Bright minds, bright moods: A CBT based approach to the development of resilience and emotional well-being

Purpose: This presentation aims to provide a review of our early intervention and preventative programme ‘Bright Minds, Bright Moods’. We will provide examples from process and practice, research findings and ideas for promoting emotional well-being in schools. Background: Early intervention work related to emotional well-being and mental health is key to our role as Educational Psychologists in Essex Local Authority. This is within the context of increasing need and pressures on access to therapeutic support for children and young people, particularly in the world of traded services. In light of this we have had the opportunity to develop, implement and evaluate a weekly programme for secondary-aged pupils over a term last year. Method/Key Points: This programme aims to promote resilience amongst our young people. In doing so, it aims to: Develop positive coping styles and ways of dealing with difficult and/or worrying situations; Promote self-efficacy and self-worth; Enhance self-reflection; Develop social awareness and relationships; Increase autonomy and more effective planning and problem-solving. CBT and Solution Focused Brief Therapy frameworks underpin this programme and whole class approaches promote generalisation and transfer of skills. Pupils have opportunities to work as a whole class, in small groups and in pairs. This workshop will provide opportunities to practice/experience some of the techniques used and discuss some of the qualitative research results. Conclusions: Positive outcomes can be drawn from this pilot study. Implications for practice emerge including CBT and learning disability and emotional well-being within organisations