CBT Strategies for Anxious and Depressed Children: A Clinical Overview
The first step is teaching the child (and their parents) about the "fight-flight-freeze" response and the "vicious cycle" of low mood.
Internalising disorders in childhood often present as a complex mix of anxiety and depressive symptoms. This paper outlines key CBT interventions—including psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy—adapted for developmental relevance. It emphasizes the "transdiagnostic" approach, addressing the shared underlying mechanisms of both conditions. 1. Introduction CBT Strategies for Anxious and Depressed Childr...
To reduce stigma and help the child externalize the problem (e.g., "The Worry Monster" is the issue, not the child). B. Cognitive Restructuring: "Catch it, Check it, Change it"
Scheduling small, achievable "mood-boosting" activities. CBT Strategies for Anxious and Depressed Children: A
Children act as "Thought Detectives" to look for evidence. Instead of saying "Nobody likes me," they learn to find evidence of a friend who said hello that morning. C. Behavioural Activation: Breaking the Lethargy
Using child-friendly metaphors, such as an "Out-of-Control Alarm System" for anxiety or "Blue Glasses" for depression. The Role of Parental Involvement
Gradually facing feared situations in small steps. For a child with social anxiety, Step 1 might be making eye contact; Step 10 might be giving a presentation in class. 3. The Role of Parental Involvement