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Paula Barrett is the author of the world renowned FRIENDS programs, a research based group training program that helps children and adults cope with life issues, develop resilience and to counteract stress and depression.
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Friends for Youth Group Intervention for Anxiety Paula Barrett, Hayley Lowry-Webster and Cynthia Turner
Materials Needed • Required Supplies • Group Leader Manual • Student Manual (ideally, for each student in group) • Optional supplies • Chalkboard /Dry erase board • Crayons, Markers, Color pencils
Rationale 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.
“FRIENDS” • F– How am I Feeling? • R– Relax and Feel Good • I– Inner Thoughts • E– Explore Plans • N– Nice Work, Reward Yourself! • D– Don’t forget to Practice! • S– Stay Calm
Theoretical 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.
Developing 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.
Developing 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.
Developing 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.
Design 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.
Design 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
Design 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.