Title: Paula Barrett Friends for Youth a Group Intervention for Anxiety Presentation NASBHC
1Friends for Youth Group Intervention for
Anxiety Paula Barrett, Hayley Lowry-Webster
and Cynthia Turner
2Materials Needed
- Required Supplies
- Group Leader Manual
- Student Manual (ideally, for each student in
group) - Optional supplies
- Chalkboard /Dry erase board
- Crayons, Markers, Color pencils
3Rationale of the FRIENDS Program
- FRIENDS will help children to learn important
skills and techniques to cope with and manage
anxiety. - The word FRIEND will help them to remember each
new skill taught throughout the program. - Children will discover different ways to be a
friend to themselves and to others.
4FRIENDS
- F How am I Feeling?
- R Relax and Feel Good
- I Inner Thoughts
- E Explore Plans
- N Nice Work, Reward Yourself!
- D Dont forget to Practice!
- S Stay Calm
5Theoretical Principles Behind The FRIENDS Program
- FRIENDS is based on a theoretical model that
addresses three processes - Cognitive (mind) relates to inner thoughts we
have about ourselves, others and situations. - Physiological (body) relates to physical
reactions our bodies feel when we feel worried,
nervous or afraid. - Learning (behavior) relates to the acquisition of
new skills to cope and manage anxiety.
6Developing Cognitive, Physiological, Learning
Skills
- Cognitive exercises encourage the use of positive
self-talk and self-reward. Children learn coping
strategies and to change unhelpful negative
thoughts.
7Developing Cognitive, Physiological, Learning
Skills
- Physiological exercises involve identifying an
awareness of body clues (butterflies in the
stomach or sweaty palms) and practicing
relaxation and deep breathing.
8Developing Cognitive, Physiological, Learning
Skills
- Learning involves a six step problem-solving
process, exposure to fear-provoking experiences,
in which children learn to break down a feared
situation into manageable steps, and the
establishment of reward systems.
9Design of FRIENDS Program
- Participants
- Designed for children aged 12-16.
- Size
- Small groups (up to 12) are recommended when a
single group leader is available. - When used in the classroom setting it is
important to have a high ratio of group leaders
to participants.
10Design of FRIENDS Program
- Environment
- There should always be enough chairs for all
participants. - Arranging chairs in a circle can help facilitate
a sense of membership and participation. - Groups should be held in an interruption-free
and confidential setting
11Design of FRIENDS Program
- Program Structure
- There are 10 sessions in the Program, however it
may take more than one meeting to complete a
session. - Sessions should be scheduled at least once a week
- There are four parent sessions that can be
incorporated into the Program - Booster sessions are encouraged to review central
components and gains. Booster sessions are
recommended one month and three months after the
program is complete.