Paula Barrett is the author of the world renowned FRIENDS programs, a research based group training program that helps children and adults cope with life issues, develop resilience and to counteract stress and depression.

1. Friends for Youth
Group Intervention for Anxiety
Paula Barrett,
Hayley Lowry-Webster and
Cynthia Turner

2. Materials Needed
• Required Supplies
– Group Leader Manual
– Student Manual (ideally, for each student in
group)
• Optional supplies
– Chalkboard /Dry erase board
– Crayons, Markers, Color pencils

3. Rationale of the FRIENDS
Program
• FRIENDS will help children to learn important skills and
techniques to cope with and manage anxiety.
• The word FRIEND will help them to remember each new
skill taught throughout the program.
• Children will discover different ways to be a friend to
themselves and to others.

4. “FRIENDS”
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
F–
R–
I–
E–
N–
D–
S–
How am I Feeling?
Relax and Feel Good
Inner Thoughts
Explore Plans
Nice Work, Reward Yourself!
Don’t forget to Practice!
Stay Calm

5. Theoretical Principles Behind
The FRIENDS Program
• FRIENDS is based on a theoretical model that addresses
three processes:
– Cognitive (mind) relates to inner thoughts we have
about ourselves, others and situations.
– Physiological (body) relates to physical reactions our
bodies feel when we feel worried, nervous or afraid.
– Learning (behavior) relates to the acquisition of new
skills to cope and manage anxiety.

6. Developing Cognitive,
Physiological, & Learning Skills
• Cognitive exercises encourage the use of positive self-talk
and self-reward. Children learn coping strategies and to
change unhelpful negative thoughts.

7. Developing Cognitive,
Physiological, & Learning Skills
• Physiological exercises involve identifying an awareness of
body clues (butterflies in the stomach or sweaty palms) and
practicing relaxation and deep breathing.

8. Developing Cognitive,
Physiological, & Learning Skills
• Learning involves a six step problem-solving process,
exposure to fear-provoking experiences, in which children
learn to break down a feared situation into manageable
steps, and the establishment of reward systems.

9. Design of FRIENDS Program
• Participants
– Designed for children aged 12-16.
• Size
– Small groups (up to 12) are recommended when
a single group leader is available.
– When used in the classroom setting it is
important to have a high ratio of group leaders to
participants.

10. Design of FRIENDS Program
• Environment
– There should always be enough chairs for all
participants.
– Arranging chairs in a circle can help facilitate a
sense of membership and participation.
– Groups should be held in an interruption-free
and confidential setting

11. Design of FRIENDS Program
• Program Structure
– There are 10 sessions in the Program, however it may
take more than one meeting to complete a session.
– Sessions should be scheduled at least once a week
– There are four parent sessions that can be incorporated
into the Program
– Booster sessions are encouraged to review central
components and gains. Booster sessions are
recommended one month and three months after the
program is complete.