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Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 3/2015

Open Access 01-09-2015 | Original Paper

Adapting Metacognitive Therapy to Children with Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Suggestions for a Manual

Authors: Barbara Hoff Esbjørn, Nicoline Normann, Marie Louise Reinholdt-Dunne

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 3/2015

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Abstract

The metacognitive model and therapy has proven to be a promising theory and intervention for emotional disorders in adults. The model has also received empirical support in normal and clinical child samples. The purpose of the present study was to adapt metacognitive therapy to children (MCT-c) with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and create suggestions for an adapted manual. The adaptation was based on the structure and techniques used in MCT for adults with GAD. However, the developmental limitations of children were taken into account. For instance, therapy was aided with worksheets, practical exercises and delivered in a group format. Overall, the intervention relied heavily on practising MCT techniques in vivo with therapist assistance. A detailed description of how the manual was adapted for this age group is given, and examples from a group of four children are presented in a case series. Findings indicate that the adapted version of the metacognitive techniques and manual for children is feasible.
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Metadata
Title
Adapting Metacognitive Therapy to Children with Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Suggestions for a Manual
Authors
Barbara Hoff Esbjørn
Nicoline Normann
Marie Louise Reinholdt-Dunne
Publication date
01-09-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-015-9294-3

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