Bruce M. Gale, PhD

Clinical Psychologist PSY10598

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Overview

Student Programs

The Student Programs meet at Dr. Gale's Encino office next door to Gelsons Market.

We accept up to 16 individuals per session for our 11-13 and 14-17 year old programs and up to 10 individuals for our 8-11 year old program.

The program meets twice monthly for 2.5 hours (or two hours) each session. During each session, participants engage in activities designed to increase targeted social skill areas, plus they go out to eat (either a snack or a meal, depending upon specific program).

There are parent support meetings, an online home-based generalization program, raffles to increase motivation, and Sophie the Samoyed (the office dog), shows up about every other group.

Adult Programs

Our adult programs meet at Wahoo's in order to facilitate conversations in a naturalistic setting. It can be a little noisy, even though we meet in our own area in the back.

The restaurant has been extremely accommodating. Clients also have a chance to order their meals which allows them practice social skills and eating using acceptable manners.

We work on social and language pragmatics, executive functioning, and behaviors that are relevant for community college or the workplace.

Sometimes we will do computer animation or other activities, such as a games tournament, but mostly the group members spend time talking and engaging.

More information is available at www.lunchgroups.com or by clicking on any of the links to the right

Past attendees have worked on the following types of problems:
  • Difficulty socializing effectively with peers
  • Difficulty managing changes in routines
  • Excessive worries, fears, or rigidity that interfere with daily functioning
  • Trouble managing impulses or anger
  • Challenges with shyness
  • Inability to make and keep friends
  • Avoidance of new foods or reluctance to try new activities
  • Trouble coping with minor, everyday problems
  • Overreacting to minor events
  • Difficulty maintaining interesting conversations with others
  • Problems maintaining pedestrian safety
  • Difficulty staying organized and procrastination
  • Staying up too late or arriving at school or to work late
  • Forgetting or losing things, needing constant reminders to complete chores
  • Refusal to complete activities or follow directions the first time they are given

For more information about signing up your child, send us an email or call at 818-788-2100. Also, you can visit our main site at www.lunchgroups.com

What Does "LUNCH" Mean?
"LUNCH Groups" is a tradmarked acronym. It stands for:
Learning
Understanding
Negotiating
Communicating and
Helping.

The program concept was originally developed at a local public school and was run as a time-limited program on that campus. Since then, it has been run through Dr. Gale’s private practice. Began in 2001, it evolved into a comprehensive, FUN, data-backed treatment.


What percent of students enjoy coming?

About 90%, based upon student and parent feedback over the past several years.

What percentage of students make progress?

About 85% make at least minor gains; 66-70% make major gains, primarily based upon parent feedback.

To what degree do parents become more aware of their child's behavior?

About 85% report improving in noticing their child's behavior and being better at "catching them at being good"
© 2012 Bruce M. Gale, PhD - All Rights Reserved ◆ 16430 Ventura Blvd Ste 107, Encino CA 91436 ◆ (818) 788-2100