Children's programs
We have a selection of evidence based programs available for your child. Our programs aim to address a variety of therapeutic, social or safety needs. The groups are modest, inclusive and fully interactive and all participants are carefully selected so our groups work cohesively and productively,
Some of our programs are available in a one-to-one format if preferrable.
SibWorks - Peer Support Program
SibWorks is a peer support program for children aged 8-12, who have a brother or sister with a disability. It is recognised that siblings of children with a disability are likely to have a mixture of feelings and experiences, but may not always have the understanding and emotional skills to manage the them.
Over the 14 hour program, children will:
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understand more about disability and functional challenges
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experience a sense of connection/less isolation
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understand new strategies to deal with tricky feelings
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develop coping skills they can use in their lives
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feel more positive about themselves as siblings
Also, it is likely that children that participate in the SibWorks program will better understand and accept their sibling which can add to the strength of the relationship and improve family dynamics.
The Sibworks program has been designed by Siblings Australia, using evidence-based research, to promote emotional wellbeing and support improved mental health. The group setting allows for empowerment and connection between children, improving their self confidence and sense of inclusion..
. Light refreshments are provided, in addition to an activity book for children to complete and take home at the end of the program.
The full cost of the program is $700 (14 hours of content).
Next session 20th-22nd of January 2025!
Please register your interest for more information about the SibWorks program!
Protective Behaviours
Protective Behaviours is a personal safety program that teaches children skills and strategies to identify and respond to a range of unsafe situations.
The program is underpinned by two core themes:
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“We all have the right to be safe and feel safe at all times.”
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“We can talk with someone about anything, no matter what it is.”
Protective Behaviours was developed in the USA in the 1970s by Peg Flandreau West, a school pastoral care worker who recognised that in most cases, children were harmed by someone they knew rather than a stranger. Since that time, the program has evolved to respond to emerging issues impacting on the safety of children and young people.
The program is delivered in a clear, simple and non-confronting way by using fun and engaging activities over 6 x 1.5 hour sessions. 2-day intensive workshops are offered during the school holidays.
We currently offer two age group courses (5-8 year old's and 9-12 year old's). The content is designed to adhere to appropriate age and developmental levels.
Children participate in a wide range of activities, such as class discussions, worksheets, readings, songs, and games.
The program has 11 lessons covering the following content:
Theme 1:
1. We all have the right to be safe and feel safe at all times; and Feelings
2. Warning Signs
3. Safety Check
Theme 2:
4. We can talk with someone about anything, no matter what it is; and Networks
5. Safe and Unsafe Secrets
6. Persistence
7. Body Safety
8. Public and Private
9. Personal Space and Consent
10. The Right to Say No
11. Theme Reinforcement
This workshop is delivered in accordance with the training program by the Western Australian Child Safety Services.
Group and Individual sessions are available - Please contact our office for pricing.
The Best of Friends
The Best of Friends™ (BoF) program provides children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, understand empathy, develop and maintain friendships and supports positive decision making.
Pre and post program testing utilising the DESSA are completed for each group. The DESSA measures program outcomes to ensure that all therapeutic goals are met. All BoF facilitators receive training and supervision before becoming accredited in running the program.
Program Details
●10 weekly sessions (1 hr)
●Aligned with the Australian Curriculum to facilitate self-awareness and self-management, as well as social awareness and social management.
● Each child receives a multi-award winning activity book that includes stories and a range of activities to improve social and emotional learning skills
Developed by Educational and Developmental psychologist Kimberley O’Brien and the Quirky Kid team, the Best of Friends program draws on decades of clinical and school-based experience and research, to help students overcome common social and emotional issues.
Participants will learn how to:
●Make and maintain positive friendships
●Develop empathy and communication skills
●Recognise, express and manage their own emotions
●Negotiate and resolve conflict
●Work independently and more cooperatively
●Increase resilience assertiveness
●Share ideas, appreciate diverse perspectives and
●Develop teamwork and leadership skills
Research has shown us that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) opportunities significantly increase student outcomes, both academically and socially. The program provides both literature, theory and practice for young people to better understand themselves and others.
