PROGRAM
CBT and Mindfulness
Tier 2
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
TRAILS Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness skills groups offer early intervention support for students with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Delivered by school mental health professionals, these sessions help students better understand their symptoms and build a toolbox of effective coping skills.
Designed for school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other school mental health professionals, sessions can be delivered in small groups or one-on-one. Handouts and caregiver letters are available in English and Spanish.
Program Details
Program Close-Up
TRAILS CBT and Mindfulness
Sessions teach effective strategies to manage common symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as feelings of hopelessness, decreased energy, worried thoughts, and avoidant behaviors. Skills covered include the following:
CONCEPTS OF CBT MODEL
Learning how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and influence our reactions to situations.
MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATION
Learning how to notice what we are experiencing in the present moment and how to bring down the intensity of emotions when needed.
COGNITIVE COPING
Learning to identify automatic thoughts, ask curious questions about impact and accuracy, and generate new thoughts when helpful.
BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION
Learning about the positive impact physical activity has on our mood and highlighting specific skills to be able to identify, schedule, and incorporate activities into our everyday.
EXPOSURE
Learning to identify when fears are preventing us from getting what we want or need and learning skills to overcome avoidance.
Key Benefits
- Equips schools with a gold-standard, skills-based approach that is uniquely suited for the school setting.
- Provides school mental health professionals with a full suite of support, including training with the TRAILS clinical team, real-time mentoring from a designated TRAILS Coach, and ongoing access to weekly Q&A sessions.
- Includes follow-up tools such as assessment measures and implementation tracking tools, updated materials in line with the latest research, and professional development opportunities.
What to Expect
PREP
School leaders prepare to launch the program. TRAILS provides strategies for success, helps leaders create a full implementation plan, and trains appropriate staff.
LAUNCH
School mental health staff lead their first 10 CBT and Mindfulness sessions with a group of students, meeting weekly with a TRAILS Coach for support.
SUSTAIN
TRAILS offers ongoing workshops and support for all trainees, including continued access to the program materials with no license fee.
By the numbers
+19%
increase in use of exposure strategies by secondary students
TRAILS 2022-2023 Program Evaluation Data
+17%
increase in use of mindfulness or relaxation strategies by secondary students
TRAILS 2022-2023 Program Evaluation Data
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