Minecraft Social Skills Group for Kids
Block by Block
Minecraft Therapy Group Helping Neurodivergent Kids Build Confidence and Connection
Group Therapy for Neurodivergent kids 7-12 to practice skills in real life
Group is held on Google Meets and concurrently on a private Minecraft Realm.
You will need to have a Minecraft account and game downloaded to join the realm.
Group meets once per week for an hour and focuses on in the moment skill building
Learn more about therapy in the realm of Minecraft from the video below
Does your child struggle with?
Does your child struggle with…
• Interrupting or acting before thinking?
• Big emotions when things don’t go as planned?
• Difficulty taking turns or respecting boundaries during play?
• Fixating on one idea and missing chances to join others?
• Withdrawing when feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood?
• Wanting friendships but not knowing how to connect?This is exactly why the Minecraft Social Skills Group was created.
Using an open-play concept inside a private Minecraft Realm, the group mirrors the kind of unstructured social time kids experience on the playground or in the lunchroom—moments when there’s no teacher or adult guiding every step. Some kids do great in structured settings, but when that adult “container” is removed, they can feel lost, anxious, or unsure how to join in.During sessions, I provide gentle, in-the-moment coaching to help kids practice navigating these moments on their own—approaching peers, handling rejection or frustration, and joining group activities without taking over. Over time, they gain confidence, flexibility, and self-awareness, helping them feel more comfortable and included both in and out of the game.
Group Basics:
Each week, children meet via Google Meet while participating together in a private Minecraft Bedrock Realm.
The Minecraft Social Skills Group gives kids a safe, familiar space to practice the kinds of real-life social moments that can feel overwhelming in the classroom or on the playground. Instead of just talking about skills, kids are coached right in the moment—practicing how to express frustration calmly, ask for what they need, and communicate directly with peers instead of relying on adults to step in.
Because the coaching happens while they play, growth feels natural and fun.
Sessions are guided by Victoria Prisco, a licensed professional counselor and special education teacher with over 15 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children.
Session Details:
Tuesdays & Wednesday’s | 4:30 – 5:30 PM ET & 6-7pm ET
Co-ed | Ages 8–12 (focused on social age, not physical age)
Platform: Google Meet + Minecraft Bedrock Realm (You must have your own Minecraft game and account)
The Power of Play:
Most neurodivergent kids know social skills—but struggle to apply them in the moment. When impulsivity or hyperfocus takes over, they often aren’t aware of what’s happening until after the fact, making it hard to reflect or “talk it through” later. In this group, gentle in-the-moment coaching helps kids recognize their patterns as they happen, practice self-awareness, and apply communication and regulation strategies in real time—right where the challenges occur.
Building Confidence Brick by Brick:
By around age ten, many neurodivergent kids start to feel the weight of standing out. They’ve been corrected, told to “just try harder,” or gotten in trouble for behaviors they don’t fully understand. Over time, this chips away at their confidence and sense of belonging. The Minecraft Social Skills Group creates a space where kids can rebuild that confidence through positive, real-time experiences with peers. In a familiar, judgment-free world, they get to practice communication and flexibility while being supported—not singled out—so self-esteem can grow naturally again.
Natural Opportunities for Growth:
As they navigate the world of Minecraft, natural opportunities arise to discuss real-life challenges:
Working together to gather resources can spark conversations about anxiety and coping mechanisms.
Building a shelter together can open doors to discuss navigating social situations or feeling isolated.
Overcoming in-game obstacles can provide lessons in persistence and problem-solving for children with learning disabilities.
Parent Support Sessions:
Throughout the cohort, parents are supported through a series of group sessions :
Parent Introduction Session – Meet other parents and set goals for your child’s growth.
First-Week Check-In – Discuss how the first session went and how to support carryover at home.
Midpoint Check-In – Reflect on progress, challenges, and social dynamics as the group develops.
Wrap-Up Session – Review progress, celebrate wins, and explore next steps.
Parent Virtual Happy Hours – Casual spaces for parents to connect, share stories, and feel heard.
Optional Parent Listserv – Stay connected outside of sessions by sharing resources, local recommendations, and planning in-person playdates.
Flexible Age Ranges:
This group has a flexible age range, as every child’s social development looks a little different. I do my best to pair kids whose social ages align, since many neurodivergent children’s social and emotional skills may not match their physical age. If your teen feels most comfortable socializing with younger peers, this group may still be a great fit. Children under 7 often have difficulty grasping the concept of group interaction and may benefit from waiting until they’re developmentally ready to engage with peers in this setting.
More Than Just a Game
Minecraft Therapy is more than just building structures and battling creepers—it’s a coaching experience that helps kids practice real-world social and emotional skills in the moment. Led by Victoria, a special education teacher and licensed therapist, each session uses open gameplay and guided video interaction to help kids recognize their behaviors, communicate effectively, and navigate peer dynamics with confidence.
This group provides a safe, supportive space for children with ADHD, AuDHD, autism, OCD, Tourette’s, learning differences, and speech challenges to connect authentically, build friendships, and strengthen their sense of self-worth—one block at a time.
Here's How It Works
We meet on camera using weekly Google Meet calls (HIPAA compliant) for group discussions, ensuring active engagement and social interaction. Concurrently, children join a private Minecraft Bedrock server, which allows them to participate via iPad, mobile, console, or computer. The group is limited to 10 participants to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to engage and benefit from the session.
Sessions are held on Tuesday’s 4:30 – 5:30pm Eastern & 6-7pm ET
Optional Group Parent Sessions occur on Monday’s and Friday’s
Minecraft Therapy
In-Network Insurance Accepted
Aetna
United
Cigna
BCBS Highmark
BCBS PPO
Carelon
Optum Live & Work Well (EAP)
Resources for Living EAP
Quest Behavioral Health
BCBS of AZ
Regence BlueShield of ID
BCBS of Massachusetts Virtual Network
Not in-network with Marketplace plans.
As of 10/1, Medicare and Medicaid require an initial in person visit. Because of this, i am not able to submit claims for M/M plans.
Details & Schedule
- Ongoing enrollment
55 Minute Session
Tuesday’s & Wednesday's
- 4:30-5:30 Eastern & 6-7pm ET
- Co-Ed
- Ages 8- 11 (flexibility for 7 and 12 year olds)
Minecraft
Bedrock Realm
- Cross Platform Play
- Ipad
- Computer
- Any system
Teletherapy:
- Google Meets
- Will require concurent access to:
- Computer
- Mobile
Empower Your Child to Build Resilience and Develop Effective Coping Skills
Thank you for Enrolling!
Address
- 533 E. Girard Ave Philadelphia PA
- vprisco@victoriaprisco.net
- Providing Therapy Throughout: Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia.