Grounded in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), this group introduces children to science-backed, effective strategies for identifying, understanding, and managing anxious thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on the idea that how we think and act affect how we feel. By changing thinking that is distorted, and behavior that is dysfunctional, we can change our emotions. With younger children, focusing first on the behavioral part of CBT can be most effective.

To understand how CBT works, first it helps to understand how anxiety works. Serious untreated anxiety tends to get worse over time, not better, because the child learns that avoidance works in reducing the anxiety, at least in the short run. But as the child — and, indeed, the whole family — work to avoid triggering those fears, they only grow more powerful. The goal in CBT is, essentially, to unlearn avoidant behavior.

Most importantly, CBT teaches skills that can be used long after therapy ends to present relapse and manageable steps.

While anxiety disorders are prevalent, many young people do not receive the mental health services they need, with challenges including long wait times, lack of appropriate services, and difficulty finding help.

Unlike traditional CBT programs, which often span up to six months and require a lengthy wait, our program is an accessible, fast-paced, 8-week course with a focus on immediate skill building. Children participate in engaging, activity-based sessions that make learning interactive and relatable.

Goals for Learning:

• Our goal is to help children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

• CBT techniques will be taught to help children develop their coping skills and ability to manage their anxiety.

• Each week features fun, interactive, and hands-on activities that help kids practice these CBT techniques and skills in a supportive and age-appropriate way.

• As the program progresses, participants will build on what they’ve learned, creating personalized tools they can take home and continue to use in their daily lives.

• The final session includes a reflection on their growth, a recap of the key skills learned, and a celebration of their hard work!