techniques with children because it's "too advanced" and
they "won't understand."
I often wonder if those critics had children of their own, because
if they did, they would realize that children are forming "beliefs"
about their world from the time they are able to experience their
environment.
I do agree that we should not use the same types of strategies,
or advanced vocabulary, with children as we do with adults. However,
there are engaging tools that can help children learn to identify and challenge
unhealthy thoughts to improve their mood and behavior.
The Challenge Software Program utilizes short video clips that begin
with an "Activating Event." We then freeze the action to present
Healthy and Unhealthy thoughts that the main character might have about
the event. Next, we have the competing thoughts challenge each
other to resolve the cognitive dissonance. This takes place in
a short video game format where the child tries to "defeat" the
unhealthy thoughts. The ending to the video clip and the fate
of our main character depend on which thought wins.
Engaging cognitive therapy tools, like the Challenge Software Program,
can help children begin to understand that they have control over their
own moods and behaviors. They will begin to identify unhealthy
thought patterns and learn how to effective challenge those beliefs.
by Brad Chapin, LCP, LMLP
Creator of the Challenge Software Program &
Author of "Helping Young People Learn Self-regulation"
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