About CGT
CGT works with children and their families focusing on improving social skills to combat bullying. Provides structured mediation and facilitation programs in group settings for adolescent children (8-17) whose behaviors and actions closely aligned with bullying or are their targets. While schools have worked with parents and the child to stop bullying behaviors, CGT works with the children’s strengths to change learned behaviors. These are the children who are at risk of disciplinary actions, facing expulsion and are running out of options.
Why Use CGT?
The goal of CGT is to encourage changed behaviors while helping the child navigate through their emotions giving them a sense of control. It is important to work with the child to help them understand why they have destructive behavior and providing them with coping mechanisms to work through them. This is the goal of CGT.
And How Does It Work?
CGT is dedicated in providing each child with an avenue to openly discuss shared and individual experiences free from harassment; provides a place to speak without fear of retaliation; remove the stigma of discussing their feelings as being weak; all while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. CGT will provide a safe place for adolescents to talk in their own home or wherever they feel comfortable via Zoom.
CGT strives on building each child’s positive self-image and seeks to earn a rapport with the hopes of getting full participation. By doing this it will allow each child to be themselves and bring out uniqueness, because not all are the same. No child will be re-harmed by the behavior of peers within the group. Those who share the same problems, will draw strength, resilience and empowerment from one another; leading to changed behaviors, self-reflection and social awareness, to serve one purpose, to heal.
There are no one size fits all model that CGT follows. In fact, our group leader/facilitators are well trained and passionate, ready to lead positive sessions where children can feel empowered and have frank and honest discussions. Because each group will bring its own uniqueness to the session, group leaders/facilitators can bring their own unique approaches and styles that fit that particular group.
Adolescents thrive on socialization, what better way to use this as a tool to help them recognize they are not alone and that working together to solve similar issues in a group setting can help them to redeem their self-esteem and confidence.
CGT is dedicated in providing each child with an avenue to openly discuss shared and individual experiences free from harassment; provides a place to speak without fear of retaliation; remove the stigma of discussing their feelings as being weak; all while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. CGT will provide a safe place for adolescents to talk in their own home or wherever they feel comfortable via Zoom.
CGT strives on building each child’s positive self-image and seeks to earn a rapport with the hopes of getting full participation. By doing this it will allow each child to be themselves and bring out uniqueness, because not all are the same. No child will be re-harmed by the behavior of peers within the group. Those who share the same problems, will draw strength, resilience and empowerment from one another; leading to changed behaviors, self-reflection and social awareness, to serve one purpose, to heal.
There are no one size fits all model that CGT follows. In fact, our group leader/facilitators are well trained and passionate, ready to lead positive sessions where children can feel empowered and have frank and honest discussions. Because each group will bring its own uniqueness to the session, group leaders/facilitators can bring their own unique approaches and styles that fit that particular group.
Adolescents thrive on socialization, what better way to use this as a tool to help them recognize they are not alone and that working together to solve similar issues in a group setting can help them to redeem their self-esteem and confidence.
The effects of bullying can lead to anxiety, sadness, insomnia, lost interest in activities, health problems, missing class and behavioral problems on their targets. It also has led to violent behaviors and mental health issues such as self-mutilation, risky behaviors, suicidal ideations, suicides and repeating bully behaviors on others. It has been identified that 75% of youth who felt they were bullied, persecuted, or threatened by others, played a role and contributed to their actions of school shootings (DOJ FBI BAU – School Shootings Summary, 2018).
If not treated, the lasting affect can lead to drug and physical abuse of an intimate partner, child or other adults; problems with the law, criminal activity, engage in early sexual activity and vandalizing property. Youth should be enjoying their lives, not defending it!
Effects Of Bullying
The effects of bullying can lead to anxiety, sadness, insomnia, lost interest in activities, health problems, missing class and behavioral problems on their targets. It also has led to violent behaviors and mental health issues such as self-mutilation, risky behaviors, suicidal ideations, suicides and repeating bully behaviors on others. It has been identified that 75% of youth who felt they were bullied, persecuted, or threatened by others, played a role and contributed to their actions of school shootings (DOJ FBI BAU – School Shootings Summary, 2018).
