?

You’ve signed them up for sports, playdates, and after-school clubs. You’ve given reminders, pep talks, and maybe even role-played what to say to friends. But no matter what you try, your child still struggles to connect. Friendships don’t come as easily for them as they seem to for other kids their age.

It’s not that they don’t want friends. In fact, they may crave connection so much that rejection feels even more painful. But their efforts often lead to frustration or tears instead of belonging.

Kids and teens who struggle with social skills often:

Have trouble starting or keeping conversations going
Get left out of group play or classroom activities
Misinterpret jokes, sarcasm, or social cues
Swing between wanting to be in control and feeling rejected
End up in conflicts that leave them hurt or embarrassed

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents feel unsure how to help their child build the kind of friendships that last.

At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens Build Stronger Social Skills

Kids often learn more from play than from direct instruction when it comes to friendships. Through games, role play, and creative activities, children practice turn-taking, perspective-taking, and problem-solving in ways that stick far better than lectures about “being kind.”

Social skills are more than “being nice.” They include reading body language, handling conflict, managing big feelings, and knowing how to repair after mistakes. At PlayWorks, we combine play therapy with neuroscience-informed strategies so kids can practice these skills in a way that feels safe, fun, and effective.

Through play and evidence-based approaches, we help kids and teens:

Build confidence in starting and keeping friendships
Strengthen communication skills for conversations, group work, and problem-solving
Practice empathy and perspective-taking in real-life situations
Manage frustration, conflict, and rejection without shutting down or lashing out
Learn how to repair friendships after mistakes or misunderstandings
Rebuild trust in themselves so they feel capable of connecting with peers

Connect with a Therapist

“Play therapy significantly improves children’s social adjustment, peer relationships, and emotional expression, particularly for kids who struggle with connection.”

– Ray, Bratton, Rhine, & Jones, 2011

Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Social Challenges?

Friendship struggles are not about laziness or bad behavior. Skills like empathy and self-control come from brain areas like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. With guided play, kids strengthen these pathways and gain the confidence to connect.

The brain’s social systems, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, can become over-activated when kids feel anxious, excluded, or unsure how to respond. In that state, it is almost impossible for them to problem-solve or stay calm. Play therapy helps calm those systems so kids can think clearly, regulate emotions, and try new social strategies in the moment.

Over time, kids learn to:

Start and join conversations without freezing up
Notice social cues and respond appropriately
Handle teasing, mistakes, and conflict without shutting down
Use coping strategies instead of lashing out or withdrawing
Strengthen empathy and perspective-taking in real-life interactions
Rebuild self-esteem after experiences of rejection or loneliness

Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks
for Social Skill Support

We see beyond the surface
It’s not about being “shy,” “bossy,” or “awkward.” We look deeper to understand what is driving your child’s struggles and help them build skills that last.

We are neuroscience-informed
Our therapists use brain-based, evidence-informed approaches that strengthen the areas responsible for empathy, communication, and self-regulation.

We support YOU too
You’ll get regular parent check-ins, progress updates, and simple tools to encourage your child’s growth at home and school.

We honor the whole child
Our goal is not just fewer meltdowns or less conflict — we support confidence, identity, and resilience so your child can thrive in friendships and beyond.

We’re inclusive and affirming
We create a safe, welcoming space for every child and family. Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.

You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late

Raising a child who struggles to make or keep friends can feel heartbreaking. You may worry about their self-esteem, their future relationships, or whether they will always feel left out. The good news is that with the right support, children can learn the skills they need to build healthy, lasting connections.

At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and grounded in neuroscience. Together, we will help your child move past isolation and frustration into patterns of connection, confidence, and growth.

Start Therapy Today