Cool Little Kids® is an evidence-based program for parents, designed to bolster the confidence of young children, thereby reducing their anxiety issues as they grow. This evidence-based program, developed at the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University (Australia), is not a clinical treatment but a preventative strategy to address early signs of anxiety in children.

These early signs of anxiety might include shyness, fearfulness, withdrawal, or difficulties separating from caregivers. The program focuses on various fear-related challenges that young children often face, such as:

Saying hello/goodbye

Separating from parents (e.g., at preschool)

Interacting with unfamiliar people (e.g., during playdates, parties)

Engaging in new activities (e.g., swimming lessons)

Overcoming bedtime fears

Why Cool Little Kids?

This program is crucial for parents looking to enhance their child’s emotional wellbeing and prevent the future development of anxiety disorders. Research indicates that intervening with effective strategies during preschool years can significantly decrease the likelihood of anxiety disorders during teenage years.

Other benefits for participants of the program include:

Insight: Gain a comprehensive understanding of why your child may be shy, the connection between shyness and anxiety, and strategies to prevent future anxiety issues.

Practical skills: Learn actionable techniques to support your child when they feel worried or scared and methods to encourage bravery.

Community learning: Engage with other parents encountering similar challenges, and benefit from shared experiences and the collective wisdom of the group.

What is involved?

The Cool Little Kids program involves 6 x 1.5 hour sessions (9hrs total), over a period of 8 weeks. Group sizes are kept small (approx. 6-10 participants) to ensure focused attention and a supportive environment.

Sessions will cover topics like understanding early signs of anxiety, parenting an anxious child, the role of avoidance in anxiety, and strategies for facing fears directly. Sessions are filled with presentations, skills training, and practical exercises, and include home practice tasks.

Eligibility

Cool Little Kids is suitable for parents (or primary caregivers) of children aged 3 to 6 years who are showing early signs of anxiety (e.g., shyness, fearfulness, withdrawal, or difficulties separating from caregivers).

When

The next Cool Little Kids program will be offered at Prana Psychology when a sufficient number of participants have registered their interest (register below). When registering, please indicate your preferred days/times for sessions.

Cost

375 AED per hour (x 9hrs) = 3330 AED total. The cost includes: 9hrs of group sessions, a comprehensive workbook (published by Macquarie University), plus additional materials and handouts.

The full cost of the program is to be paid prior to commencing.

Register your interest today!

Please fill out the form below to register your interest in the Cool Little Kids program. Don’t miss out, group numbers are limited!

Study Without Stress® (SWoS) is an evidence-based, psycho-educational program designed to equip secondary students with knowledge and tips on how to approach and effectively manage the increased workload, stress and pressures associated with undertaking their final years of school. The skills learned in SWoS are also helpful in managing stress associated with exams and performing more effectively at school, generally.

Developed at Macquarie University (Australia), the SWoS program uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques and focuses on reducing anxiety, teaching study skills and helping students to:

Learn about stress and anxiety (causes, symptoms, etc)

Understand how stress and anxiety affect school performance

Manage expectations and beliefs about school performance

Understand perfectionism and procrastination

Learn how to deal with exam stress and work avoidance

Challenge negative and unhelpful thinking

Build good study habits and create effective timetables

Learn to better prepare for exams, set goals and problem-solve, and

Learn how to create a healthy study-life balance

*Please note, SWoS does not cover school curriculum or subject content.

Why Study Without Stress?

This program is likely to be beneficial for any student undergoing their final years of school, particularly those feeling the effects of study related stress. The SWoS program employs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, which are well-supported by research for managing stress and anxiety.

By focusing on teaching practical skills such as goal setting, time management, problem-solving, and cognitive restructuring, the SWoS program helps students to modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour associated with stress. This approach has been shown to be effective in numerous clinical settings and educational interventions. Studies typically show improvements in students' ability to manage stress, reduction in anxiety symptoms, and enhancement in overall academic performance.

What is involved?

The program involves 6 x 1.5 hour sessions (9hrs total), over a period of 8 weeks. Group sizes are kept small (approx. 6-10 participants) for students only to attend. There are some short home tasks to complete between sessions, for students to practice their skills and facilitate their learning.

Eligibility

SWoS is suitable for secondary school students aged 16-18 years. The program is not intended as an intervention for students experiencing clinical anxiety or depression.

When

The next SWoS program will be offered at Prana Psychology when a sufficient number of students have registered their interest (register here). Sessions will be conducted outside of school hours at a time that suits most registered participants (note your preference when you register!).

Cost

375 AED per hour (x 9hrs) = 3330 AED total. The cost includes: 9hrs of group sessions, a comprehensive workbook (published by Macquarie University), and additional materials and handouts.

The full cost of the program is to be paid prior to commencing.

Register your interest today!

Please fill out the form below to register your interest in the SWoS program. Don’t miss out, group numbers are limited.