If not treated, the lasting affect can lead to drug and physical abuse of an intimate partner, child or other adults; problems with the law, criminal activity, engage in early sexual activity and vandalizing property. Youth should be enjoying their lives, not defending it!
Effects Of Bullying
What Is a Bully?
Social
Is looked upon as being a type of undercover bullying because youth use social isolation, exclusion, and have others avoid or ignore them. This is harder to recognize and can be done behind the person’s back.
Cyber
Intentional and repeated harassment that is achieved digitally such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. Threatening messages, pictures or video is sent through social media, text messages, emails and apps that are harmful to another person. These messages can be shared with others that is meant to shame and be hurtful or embarrassing to humiliate them.
Verbal
Oral teasing, intimidating, name calling, scolding, yelling or using homophobic and racial slurs as a way to attempt to gain control over their target.
Physical
Repeated hitting, punching, kicking, pinching, damaging property, tripping or spitting. Can cause short and long-term damage to victims.
There Are Four Types Of Bullying:
Social
Verbal
Physical
Cyber
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Intentionally and repeatedly inflicts harm on others either physically, emotionally, verbally or electronically
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Angry and aggressive towards others most of the time
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Makes threats of harm or actually harms others
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Real or perceived power or dominance over another person
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Spreads rumors
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All of the above behaviors happen more than once and often is against the same person
Bullies need easy targets, something to focus on such as a visual disability, race, social class, social outcasts or loners, sexual status or orientation, physical appearance, and those who are emotionally challenged or disability and easily angered.
While each of these bullying types are different, CGT meets the emotional need of the child that each of these brings. When any of these bullying types are used against a child, the emotional harm can be devastating and lasting.
While each of these bullying types are different, CGT meets the emotional need of the child that each of these brings. When any of these bullying types are used against a child, the emotional harm can be devastating and lasting.
While each of these bullying types are different, CGT meets the emotional need of the child that each of these brings. When any of these bullying types are used against a child, the emotional harm can be devastating and lasting.
What is a Target?
CGT also works with children who are targeted by bullies. See some reasons why some youth are at risk of being bullied.
CGT also works with children who are targeted by bullies. See some reasons why some youth are at risk of being bullied.
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Outward physical illness or mental disability
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Sexual orientation
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Socially isolated/few friends/awkward
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Overweight/underweight
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Economically disadvantaged
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Popular or unpopular
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Annoying behaviors
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Successful/Intelligent/determined/creative
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Vulnerable
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Isolated
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Popular
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Distinctive outward appearance (braces, glasses, clothing)
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Religious, race or cultural beliefs
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Your child appears to be depressed (does not want to do the things they enjoy, stays in bed a lot, feels sad, lack of focus)
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Eating habits have changed (loss of appetite, eating patterns have changed, or not eating at all)
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Trouble sleeping (cannot fall or stay asleep at night, have frequent nightmares)
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Self-isolation (stays in bedroom, does not want to talk, or goes off to be alone)
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Changes in behaviors (more aggressive towards others and family members, have outbursts, and begins bullying siblings)
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Your child appears to be depressed (does not want to do the things they enjoy, stays in bed a lot, feels sad, lack of focus)
-
Eating habits have changed (loss of appetite, eating patterns have changed, or not eating at all)
-
Trouble sleeping (cannot fall or stay asleep at night, have frequent nightmares)
-
Self-isolation (stays in bedroom, does not want to talk, or goes off to be alone)
-
Changes in behaviors (more aggressive towards others and family members, have outbursts, and begins bullying siblings)
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Negative self-talk about themselves and others
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Does not want to go to school or fake an illness to avoid school
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School grades decline rapidly
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Has fresh or healed cuts on arm, legs, or thighs, even if the cuts are superficial, this is a cry for help and immediate attention should be sought by a mental health counselor or therapist.
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Talks or thinks about suicide, passively, jokingly or even seriously, please seek attention by a mental health counselor, therapist or crisis center.
