COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN WORK WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the coverage of the peculiarities of the application of cognitive behavioral therapy in work with children and adolescents, in particular, the theoretical and practical aspects of this therapeutic approach are considered, namely, it was analyzed that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective and empirically confirmed psychotherapeutic approach for the treatment of anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other psychological problems in children and adolescents. It was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy in work with children and adolescents contributes to the formation of skills that help them effectively cope with various life situations that cause negative thoughts and emotions, and can also lead to maladaptive behavior. It was found that cognitive behavioral therapy uses a variety of psychotherapeutic methods and techniques to cognitively restructure and modify maladaptive behavior in children and adolescents, with the therapeutic alliance providing a safe environment conducive to learning and implementing new adaptive behavior patterns. It was revealed the main components of therapeutic work with children and adolescents, including: psychoeducation, development of skills in recognizing and correcting maladaptive thoughts, use of self-regulation strategies, behavioral activation, and exposure exercises. It was considered peculiarities of the use of therapeutic programs for anxiety disorders, namely the cognitive behavioral programs «Coping Cat» and «Cool Kids», which are scientifically based, structured and effective tools for psychotherapeutic assistance to children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Both programs are based on key principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and are adapted to the age characteristics of children. These programs involve active parental participation, a combination of individual and group work, interactive teaching methods, and gradual overcoming of anxiety situations in a safe environment. The use of these programs contributes not only to reducing anxiety, but also to increasing confidence, developing emotional competence, and improving the child's overall functioning in daily life. And it was also considered a therapeutic program for behavioral disorders for children and adolescents, namely the «Coping Power Program», which is one of the most commonly used cognitive behavioral therapy programs for school-age children with behavioral disorders. The program consists of two interrelated components – separate approaches for school-age children and for their parents, implemented in parallel within a single cognitive-behavioral protocol. «Coping Power Child Program» is a group or individual program for school-age children aimed at developing self-control, social skills, emotional regulation, problem solving; «Coping Power Parent Program» is a parallel program for parents that teaches positive practices for regulating a child's behavior, consistency in parenting, improving relationships with the child, and effectively responding to problem behavior. It was established, that «Coping Power» is an effective cognitive-behavioral program aimed at reducing behavioral disorders in school-age children through a combination of intensive work with the child and his parents. It covers the development of self-regulation, social skills, anger management, social problem solving and strengthening family interaction. Thanks to a clear structure, interactive methods, step-by-step learning, and systematic involvement of parents, the program creates conditions for lasting changes in the child's behavior, improving their emotional functioning, and enhancing the quality of family life. Therefore, cognitive behavioral therapy is a comprehensive approach that helps overcome emotional and behavioral difficulties in children and adolescents by developing self-regulation skills, cognitive flexibility, and adaptive behavior, which improves their emotional resilience, academic achievement, and social adaptation effectiveness.