Cool Kids Anxiety Program

The Cool Kids program was developed by Macquarie University in 1993 based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Over the past 25 years, it has been translated into several languages and is used in clinics, schools and hospitals worldwide.

The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment.

We run two versions of the program:

• Cool Kids for children aged six to 12 years
• Cool Little Kids for children aged three to six years.

Cool Kids Anxiety Program

This 10-week program helps parents of children aged six to 12 years to better manage anxiety. It involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. The program covers topics including:

• learning about feelings and anxiety
• learning to think more realistically
• parenting an anxious child
• fighting fear by facing fear
• coping skills, such as building social confidence and problem-solving.

Most young people who complete the program show significant improvement in fields like increased school attendance, academic achievement, confidence, number of friends and involvement in extra-curricular activities, as well as decreases in worry, shyness, fear and family distress.

Program delivery

How: Cool Kids anxiety program is delivered face-to-face in small group sessions, with a maximum of 10 children.

It involves 10 group sessions, held once per week after the school day. Each group session will run for approximately one and a half hours.

Parents will be invited to attend three parent sessions, which will be done online. Between sessions, children will be asked to practice skills at home and at school.

Where: Belconnen Community Centre, 26 Chandler Street, Belconnen.

Costs: We are currently reviewing our pricing and will advise upon inviting people who have expressed interest to participate in a group.

Note: Prior to the group commencing, an intake assessment is conducted with both parents and child. This may take up to 60 minutes and will be offered over video call or face-to-face. This is a requirement to attend the group sessions.

Cool Little Kids Anxiety Program

The Cool Little Kids Anxiety Prevention Program (Cool Little Kids) is a six-week program designed for parents/carers of children aged three to six years who may be shy, withdrawn or inhibited.

Cool Little Kids helps parents/carers develop skills and exercises to reduce excessive anxiety in their child or children and increase their confidence.

Cool Little Kids is evidence-based and has provided excellent results in Australia for over 10 years. All CRCS facilitators are accredited Cool Little Kids facilitators.

Parents and carers have found it helpful for improving young children’s fear and anxiety in a range of situations, including:

• saying hello / goodbye
• separating from parents (e.g. at preschool)
• playing with unfamiliar people (e.g. playdates, parties)
• trying new activities (e.g. swimming lessons)
• going to sleep.