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Injuries on your child (comes home with bruises and clothes disheveled)
Signs My Child is Being Bullied:
Targets are bully’s victims who are constantly being tormented. Targets have done nothing wrong but be at the wrong place at the wrong time for a bully to abuse. Targets sometimes are shy and overtly avoid people and will self-isolate in lunchrooms, libraries, bleachers, etc. This is an ideal opportunity for bullies. Some targets are friendly, outgoing, funny and have friends, but may not be assertive. This too can be attractive to bullies because they feel threatened by the fact that there are those who are genuinely happy but knows the person will not stand up for themselves.
CGT does not condone nor is stating that if a child has any of these, they are at fault for causing a bully to harm them. It is, however, what bullies use against their targets to gain control. CGT wants each child to feel safe, have a sense of belonging and value their individualities. Bullies are solely responsible for the choice they make, and it is not the target’s fault, however, these attributes may make bullying more likely.
It is important for those who are targeted to build up their self-confidence and self-esteem due to repeated attacks. Our services will give them different strategies and coping techniques on how to avoid and manage difficult situations. These techniques and strategies will provide them on ways to redirect a bully’s attacks to have different outcomes that is safe.
CGT provides two separate support groups that works with the bully/aggressor and the other with the target/victim. Each group focuses on the following topics:
The groups will never be scheduled at the same time. The bullies and targets will never been in the same group session. This is to prevent a target from being re-traumatized or re-harmed. Not all adolescents will benefit in group sessions and may need individualized counseling. In these cases, CGT will work with the parent or guardian to refer their child to receive therapeutic services. A future goal of CGT will be to provide individual mental health counseling.
The groups will never be scheduled at the same time nor will they be in the same group. This is to prevent a target from being re-traumatized or re-harmed. Not all adolescents will benefit in group sessions and may need individualized counseling. In these cases, CGT will work with the parent or guardian to refer their child to receive therapeutic services. A future goal of CGT will be to provide individual mental health counseling.
Each group facilitator will provide a summary of topics that were discussed along with helpful tips for parents on how to support their child. All group sessions are private and confidential. CGT strictly adheres to HIPPA laws.
And How Does It Work?
Bullies have low self-esteem and want to inflict hurt, frustrations and anger onto others. Many bullies have come from abusive group homes or foster care where they were removed from their families. This is a very traumatic event and creates uncertainty because they do not know if they will ever be reunited with their families or feel abandoned. Others may be experiencing emotional difficulties in their homes and struggle with talking with their parents. For these youth, they feel the only way they can get relief is by hurting others to make their own pain go away.
For the child to be considered a bully, the behavior must be aggressive and include the following:
What Are The Signs Of A Bully?
And How Does It Work?
CGT provides two separate support groups that works with the bully/aggressor and the other with the target/victim. Each group focuses on the following topics:
CGT provides two separate support groups that works with the bully/aggressor and the other with the target/victim. Each group focuses on the following topics:
The groups will never be scheduled at the same time. The bullies and targets will never been in the same group session. This is to prevent a target from being re-traumatized or re-harmed. Not all adolescents will benefit in group sessions and may need individualized counseling. In these cases, CGT will work with the parent or guardian to refer their child to receive therapeutic services. A future goal of CGT will be to provide individual mental health counseling.
The groups will never be scheduled at the same time. The bullies and targets will not be in the same group session. This is to prevent a target from being re-traumatized or re-harmed. Not all adolescents will benefit in group sessions and may need individualized counseling. In these cases, CGT will work with the parent or guardian to refer their child to receive therapeutic services. A future goal of CGT will be to provide individual mental health counseling.
Each group facilitator will provide a summary of topics that were discussed along with helpful tips for parents on how to support their child. All group sessions are private and confidential. CGT strictly adheres to HIPPA laws.
