Introduction
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has emerged as one of the most effective methods for helping children develop problem-solving skills and regulate their emotions (Farrington et al., 2022).
This evidence-based approach equips children and their families with tools to understand and manage their thoughts and feelings, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. CDI’s SNAP® (Stop Now And Plan) program is focused on supporting children and their caregivers to make better choices in the moment.
Understanding CBT and Its Importance for Children
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Through CBT, children and their caregivers learn to recognize their emotions and understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Key benefits of CBT include:
- Emotional Regulation: CBT helps build skills for recognizing and dealing effectively with emotions (e.g., anger, fear, frustration, sadness, anxiety). This awareness is crucial for managing intense emotions and responding appropriately.
- Building Self-Control: CBT empowers children by providing them with tools to recognize their emotions early and coping skills to manage their emotions and challenges — giving children and their caregivers increased confidence and a sense of control over their lives.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: CBT provides opportunities to break down problems into manageable steps, enabling them to find effective solutions. This process helps to foster critical thinking and resilience.
The Role of SNAP in Promoting CBT Principles
Further, SNAP client treatment plans typically involve a CBT formulation, targeting cognitive skill-building (building social, communication, and problem-solving skills) and/or cognitive distortions (via cognitive restructuring, self-talk, facilitator questioning, and consequential thinking activities), in addition to parental skill building. The SNAP model also uses a CBT approach to help participants build emotion regulation skills for dealing effectively with anger, including distinguishing between primary anger and other emotions that anger may be masking (e.g., sadness, fear).
The three steps of SNAP are:
- STOP NOW (the calming step) Emotion regulation and self-control: Use a strategy to calm your body,
- AND (the thinking step) Cognitive restructuring: Come up with a COOL THOUGHT (i.e., a positive, coping self-statement) that challenges a HARD THOUGHT.
- PLAN (the action step) Problem solving: Come up with a solution that will: make the problem smaller instead of bigger; make you feel ok about the choice you’ve made; and, won’t hurt yourself, anything, or anyone else.
Research Supporting SNAP
The SNAP model is regarded as one of the most fully developed and longest sustained evidence-based gender-specific interventions for young children in conflict with the law (Garbarino, 2006; Howell, 2001, 2003). SNAP’s research shows a summary of the evidence-based outcomes from the SNAP program in reducing bullying, conduct problems, aggression and externalizing problems, while increasing self-control, social skills (Farrington, Gafney & White, 2022).
Conclusion
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a powerful tool for helping children navigate their emotions and develop problem-solving skills. CDI’s SNAP program stands out as an effective application of CBT principles, providing children with the skills they need to thrive. By empowering children to stop, reflect, and plan their actions, SNAP fosters resilience and emotional well-being, paving the way for a brighter future.