RAP-A is designed to run for approximately 50 minutes per week for 11 weeks. The program is run with groups of adolescents varying in size from 8 to 16 students. RAP-A attempts to integrate many different approaches to help adolescents develop their strengths. The following techniques form the basis of the program.

Personal Strengths

Individuals are helped to recognise and affirm existing strengths and personal resources. The aims of this component are to help adolescents focus on the importance of having and maintaining a good self-esteem.

Cognitive Therapy (Thought Court)

Participants are helped to recognise and challenge distorted cognitions and develop positive self-talk.

Keeping Calm

Self-management and self-regulation strategies are taught to participants. This involves improving both the recognition and management of emotional and physiological symptoms.

Problem Solving

Individuals are encouraged to define problems and generate appropriate and effective solutions.

Support Network

Individuals are helped to acknowledge the importance of developing a support network and appropriate help-seeking behaviour as a mechanism for emotional well being.

Interpersonal Problem Solving (Keeping the Peace)
Participants are helped to consider role transitions and role disputes that arise during the period of adolescence. Strategies for promoting harmony and avoiding escalation of conflict are taught. Individuals are helped to acknowledge the perspective of other people and to value empathy.

Continue to page 3 >