It's Not All Their Fault – Development of the Adolescent Brain:
Brain maturation during adolescent years begins around 10 and ends at 24 years of age and is one of the most important human growth and development changes, second only to infancy (Arain, et al, 2013). Adolescents’ prefrontal cortex is not fully formed and is one of the last regions in the brain to mature, which is why adolescents show immaturity. Therefore, adolescents’ struggle with the following areas because their brains are still under construction:
Regulating Emotions
Adjusting behaviors based on the situation
Impulse control/delaying gratification
Reasoning/understand consequences of actions
Organizing thoughts
Planning or Strategizing
Focus attention
Consider the future and make predictions
Weigh short terms satisfaction with long term goals
Struggle with initiating appropriate behavior
Cannot control inappropriate behaviors
Controlling Impulses
Understanding Emotions
Viewing Different Perspectives
Self-Esteem
Changing Behavior
Group A: Bully
Group B: Target
Social Awareness
Self-Esteem/Confidence
Emotional Well-Being
Coping Skills & Techniques
Distraction/Redirecting
Signs My Child Is Being Bullied
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Your child appears to be depressed (does not want to do the things they enjoy, stays in bed a lot, feels sad, lack of focus)
-
Eating habits have changed (loss of appetite, eating patterns have changed, or not eating at all)
-
Trouble sleeping (cannot fall or stay asleep at night, have frequent nightmares)
-
Self-isolation (stays in bedroom, does not want to talk, or goes off to be alone)
-
Changes in behaviors (more aggressive towards others and family members, have outbursts, and begins bullying siblings)
-
Your child appears to be depressed (does not want to do the things they enjoy, stays in bed a lot, feels sad, lack of focus)
-
Eating habits have changed (loss of appetite, eating patterns have changed, or not eating at all)
-
Trouble sleeping (cannot fall or stay asleep at night, have frequent nightmares)
-
Self-isolation (stays in bedroom, does not want to talk, or goes off to be alone)
-
Changes in behaviors (more aggressive towards others and family members, have outbursts, and begins bullying siblings)
-
Negative self-talk about themselves and others
-
Does not want to go to school or fake an illness to avoid school
-
School grades decline rapidly
-
Has fresh or healed cuts on arm, legs, or thighs, even if the cuts are superficial, this is a cry for help and immediate attention should be sought by a mental health counselor or therapist.
-
Talks or thinks about suicide, passively, jokingly or even seriously, please seek attention by a mental health counselor, therapist or crisis center.
-
Injuries on your child (comes home with bruises and clothes disheveled)
-
Negative self-talk about themselves and others
-
Does not want to go to school or fake an illness to avoid school
-
School grades decline rapidly
-
Has fresh or healed cuts on arm, legs, or thighs, even if the cuts are superficial, this is a cry for help and immediate attention should be sought by a mental health counselor or therapist.
-
Talks or thinks about suicide, passively, jokingly or even seriously, please seek attention by a mental health counselor, therapist or crisis center.
-
Injuries on your child (comes home with bruises and clothes disheveled)
Brain maturation during adolescent years begins around 10 and ends at 24 years of age and is one of the most important human growth and development changes, second only to infancy (Arain, et al, 2013). Adolescents’ prefrontal cortex is not fully formed and is one of the last regions in the brain to mature, which is why adolescents show immaturity. Therefore, adolescents’ struggle with the following areas because their brains are still under construction:
It's Not All Their Fault – Development of the Adolescent Brain:
Why Use CGT?
And How Does It Work?
There Are Four Types Of Bullying:
Social
Is looked upon as being a type of undercover bullying because youth use social isolation, exclusion, and have others avoid or ignore them. This is harder to recognize and can be done behind the person’s back.
Verbal
Oral teasing, intimidating, name calling, scolding, yelling or using homophobic and racial slurs as a way to attempt to gain control over their target.
Physical
Repeated hitting, punching, kicking, pinching, damaging property, tripping or spitting. Can cause short and long-term damage to victims.
Cyber
Intentional and repeated harassment that is achieved digitally such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. Threatening messages, pictures or video is sent through social media, text messages, emails and apps that are harmful to another person. These messages can be shared with others that is meant to shame and be hurtful or embarrassing to humiliate them.