Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is based upon the idea that our own thoughts are actually the cause of our feelings and behaviors, rather than external situations. It is a skills-based, goal oriented approach to therapy in order retrain the way we think, feel and behave.

You can use this image as a quick reference guide for techniques you can use a home, not only for the children in your care, but for yourself as well. Let's face it, working with children, especially those with challenging behaviours, can be difficult and at times even frustrating. Learning techniques to keep yourself calm and relaxed, will allow you to model appropriate behaviours even in the most stressful situations.

Grounding techniques using the five senses are often used as way to connect to a present situation or environment. It is often used in those who have experienced trauma to refocus the mind away from negative thoughts from the past. It is also a great way to distract a child who is inconsolable and refocus their energy.

Print this poster and have it in a child's room, playroom, or calming corner, as visual reminder of the process of grounding their bodies when they are overwhelmed.

This I-Spy Bottle is an excellent tool you can take with you on the go. It can be used during the grounding process, or as a self-regulating technique on it's own.

Click on the photo to find out how you can make your own using materials you already have at home!

The use of a weighted blanket has many calming benefits including the reduction of anxiety and is considered to be a form of deep touch pressure therapy. It is recommended that you use a blanket that is 15%-20% of the child's body weight, though it is not recommended for children under the age of four.

Use this tool during the grounding process, focusing on what the child can feel or use it to help create a calm environment at bedtime.

Click on the photo to purchase the one pictured or to learn more!

This video is a guided grounding exercise that you can use with the children in your care. Listen to the exercise to refocus their energy and help them learn to cope.

Lavender has been used for it's calming properties for hundreds of years. Infusing lavender into a playdough recipe provides a unique sensory experience perfect for children needing a calming activity while learning to cope with their emotions and manage their behaviours.

Visit the DIY Corner to learn how to make this recipe.

Magic Mud is a unique sensory experience. This can be used to illustrate the difference between feeling tense and feeling calm, as it is a solid when squeezed and then turns to a liquid when you relax.

Visit the DIY Corner to find the recipe and experience the magic this tool has to offer.