The CBT Workbook for Children and Adolescents: Part 1 – About Me by Gary O’Reilly is a therapeutic resource designed to guide young people through self-reflection and self-discovery as part of a broader Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. This workbook encourages children and adolescents to consider their self-image, strengths, relationships, and perceptions as a foundation for positive change and personal growth.
Key Components of Part 1:
Self-Description Exercise:
- Children begin by drawing a picture of themselves and describing themselves as if they were a character in a book. This exercise helps them develop self-awareness and view themselves from a compassionate perspective, which can support positive self-esteem.
How Others See Me:
- This section prompts young people to reflect on how various people in their lives—such as parents, siblings, friends, and teachers—might see them. By recognising how others perceive them, children can build social awareness and empathy, understanding that their identity may appear differently to different people.
Identifying Positive Traits:
- The workbook encourages users to list five positive things about themselves that they believe others appreciate. This promotes self-appreciation, helping children focus on their strengths and foster a balanced self-image.
Objectives of Part 1:
- Encouraging Self-Reflection: Part 1 helps children reflect on their own qualities, relationships, and perceptions, guiding them to see both internal strengths and external perceptions.
- Building a Foundation for Growth: By starting with self-identity and strengths, this section establishes a positive foundation for further CBT exercises focused on emotional regulation, communication, and resilience.
- Developing a Supportive Framework: This reflective approach prepares children to handle challenges more effectively by recognising personal strengths and understanding supportive relationships in their lives.
The CBT Workbook for Children and Adolescents is a valuable tool for therapists, educators, and caregivers who want to support young people in understanding and improving their mental well-being. Part 1, specifically, provides a gentle introduction to self-discovery, setting the stage for deeper cognitive and emotional skills in later sections.
