Cognitive –Behavioural Therapy

All of the programs run at the Health Psychology Unit are based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT emphasises the importance of thoughts and behaviours in triggering and maintaining feelings of anxiety and depression. The treatment uses a skills training approach that focuses on teaching adolescents skills to identify and challenge negative thoughts, and to learn how to behave in ways to lessen their experience of negative feelings.

Research has shown that CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression in adolescents. We are currently evaluating the effectiveness of the programs that we run at the Unit. As a result your teenager will be asked to complete questionnaires before and after participation in the program, and will be asked to attend a clinical interview both before and after the program.

How do I enrol my child in the program?

The first step is to call the Unit to check if your teenager would be suited to one of the programs. It is important to discuss the option of joining a program with your son or daughter. We will then arrange an interview time for you and your adolescent to meet with one of the psychologists. At this interview the psychologist will establish the nature of your teenager's concerns, their suitability for the program, and will ask them to complete a range of self-report questionnaires.