‘Now Whenever I Get Anxious,I Know What to Do’ : Children’s Experiences of Attending CBT-Informed Group Therapy in a Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Abstract

The importance of involving healthcare consumers in service user experience has yet to be consistently embraced by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), despite recognition from the UN’s Convention of the Rights of the Child, which emphasises the value of including children in clinical research. The Secret Agent Society (SAS) is an intensive, CBT-informed intervention for children, which aims to support emotion regulation and social problem-solving skills. SAS has a substantial international research base; however, little is known regarding the personal experiences of children who have completed the programme. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore children’s experiences of attending SAS groups facilitated by Senior Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) in CAMHS in Ireland. Data was collected using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews, with 47 children aged 8–12 years (mean age 10:11). Children’s diagnoses included ADHD, anxiety disorder and/or autism. Interviews were transcribed and analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Themes highlight the value children placed on mastering new skills and the hope that this new learning offered them for the future. A fun intervention, supported by a strong therapeutic alliance and a favourable emotional climate, were of importance to them. Completing home practice tasks was not. Findings give a voice to neurodivergent children attending SLT-led group therapy in CAMHS, beyond what previous research has established using quantitative methods. The depth of experiences described emphasise the importance of optimising the therapeutic environment and have implications for future neuro-affirmative group interventions.