Child Psychology Sydney - Anxiety Treatment for Children and Adolescents

Anxiety Treatment Based on the "Cool Kids" Program

At Comprehensive Psychology we run individual and group based programs to teach children and adolescents to deal better with anxiety. The program is aimed at children between 7 and 17 years of age. Each session of the program involves both the parents and the child, either together or separate. The program is usually carried out over 10 sessions and families are expected to practice the skills learned at home.

"Cool Kids" Program Outline

Our aim is to educate both parents and children about what is anxiety, how anxiety is different for children and what the program offers.

Changing thinking about a feared event or stimulus and challenging fear related thoughts. Children are taught to take a different approach towards their anxiety related thoughts.

Challenging fears related to social situations and learning strategies to deal with difficult social situations. Children are taught assertiveness skills and skills to deal with conflict.

Role play exercises and actual exposure to "tricky situations". Children and parents are encouraged to reduce avoidance associated with anxiety and to apply the skills learned in sessions to deal with the anxiety provoking situation.

Exploring coping strategies that do not work (e.g., avoidance and anger) and replacing them with strategies that work (e.g., assertiveness, self-talk). How to manage bullying, negative expectancy and physical symptoms of anxiety.

Exploring coping strategies that do not work (e.g., avoidance and anger) and replacing them with strategies that work (e.g., assertiveness, self-talk). How to manage bullying, negative expectancy and physical symptoms of anxiety.