Cool Kids Anxiety Program

In the coming weeks ‘The Cool Kids Anxiety Program’ will be implemented at Sts Peter and Paul. It is a structured 10 session program run over 8 - 10 weeks that teaches children (ages 7-17 years) and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety.

The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with a focus on teaching practical skills. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. Current results indicate that most young people who complete our programs show significant improvement. Following treatment, there are marked increases in school attendance, academic achievement, confidence, number of friends and involvement in extra-curricular activities and decreases in worry, shyness, fear and family distress.

Topics covered within the Cool Kids Anxiety Program include:

• Learning about feelings and anxiety
• Learning to think more realistically
• Parenting an anxious child
• Fighting fear by facing fear (stepladders)
• Learning other coping skills such as building social confidence or learning to solve problems

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a basic emotion – common

Core feature – expectation of threat (social or physical)

Normal – purpose is to protect

Anxiety as a disorder

Chronic

Generalised

Severe

Interferes with life

Common Symptoms

Repetitive worries

Reassurance seeking

Avoidance as primary coping strategy

Overly well behaved in public

Distress from routine changes & new situations

Perfectionistic

High need for control

Easily overwhelmed

Difficulty sleeping

Limited friendships

Poor participation

Physical symptoms

If you believe that your child would benefit from participating in this program, please do not hesitate to contact me on Melissa.neit@cg.catholic.edu.au

Melissa Neit

School Chaplain