Cognitive Behavioural Approach for Secondary Staff and Students: Teaching Tools 3

Using a Cognitive Behavioural Approach to maintain emotional wellbeing and ensure positive change

This programme introduces and teaches the key elements and skills of a Cognitive Behavioural Approach. Students are taught that by changing thought processes they can have a significant effect in altering behaviours.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a specific, goal-orientated therapy which often results in positive change within a short period of time, unlike traditional psychotherapy which can take many years to produce positive results. CBT emphasises the role that thoughts play in regard to both emotions and behaviours. It advocates that changing thought processes can have a significant effect upon altering behaviours. CBT offers individuals a way of talking about themselves, their world and other people and about how what they do affects their thoughts and feelings.

Unlike many other 'talking treatments' CBT focuses upon the here and now and ways to improve the individual's state of mind in the present time as opposed to focusing on causes of distress or past symptoms.

Teaching Tools - A Cognitive Behavioural Approach for Secondary Staff and Students is part of the Teaching Tools series which aims to equip staff and students with the knowledge and understanding they need to effectively and safely use these potentially beneficial techniques with young people.

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Table of Contents

Teaching Tools - the Series

Learning Outcomes for a Cognitive Behavioural Approach

Introduction

References

Part One: Staff Training

• Activities
• PowerPoint Presentation and Facilitator Notes

Part Two: Student Sessions

• Session 1: Problem Identification and Making Links - Group Rules
• Session 2: Core Beliefs
• Session 3: Focus on Feelings
• Session 4: Focus on Feelings 2
• Session 5: Control those Feelings
• Session 6: NATs and PATs
• Session 7: Faulty Thinking
• Session 8: Find the Facts
• Session 9: More on your Core Beliefs
• Session 10: Thought Control
• Session 11: Changing Behaviour
• Session 12: Problem-solver

Part Three: Appendices

• Appendix 1: Information Sheet for Students
• Appendix 2: Letter to Parents/Carers
• Appendix 3: Information Sheet for Parents/Carers
• Appendix 4: Mental Health Fact Sheet
• Appendix 5: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
• Appendix 6: Referral Routes to Specialist Agencies
• Appendix 7: Directory of National Mental Health Services
• Appendix 8: Sample Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for Schools