The Tools I Use in Social Skills Coaching
When you walk into my coaching space, you'll notice right away—it's not a typical office. That’s intentional. Every element in the environment is chosen with purpose to support how you learn best.
Social skills are not just ideas. They are experienced through body language, tone, presence, timing, and interaction. Because everyone learns differently—some by seeing, some by hearing, some by doing—I use a multisensory, hands-on approach that makes social learning concrete, visual, and practical.
Therapy Dog for Social Awareness & Perspective-Taking
My certified therapy dog is more than a comforting presence. He is a gentle reminder to notice who and what is around you—an essential part of social awareness. His calm energy helps clients practice perspective-taking, environmental awareness, and “sharing space” with another being.
Mirrors for Practicing Nonverbal Communication
Multiple mirrors are placed throughout the room so clients can observe:
- ● body language
- ● posture
- ● facial expressions
- ● nonverbal gestures and movements
This visual feedback helps clients become more aware of how they present themselves—and how others may interpret those cues.
Voice Recording for Tone, Volume & Speed Awareness
Many people are unaware of how they sound to others.
By recording short interactions and reviewing them together, clients gain insight into:
- ● tone
- ● volume
- ● pacing
This helps them make small but meaningful adjustments that improve how they communicate.
Silent Video Clips for Decoding Nonverbal Language
We often watch short video clips with the sound turned off.
This allows clients to focus exclusively on:
- ● facial expressions
- ● gestures
- ● body posture
- ● eye contact
- ● nonverbal messages sent and received
This strengthens the ability to read and interpret social cues accurately.
Hula Hoop for Understanding Personal & Shared Space
Personal space can be hard to understand through explanation alone.
A hula hoop offers a concrete visual and physical boundary to explore:
- ● “my space”
- ● “your space”
- ● how close is too close
- ● what feels respectful in different social situations
Clients physically experience the abstract concept of boundaries.
Visual & Sand Timers for Time Awareness
Time is invisible—so we make it visible.
Using sand timers or digital countdown timers helps clients:
- ● understand how long tasks take
- ● stay focused
- ● transition more smoothly
- ● feel less rushed or unsure
Seeing time pass improves predictability and emotional regulation.
Whiteboard & Custom Visuals for Building Social Concepts
Many social ideas become clearer when they’re visual.
I use:
- ● diagrams
- ● custom posters
- ● step-by-step whiteboard illustrations
These visuals show how the details of a social concept connect to the “big idea,” making learning easier to understand and apply.
Role-Play & Movement-Based Activities
Talking and listening are only part of the process.
We also:
- ● role-play real-life scenarios
- ● practice problem-solving
- ● use movement-based games
- ● rehearse conversations and social choices
This hands-on approach makes learning active rather than abstract.
Matching Tools to Your Learning Style
At Social Skills Coaching (SSC), your learning style matters.
Some people learn best by:
- ● listening
- ● watching
- ● touching
- ● doing
- ● moving
I adjust every session to match how you naturally learn.
This ensures the tools we use support your growth, confidence, and success in real-world social situations.
The Goal
All of these tools help build the skills needed to navigate our shared social world—skills that support connection, confidence, and the ability to “fit in” with comfort and authenticity.