5 Steps to Mastering Engaging Conversations
How to Start, Enter and Maintain Conversations with People You Don't Know Well
Exclusive Offer
Stay with us until the end of the masterclass, and you'll receive a special gift 🎁
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 7:00 PM AEST
FREE MASTERCLASS
about the masterclass
Do you find it challenging to start conversations or keep them going? In this Masterclass you'll learn practical techniques to enhance your conversational skills and build your confidence in social interactions.
- Initiate Conversations Confidently: Techniques to overcome the initial hurdle and start conversations with ease.
- Enter Ongoing Conversations: Strategies to seamlessly join and contribute to ongoing discussions.
- Maintain Engaging Dialogues: Tips to keep the conversation flowing and interesting.
- Navigate Challenging Topics: Approaches to handle sensitive or difficult subjects with grace.
- Enhance Your Conversational Style: Methods to refine your overall communication and make a lasting impression.
PEERS® teaches social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations, with students practising these skills during group behaviour rehearsal activities.
ADOLESCENT PEERS® program topics
PEERS® is delivered over 14 weeks of 90-minute sessions, covering topics such as:
Conversational Skills
Learn how to effectively start, maintain, and end conversations, ensuring smooth interactions in various social settings. You'll also explore the appropriate use of humor to enhance communication and build stronger connections.
Dealing with Teasing & Bullying
Understand effective strategies to handle teasing, bullying and rumours and gossip with confidence. This section empowers you to protect your emotional well-being and deflect negative behavior.
Building & Maintaining Relationships
Discover strategies for forming and sustaining meaningful friendships, including tips for choosing appropriate friends and organising social gatherings. This topic focuses on the essentials of nurturing relationships and creating lasting bonds.
Communication in the Digital Age
Explore the intricacies of electronic communication, including texting, emailing, and social media. Learn how to navigate digital interactions positively and maintain good online etiquette.
Managing Conflict & Reputation
Gain tools for managing disagreements constructively and preserving relationships. You'll also learn how to improve and restore your reputation after negative social experiences.
Good Sportsmanship
Focus on the importance of being a good sport in both competitive and casual settings. This topic emphasises fair play, respect, and fostering a supportive social environment.
register for the free masterclass
Masterclass Details
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your conversational skills and connect with others confidently.
- Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM AEST
- Location: Zoom
Stay with us until the end of the masterclass, and you'll receive a special gift 🎁
register now
our Programs
Next Program - August 2024 Intake
We are now taking enrolments for August 2024. Spaces are strictly limited and filling fast.
Our PEERS® participants can choose to learn either face-to-face through our in-person sessions on the Sunshine Coast or learn from home from anywhere around Australia via Zoom.
Bully-Proofing Boot Camp 20-21 July 2024
Alternatively, we are currently taking enrolments for our next weekend Boot Camp. Our Bully-Proofing Boot Camp is open to all including teens, young adults and parents.
Saturday - Sunday
9am - 3pm AEST
For more information, visit the Bully-Proofing Boot Camp page of our website.
In-person Programs
- ADOLESCENTS
Tuesdays, 13 August - 3 December 2024**
9.30am-11.00am (Sunshine Coast location)
We offer in-person sessions for adolescents located on the Sunshine Coast.
Virtual Programs
- ADOLESCENTS
** PEERS will take a one-week break, 14-20 October 2024. **
Please visit the Young Adults Program (18-30 years) or Adults Program (30++ years) for more details.
We work very hard to compose the groups with participants who are approximately around the same developmental level, so the program schedule and age groupings are subject to change. It could be that you need to wait longer for a group that is appropriate. As we get close to the start date of each group, we will send you a confirmation letter with exact dates, times and location.
Tuesdays, 13 August - 3 December 2024**
4.30pm - 6pm (Online via Zoom)
- PARENTS / SOCIAL COACHES
Mondays, 12 August - 2 December 2024**
7.00pm - 8.30pm (Online via Zoom)
Our virtual Zoom meetings recreate the interpersonal interactions we achieve online - and PEERS® research shows online sessions are just as effective as in-person.
about The Coach
Hi, I'm
Christine O'Leary,
and I'm a Social Coach
I’m a fellow parent of adolescents with social challenges myself - and I’m here to help!
I help adolescents, young adults and adults with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges to make and keep friends and learn important social skills through relaxed and fun small group sessions, both online and in person.
Certified
PEERS® Provider
- Completed the UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills in the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour at UCLA.
- Certified PEERS® Provider.
Communication & Public Relations Specialist
- Specialised skills and advanced knowledge in the communications, media and creative industries.
- Bachelor of Business Administration, GradDip Communication, PR, Advertising, & Applied Communication.
Parenting Support & Consulting
- Specialising in supporting both individuals and organisations to communicate effectively with others.
- University-trained and post-graduate qualified communications professional passionate about helping people to communicate well.
Support
I know what it’s like to have an adolescent who is vulnerable to bullying, depression, and anxiety...
I know that, as a parent, it can be really worrying. And it can be hard to know what to do as there are very few support programs out there for adolescents. I’ve seen for myself the difference this program can make, and my passion is to share everything I’ve learned with other families.
testimonials
What participants say.
we got answers
Frequently asked questions.
-
The PEERS® for Adolescents Program is designed specifically for adolescents aged 13-17 years, the PEERS for Young Adults Program is designed for young adults 18-30 years and the PEERS Adult Program is for adults 30+ years.
-
Yes, PEERS® is usually covered by the NDIS. We can accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS packages. We are not a registered NDIS provider, so we cannot accept NDIA-managed plans. For more, visit the NDIS and Costs page of our website.
-
Yes, you can certainly pay privately for PEERS if you don't have NDIS funding.
-
Absolutely. Many of our PEERS® participants also have anxiety, and we ensure we provide a safe, inclusive space so that everyone can participate as best they can on any given day. We have ample opportunities to make accommodations for everyone so they can participate at a comfortable level while still ensuring new skills are being learnt. We are very experienced and adept at working with adolescents with anxiety.
-
No. Our research shows that the teens’ experience with the PEERS® program is greatly improved through parent participation. However, if you can’t make every parent coaching session - or another family member or support worker needs to fill in for you - we will also make that work.