The Cool Kids Program is a structured 10 session program run over a
minimum of 10 weeks that teaches children and their parents how to better manage
a child’s anxiety. The Program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),
involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical
skills. Topics covered in the Program include:
- Learning about anxiety
- Learning to think realistically
- Parenting an anxious child
- Facing fears using stepladders and
- Learning coping skills such as assertiveness or problem solving
Cool Kids was developed by Macquarie University and has been running since 1993.
The Program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to
include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. It has been translated
into a number of languages and today, is used in clinics, schools and hospitals
around the world.
Facilitator: At Life Care Inner West, The Cool Kids Programme is facilitated by psychologist Enza Querin who has been accredited by Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health to use the Cool Kids Program.
Who can participate? Children aged 8-12 who have been deemed to be suitable for participation in the programme through an initial assessment. Cool Kids is designed for children where anxiety is the main problem being experienced and is significantly impacting their day-to-day life. The programme is not suitable if anxiety is not the main cause of the difficulties ( for example if oppositional or aggressive behaviour is the main problem) or if a child has consistently not attended school for two or more weeks.
Cost for the Cool Kids Group programme:
Assessment: A thorough assessment will be conducted by psychologist Enza Querin to determine if Cool Kids is likely to be helpful for your child. The assessment involves online questionnaires and an in person interview with a child and their parent/s. The cost for the assessment service is $330 for a 80-90 min session and a Medicare rebate is not applicable.
Group sessions: $150 per 90min group session and $60 for the complete set of Child and Parent workbooks. Participants who have a current GP Mental Health Care Plan will be eligible for a rebate of $24.65 per session from Medicare.
When and where: Cool Kids will be run when there are 6 participants within a 2 year age range and who have compatible presenting anxiety related concerns. The group will most likely be run from 4.30pm-6.00pm on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon TBC, at the office of Life Care Inner West.
For further enquiries and to leave your expression of interest in Cool Kids please email admin@lifecareinnerwest.com.au or call Life Care Inner West on 02 9712 5311.