More than 1 in 6 Australians experienced an anxiety disorder in 2022 1. Young people are also less likely than other age groups to seek professional help 2. The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is a 10-session program that helps young people and their parents explore strategies to manage anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Cool Kids is suitable for children 7-12 years, while the teen version supports adolescents aged 12-17 years.

Topics covered 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.

Rebecca is accredited by Macquarie University's Centre for Emotional Health to deliver the Cool Kids Anxiety Program. The intellectual property rights, including copyright, in the Program are owned by Macquarie University. Macquarie University does not endorse any particular provider of the program or their other services

1 https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/two-five-australians-have-experienced-mental-disorder 

2 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics

Everyone is affected by changes and losses at times throughout their lives. These may include parent separation or divorce, changes in family arrangements or living situations, the death of a loved person, migration, school transitions, friendship changes, or natural disasters. Seasons for Growth is a small-group 8-10 session program based on research that provides support while helping children and teens learn skills and strategies to cope with change and loss.

This program focuses on building skills such as managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication, and developing peer support networks. Participation in the program gives children and teens the opportunity to find their own voice amid periods of change or grief. 

Seasons for Growth is an education program that aims to build the resilience and well-being of youth who have recently experienced a grief/loss event. The program supports young people to understand their feelings, develop skills for coping, restore self-confidence and educate them about the grief process.

Wellbeing is a general term for how you feel about yourself and your life. This can be strongly linked to life satisfaction and happiness but also encompasses much more. Wellbeing is influenced by myriad factors, including diet, exercise, sleep, friendships, relationship intimacy, career satisfaction, financial stability, self-esteem, optimism, purpose, meaning, belonging, ability to adapt to change, religious or spiritual beliefs, and hobbies/ relaxation.  

The interplay of factors affecting wellbeing differs between individuals. For example, while one person's wellbeing might depend heavily on quality time with friends, another person might find career satisfaction is more important for their wellbeing. The good news, though, is there are many approaches you can experiment with or practice if you wish to improve your wellbeing.