Within the project entitled “Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Violent Behaviour in School Children”, supported this year by the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, groups for the development of social skills were established in two schools in the Canton of Sarajevo
The social skills development programme, lasting eight sessions, is based on Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy. This type of therapy aims to develop skills such as self-presentation in a group, recognising and adequately expressing emotions, establishing friendships, identifying one’s own positive qualities, recognising the early signs of distress and expressing anger in a socially acceptable way.
The programme is adapted for lower primary school grades and is tailored to children’s interests through play. The work involves drawings, therapeutic stories, therapeutic games, along with plenty of discussion on the above-mentioned topics. During discussions, children also learn to actively listen to others and share their own comments.
The project is supported by the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo.