This workshop has 12 remaining seat(s).
This is a 6-session program taking place on Tuesdays from January 30 to March 5, 2024, from 4:30 to 5:30pm EST.
Due to funding regulations, priority will be given to those living in Southeastern Ontario.
This workshop will be offered via Zoom meeting. The children will also be expected to share their video and sound, in a confidential and safe online space.
The KGST program was developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association -Kingston Branch and was implemented in schools starting in 2019, and has since been relocated to the Self-Management Program of Southeastern Ontario, at the Kingston Community Health Centre.
Why does it matter?
Children are more susceptible to stress than even adults. Most kids are not equipped with the coping strategies that adults develop over time and are unsure about how to effectively problem-solve. It is important to expose kids and youth to a variety of coping mechanisms early on so that they may choose the strategies that best suit them and get used to practicing and strengthening these in their everyday lives.
Prolonged stress and lack of emotional regulation can lead to many other maladaptive behaviours as well as mental health issues such as anxiety.
Studies show children are far more stressed than their parents perceive them to be and that they benefit from community support systems.
KGST Goals: We aim to equip children with the resources that they need to identify stressors, understand the emotional reaction to stress, and to find beneficial coping strategies that allow them to regulate their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
We strive to help each child personalize their experience and to motivate them to find strategies that work independently for them.
SESSION ONE Belly Breathing
Objectives:
1. Create a safe and comfortable space for everyone.
2. Reflect on how our emotions are experienced in our body.
3. Learn how to be aware of the breath.
SESSION TWO Imagination
Objectives:
1. Learn how to visualize a safe or a happy place when feeling overwhelmed with difficult emotions.
2. Practice using imagination and creativity.
SESSION THREE Positivity
Objectives:
1. Identify negative thoughts and positive thoughts and learn how to shift negative thinking to positive thinking.
2. Start a daily gratitude practice.
For more information on the program or to organize a KGST for your school or organization, or for assistance with registration or technical support, please contact us at [email protected] or 613-542-2949 x1179.
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