The Program

Based on extensive evidence-based research relating to the prevention and treatment of anxiety, the My Friends Youth Resilience program is aimed at building self-esteem and social skills training in adolescents.

Developed in Australia by Dr Paula Barrett, the My Friends Youth program:

-Assists youth in developing life-skills to effectively cope with difficult and/or anxiety-provoking situations
-Normalises the emotional state of anxiety
-Builds emotional resilience and problem-solving abilities
-Encourages peer learning and builds peer and other support networks
-Promotes self-confidence when dealing with difficult or anxiety-provoking situations
-Effectively prevents anxiety and depression in children and youth
-Promotes emotional wellbeing through group and peer learning contexts

There are different ways that children, families and teachers can be involved:

Weekly Groups at Pathways Clinic

You can bring your young children aged 10+ to Pathways and a highly trained child psychologist will run the MY FRIENDS YOUTH program for your child over 12 weeks (one and a half hours per week). The program is divided into Junior Youth (10-13 yrs), and Senior Youth (13+ yrs). There is a maximum of ten children per group to ensure the children are comfortable and to avoid them feeling overwhelmed. Parents also learn skills and strategies to further reinforce what your child has been learning in the program. The programs run throughout each school term on weekends, as well as during the school holidays. To join the program, or to find out more, please contact our groups coordinators at Pathways on (07) 3391 6866.

Intensive Holiday Programs

Intensive Holiday programs are available. These groups are particularly convenient for families who live outside of Brisbane. This involves one session per day on weekdays during the holiday period (two weeks). Please contact the centre for more information.