Cool Kids Anxiety Program
Practical Skills for Managing Anxiety and Facing Fears
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is a widely used, evidence-informed intervention grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), designed to support children and adolescents in managing anxiety and building confidence.
This structured, skills-based program equips young people and their families with practical tools to understand how anxiety impacts thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to respond in more flexible and effective ways.
Through guided sessions, participants are supported to face fears gradually, build coping strategies, and apply these skills across home, school, and everyday situations. Parents are actively involved throughout the program, supporting the reinforcement of skills beyond the clinic.
Is This the Right Fit?
This program may be a good fit if your child or teen:
- Experiences excessive worry, fears, or avoidance
- Struggles with separation anxiety, social anxiety, or specific fears
- Avoids situations such as school, social activities, or new experiences
- Finds it difficult to cope with uncertainty or change
- Would benefit from structured, practical strategies to manage anxiety
- Has a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder or significant anxiety symptoms
Skills Developed
Participants develop practical, evidence-based skills across key areas:
Understanding Anxiety
- Recognising how anxiety affects thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
- Identifying physical signs of anxiety
- Building awareness of triggers
Thinking Skills
- Developing more flexible and realistic thinking
- Challenging unhelpful thought patterns
- Building confidence in managing worries
Coping and Regulation
- Learning relaxation and calming strategies
- Problem-solving skills
- Managing uncertainty and emotional responses
Facing Fears and Building Confidence
- Gradual exposure using “stepladder” approaches
- Increasing independence over time
- Building confidence through supported real-world practice
Finding the Right Support
We understand that seeking support for anxiety can feel challenging at times. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your child’s needs and determine whether the Cool Kids Anxiety Program is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate support option.
Ready to support your child or teen in managing anxiety and building confidence?
Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next Cool Kids Anxiety Program.
Cool Kids Anxiety Program (7–17 years)
Cool Kids is a skills-based CBT program for anxiety in children and teens, supporting families with structured, evidence-based strategies. The program covers:
- Understanding feelings and anxiety
- Developing realistic and flexible thinking
- Facing fears through gradual exposure (“stepladders”)
- Parenting an anxious child
- Building coping skills such as confidence, relaxation, and problem-solving
Sessions are delivered by our child and teen psychologists in Sydney, one-to-one or in small groups, within clinic, school, or community settings. Parent involvement is central—caregivers learn alongside their child to reinforce skills at home.
Special Adaptations
- Chilled (12–17 years): Tailored to the unique challenges faced by teenagers.
- Cool Kids Autism Program: Adjusted for autistic children and their families, using specialised examples, discussion formats, and supports that reflect their daily experiences.
Skills Covered
Children and families learn to
Understanding Anxiety
- Understand anxiety and its impact on thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
- Support anxious children effectively as parents
Anxiety Management
- Develop realistic, flexible thinking
- Use relaxation and problem-solving strategies
Conquering Fears
- Face fears through supported exposure
- Build confidence, resilience, and independence
Participation Requirements
This program is suitable for:
- Children aged 7–12 and teens 12–17 experiencing anxiety disorders
- Families seeking a structured, evidence-based approach
- Children/teens motivated to learn and practice new skills
- Parents and carers willing to attend and support at home
- Autistic children who would benefit from the Cool Kids Autism adaptation
Why It Matters
Anxiety is one of the most common childhood mental health challenges. Without support, it can affect school, friendships, and family life.
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program in Sydney addresses these challenges directly. Families report reduced anxiety, improved school attendance, better friendships, and stronger family wellbeing. Children and teens gain confidence and resilience, learning tools they can use for life.
Proven Results
With more than 16 published studies—including multiple RCTs—the Cool Kids program is one of the world’s most researched child anxiety interventions.
Findings show:
- High success rates: Many participants no longer meet anxiety criteria post-program.
- Reduced distress: Significant decreases in worry and family stress.
- Improved functioning: Gains in school, friendships, and confidence.
- International credibility: Delivered in 24 countries, translated into 14 languages.
- Broad effectiveness: Proven positive outcomes for autistic children with the specialised adaptation.
Participation Requirements
This program is suitable for:
- Children aged 7–12 and teens 12–17 experiencing anxiety disorders
- Families seeking a structured, evidence-based approach
- Children/teens motivated to learn and practice new skills
- Parents and carers willing to attend and support at home
- Autistic children who would benefit from the Cool Kids Autism adaptation
Why It Matters
Anxiety is one of the most common childhood mental health challenges. Without support, it can affect school, friendships, and family life.
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program in Sydney addresses these challenges directly. Families report reduced anxiety, improved school attendance, better friendships, and stronger family wellbeing. Children and teens gain confidence and resilience, learning tools they can use for life.
Proven Results
With more than 16 published studies—including multiple RCTs—the Cool Kids program is one of the world’s most researched child anxiety interventions.
Findings show:
- High success rates: Many participants no longer meet anxiety criteria post-program.
- Reduced distress: Significant decreases in worry and family stress.
- Improved functioning: Gains in school, friendships, and confidence.
- International credibility: Delivered in 24 countries, translated into 14 languages.
- Broad effectiveness: Proven positive outcomes for autistic children with the specialised adaptation.
Skills Covered
Children and families learn to
- Understand anxiety and its impact on thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
- Develop realistic, flexible thinking
- Face fears through supported exposure
- Use relaxation and problem-solving strategies
- Build confidence, resilience, and independence
- Support anxious children effectively as parents
Program Structure
Duration
10 weeks
Format
Weekly 90 minute Child Sessions, followed by 30 minute Parent sessions
Activities
Cool Kids workbook with structured activities to help manage anxiety
Parent/Carer Involvement
Parents/Social Coaches to attend weekly 30 minute sessions to support management at home
How Can I Apply to Participate?
We’d love to support your child or teen through the Cool Kids program.
Book an initial consultation with a psychologist in Sydney to confirm whether the Cool Kids program is the right fit for your child and family.