Brief Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Youth: Workbook (Programs That Work)

By: V. Robin Weersing and Araceli Gonzalez and Michelle Rozenman

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Synopsis: Anxiety and depression are the most common psychological challenges for children and adolescents, with nearly 1 in 5 youths suffering from a significant episode before adulthood. Without intervention, these issues can have lasting impact, with links to persistent struggles with mood, poorer physical health, school drop-out, and substance abuse. Brief Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Youth: Workbook details a problem-focused, short-term behavioral intervention designed to promote rapid change in youth symptoms in 8 to 12 sessions. BBT targets youths' avoidance of stress and negative feelings and promotes active engagement with the important activities of youths' lives - school, family, friendships. In the first phase of treatment, youth are taught relaxation and problem-solving strategies to cope with stress. In the second phase, youths develop and practice a personalized action plan to engage in challenging life tasks and activities. Throughout, the program allows for flexibility to accommodate family cultural values, youth age and maturity level, and youths' personalized symptom profile. Designed to work alongside the corresponding Therapist Guide, Brief Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Youth promotes thoughtful collaboration between therapists, parents, and children, helping young people to learn that they can endure situations that are scary, unpleasant, or overwhelming and reach their goals in life.