09/04/2024
This worksheet is designed to help children and young people explore how their thoughts about events influence their feelings and actions. While rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the focus here is on enhancing mentalization—the ability to understand the mental states that drive behavior.
By encouraging reflection on their internal world, this tool helps young people build self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier responses to life’s challenges. It's a practical way for adults to guide meaningful conversations that foster growth and resilience in the young people they care for.
Here are five top tips for adults to make the conversation helpful and supportive:
1. Create a Safe Space: Start the conversation in a calm, private setting where the young person feels comfortable. Let them know this is a judgment-free zone where they can share openly.
2. Be Curious, Not Critical: Approach the discussion with curiosity rather than criticism. Ask open-ended questions like, "What was going through your mind when that happened?" to encourage exploration rather than imposing your perspective.
3. Validate Feelings: Acknowledge and validate their emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them. Saying something like, "I can see why you felt that way," helps them feel heard and supported.
4. Collaborate on Solutions: Work together to think about alternative thoughts or actions that could lead to different outcomes. This makes the process feel collaborative rather than directive.
5. Reflect, Don’t Lecture: After discussing their thoughts, feelings, and actions, gently guide them to reflect on what they’ve learned. Ask, "What do you think might help if this happens again?" instead of telling them what they should do.
These tips help ensure that the conversation is constructive, empathetic, and empowering for the young person.
Link to PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11nFrQiv9Iyxg_Z23afOEEVZWTbVSVO4A/view?usp=share_link
