The Kearns model: Strengthening teens through coping skills and mentoring


A high school program in Utah is combating increasing rates of teenage suicide by equipping children with the tools they need to manage thoughts of hopelessness. The program is known as ME (Mood Enhancement) Time and aims to provide youth with tools to learn the connection between their thoughts, actions, and feelings in order to be aware of what they can control to counter sadness and hopelessness. Students meet in counseling groups of 6-8 students for six sessions and discuss tools such as physical activity, keeping a mood journal to become more self-aware, and volunteering to alleviate depressive symptoms

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