About the Course
Cool Kids is a structured program aimed at treating anxiety in children and teens. It uses a cognitive behavioural approach which means that it focuses on teaching skills to manage anxiety.
Core skills include;
how to identify anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours,
discovering realistic thoughts and expectations (detective thinking), and,
gradually building independence and confidence by facing fears (stepladders).
If needed, additional skills such as problem solving, social confidence and relaxation can be introduced to help manage difficult situations. For children and teens who also experience low mood or health concerns, specific versions of Cool Kids that target these extra concerns are available.
Parents are shown how to support their child in the use of these new skills and a section of the program focuses specifically on parenting strategies that encourage children to self-manage anxiety.
During each session, families practice skills using discussion, games, role play and in real life situations. Practice tasks are a crucial part of the program and are given following every session. Practice tasks encourage use of new skills in everyday life.
Your Instructor
Antonia Simone
Macquarie University-accredited provider of all Cool Kids Anxiety Treatment programs