Social skills
Social skills are a set of behaviours, thoughts and emotions that improve interpersonal relationships.
There is a clear link between social competence and physical and mental health: difficulties in relating (starting conversations, saying no, handling criticism, speaking in public) often create distress, avoidance or conflict. Social skills include assertiveness, non-verbal communication, active listening and emotion regulation in interpersonal situations. In Las Palmas we work from a cognitive-behavioural approach: we assess in which situations there is difficulty, what thoughts and emotions appear, and train concrete skills through practice in session and gradual tasks in your daily life.
How we work on social skills
We work on social skills from a cognitive-behavioural approach: we assess in which situations there is difficulty (starting conversations, saying no, expressing disagreement, handling criticism, speaking in public, etc.), what thoughts and emotions appear and what behaviours are involved (avoidance, submission, aggression). From there we train concrete skills (assertiveness, active listening, non-verbal communication) through explanation, modelling, role-play and gradual tasks in real life.
We include work on limiting beliefs (“if I say no I’ll be rejected”, “I don’t have the right to ask”) and on tolerating the discomfort that change brings. The aim is for you to relate with more security and authenticity while still respecting others.
Repeated practice and feedback in session are key: it is not only about understanding what to do but rehearsing and applying it outside. Frequency is usually weekly and between-session tasks (e.g. starting a conversation or making an assertive request) help generalise what you learn to your real context.
What to expect in social skills training
Assessment and priorities
In the first sessions we identify the social situations that cause you distress or that you avoid, and the skills you want to improve. We set an order of work (e.g. basic assertiveness first, then conflict management).
Training in session and in vivo
In session we practise with role-play and review tasks you do outside (e.g. starting a conversation, making a request). Repeated practice and feedback are key. Frequency is usually weekly.
Generalisation and closure
When you feel more confident in the priority situations we extend to other areas if needed and prepare for discharge with a summary of what you have learned and how to keep practising.
Types of social skills
- Non-verbal: facial expression, eye contact, posture
- Basic conversation
- Communication
- Emotional
- Self-protection
- Problem-solving
- Approach and avoidance in social relationships
- Goal achievement
Frequently asked questions
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