Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety

This workbook presents cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help children and teens manage anxiety. The program consists of six structured sessions that teach emotional awareness, relaxation methods, and cognitive tools. The text includes worksheets, activities and scripts for both facilitators and participants to use during therapy sessions. Physical copies come with reproducible materials that can be used directly with clients. Core concepts include recognizing emotions in the body, understanding anxiety triggers, and developing personalized toolkits of coping strategies. The program emphasizes practical skills that can be applied in real-world situations. This manual represents an important resource in making evidence-based anxiety management accessible and engaging for young people. The structured yet flexible approach allows for adaptation across different therapeutic settings while maintaining CBT's core principles.

Readers describe this workbook as practical and straightforward for helping autistic children manage anxiety. Many parents and therapists report success using the exercises with children ages 8-14. Liked: - Clear explanations of emotions and anxiety - Step-by-step cognitive behavior therapy activities - Visual tools and worksheets - Can be used by parents at home or professionals - Helps children identify anxiety triggers Disliked: - Some activities too complex for younger children - Limited engagement for teens/adults - Requires significant adult guidance - More examples needed for different scenarios - Print quality and binding issues noted Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (354 ratings) "This book gave my son concrete ways to understand and cope with his anxiety," wrote one parent reviewer. A school counselor noted "The emotional thermometer tool resonates well with students." Several reviewers mentioned needing to modify activities for their child's specific needs and developmental level.

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🔸 The author, Tony Attwood, has over 40 years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum and is considered one of the world's foremost experts in Asperger's Syndrome. 🔸 The book's cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) techniques were specifically modified to be more effective for children with autism spectrum disorders, who often process emotions differently than neurotypical children. 🔸 Unlike traditional anxiety management books, this one uses concrete, visual tools and metaphors (like comparing emotions to a thermometer) to make abstract concepts more accessible to young readers. 🔸 Dr. Attwood developed these techniques through his clinical work in Australia, where he established the first diagnostic and treatment center specifically for Asperger's Syndrome. 🔸 The workbook format includes practical activities that can be completed alone or with a parent/therapist, making it both a clinical resource and a self-help guide.