Pricing
Best of Friends TM Social & Emotional Learning Program
(10 Session) - $100 per session (private clients).
NDIS Funding may be available (Counselling NDIS rates applicable) - contact us to find out!
Zones of Regulation
What are the Zones of Regulation?
Emotions can be confusing and overwhelming!
Our Zones of Regulation program helps children identify & regulate their
emotions by understanding the connection between their sensory systems
and emotions and how this relates to the world around them.
The Zones program also helps the child develop awareness of feelings,
energy, and alertness, while exploring a variety of tools and strategies for
regulation, self-care and overall wellness. By identifying these feelings
and applying tools and strategies, it supports children in meeting personal
or academic goals, managing big feelings, and maintaining healthy
relationships.
Trained facilitators work from a curriculum activity book which contains a
variety of lesson plan ideas and activities. Supplementary materials are also used to facilitate learning. These include storybooks, tool cards, and a board game to keep the program fun and interactive!
The Zones of Regulation was built from many years of clinical experience. It has been widely researched. Evidence shows positive, measurable outcomes across multiple studies and applications, including in clinical settings. It has demonstrated a range of therapeutic benefits for children with Autism and ADHD. The content of the program is derived from trauma-informed care practices.
The below link has some information pertaining to a literature review on the Zones of Regulation and its use for neurodiverse children!
NDIS funding can often be used for this program to help work towards participants emotional regulation goal!
Private rates for the program are $100 per session. NDIS rates charged at the standard counsellor rates.
Take Action - Against Anxiety!
Take Action is an Australian designed program that uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to help children confidently and successfully manage anxiety provoking situations!
Take Action is an Australian developed program that has been designed from over 10 years of psychology research.
It aims to help children manage their anxiety by approaching anxiety-provoking situations in a safe manner.
The content of the program assists children in:
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Problem solving
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Cognitive restructuring
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Assertive strategies
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Social skills
These skills can support and improve performance at school, social engagement and building resilience to bullying.
Evidence indicates that anxiety and anxiety disorders in children can be successfully treated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Take Action uses CBT components and integrates them with recent advances in threat-based cognitive biases and maladaptive thinking styles in anxious children. For more information on this evidence, click on the link.
Take Action follows a 6-step treatment plan, outlined below:
A - Be AWARE - of feelings and body signals
C - Keep CALM - strategies for keeping calm and reducing anxiety
T - THINK Strong Thoughts - thinking positively and confidently
I - Get INTO Action - gradually confront anxiety provoking situations
O - Use my OPTIONS - additional strategies to manage anxiety
N - NEVER Stop Taking Action - plan for anxiety provoking times to help in the future
Take Action is an 8 week program recommended for children aged 4-12 years old . Sessions can be individualised or in small groups. The program is designed for both child and parent to attend each session and each receive a activity book that is completed over the course of the program.
'Parent involvement is considered important to help consolidate learning and reinforce children's efforts to confront their fears between sessions.'
NDIS funding may be used for this program (counsellor rates)!
Privately, the cost of the program is $100 per session.
Children's Yoga Workshops
January School Holiday Workshop
2025
Yoga is a rewarding practice for all ages! The benefits of yoga include
improved flexibility & posture, building muscle strength, increasing
blood flow & strengthening the spine. Yoga is effective in the development
of balance & coordination, helps maintain the nervous system & supports
good digestion. Yoga also helps enhance mood & concentration, promotes
relaxation & helps reduce symptoms of stress & anxiety. Yoga practice aides
in the release of tension & helps develop self esteem & self confidence!
Our children's yoga workshops are aimed at helping children use the benefits of yoga in combination with the cognitive & practical approaches of psychology to support overall health and wellbeing. Our workshops are open to ALL children & are inclusive, interactive, engaging & practical! Each participant receives a range of tools & resources to take home!
