Helping Children, Teens, and Adults Build Meaningful Social Connections
Think Social East Bay provides evidence-based Social Learning® therapy for children, teens, and adults who experience challenges with social communication, perspective taking, executive functioning, and relationship building.
Our individual and small-group therapy programs help participants understand not only what social behaviors are expected, but why they matter. Through guided instruction, real-world practice, and supportive coaching, students develop skills they can apply at school, at home, in the workplace, and throughout their communities.
Our Services
- Individual Social Learning therapy
- Small-group Social Learning therapy
- Family consultations
- School consultations
- Teen Social Hangout Club
- Adult social and support groups
Our Philosophy
At Think Social East Bay, we believe that successful social interaction begins with understanding how other people think, feel, and respond. Rather than teaching isolated social behaviors, we focus on the thinking processes that guide successful communication and relationships.
Our therapy combines direct instruction with meaningful real-life experiences. Students practice concepts during community outings, where they learn to negotiate, cooperate, solve problems, plan activities, and adapt to changing situations in natural environments.
Much of our approach is based on the Social Thinking® methodology developed by Michelle Garcia Winner, emphasizing that social understanding comes before social skills.
Founder Shelly Hansen has devoted her career to helping children, teens, and adults strengthen social understanding. After extensive training under Michelle Garcia Winner at the Social Thinking® Clinic in San Jose, she established Think Social East Bay to provide practical, individualized support for families throughout the East Bay.
Preparing for Life Beyond the Classroom
Social learning challenges often continue into college, the workplace, and adult relationships. Our programs help participants develop the confidence, flexibility, and independence needed to navigate increasingly complex social situations while reducing anxiety and building lasting self-esteem.
Whether your child is learning to make friends or you’re seeking support for adult social communication, Think Social East Bay provides a welcoming environment where meaningful growth can occur.