Anxiety and Stress Management Programs
At ELMS Psychology Services, we are proud to offer evidence-based programs developed by Macquarie University. These structured, practical programs use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help children, adolescents, and their families understand anxiety and stress, and develop effective strategies to manage them with confidence.
The programs we offer include Cool Little Kids, Cool Kids, Chilled, and Study Without Stress (SWoS), providing age-appropriate support from the preschool years through to the senior years of secondary school.
Cool Little Kids - Anxiety Prevention Program (3-6 years)
The Cool Little Kids Program is an early intervention program designed for parents of children aged 3-6 years who exhibit excessive shyness or other types of anxiety (i.e., separation anxiety and lack of confidence).
The program equips parents with both knowledge and practical skills for how to help their child manage and overcome anxiety. The program uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques to give parents effective tools and strategies to assist their child.
The program covers topics including:
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Understanding anxiety and shyness in preschool children
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Helpful and unhelpful ways of responding to anxiety in children
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How to gradually and gently teach your child to face their fears
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Skills and strategies to help your child build brave behaviours and face fears
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Dealing with setbacks and difficulties
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How to maintain progress after the program ends
Cool Kids - Anxiety Program (7-12 years)
Cool Kids is a structured 10 session program run over a minimum of 10 weeks that teaches young people and their parents how to better manage anxiety.
The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of young people and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills.
Topics covered in the program include:
• Learning about anxiety
• Learning to think realistically
• Facing fears using stepladders
• Parenting an anxious child and
• Learning coping skills such as building confidence, relaxation or problem solving
The Cool Kids program was developed by Macquarie University and has been running since 1993. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. It has been translated into a number of languages and today, is used in clinics, schools and hospitals around the world.
Chilled - Adolescent Anxiety (12-17 years) or
Chilled - Adolescent Anxiety & Depression (12-17 years)
Cool Kids
Chilled is the adolescent version of the Cool Kids program, designed specifically for teenagers.
This is a structured 10 session program run over a minimum of 10 weeks that teaches young people and their parents how to better manage anxiety (and low mood).
The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of young people and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills.
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There is an program that targets anxiety only - 'Chilled Anxiety'
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There is an extended program that targets low mood as well as anxiety - "Chilled Anxiety & Depression"
The Cool Kids program was developed by Macquarie University and has been running since 1993. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. It has been translated into a number of languages and today, is used in clinics, schools and hospitals around the world.
Stress Management Skills (Students in Year 10-12)
VCE can be one of the most demanding periods in a young person's life. Students are often balancing heavy workloads, frequent assessments, and the pressure to perform at a consistently high level. At the same time, many feel the weight of expectations from school, family, and themselves. Uncertainty about exams, results, and future pathways can also contribute to feelings of worry, pressure, and self-doubt. As these pressures build, they can affect sleep, concentration, motivation, and confidence, making it more difficult for students to perform at their best. Learning practical, evidence-based strategies to manage these challenges can help students feel more in control, build resilience, and achieve their academic potential while maintaining their wellbeing.
The Study Without Stress program equips students (in Year 10 - 12) with knowledge and practical tips on how to approach and overcome the stress associated with increasing academic demands, heavy workloads, and exams.
Dr Michelle Rowland is accredited by Macquarie University’s Emotional Health Clinic to use the Cool Kids Program. The intellectual property rights, including copyright, in the Program are owned by Macquarie University. Macquarie University does not endorse any particular provider of the Program and their other services.
