The number of children seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in England, has more than doubled over the past two years.  Yet these services are oversubscribed and waiting lists are too long.  

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Does your Adolescent need help and support with their Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing?  Are you looking for a practical, evidence based and nurturing intervention?  Are you searching for an inspiring community that is dedicated to holding the space for our young people to embody their potential, learn, grow and thrive together.

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The Thriving Adolescent in-person 6 week course is based on the DNA –V model of Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology developed by Louise Hayes PHD and Joseph Ciarrochi PHD and integrates the best practice in Mindfulness and Social, Emotional Learning.

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DNA-V starts with the simple premise that we humans have much more potential than we can ever express in one moment. We are never complete, never broken, always capable of growth.

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DNA-V synthesises the behaviours found in all humans – we all have this kind of DNA just as we all have DNA in our cells. DNA-v is based on the latest evidence base and provides a dynamic developmental model that can support personal growth and improve psychological problems.

DNA-v uses the effective elements found in all therapies and psychological interventions.

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D, N, and A stand for the metaphorical names discoverer, noticer, and advisor, three classes of behaviour, or less technically ‘ways of being, or spaces, that we can move between’. These behaviours are further influenced by context i.e. the immediate and historical environment, the individual’s learned self-view and their attachments and relationships in their social world.   We can help young people learn to flexibly move between DNA to become more skilled at each, and use them to create a life with heart – value and vitality (the V).  Everything in the model is guided by and to Values which come from answering questions such as “What do I care about in this moment? What kind of person do I want to be? What do I want my Life to stand for?”   

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We can help young people become DNA-v shifters – able to flexibly move around and choose the behaviour that best fits the situation, thereby promoting psychological flexibility, wholeness, heartfulness, as well as social and emotional wellbeing.

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Why is this course is different?  

The DNA-V programme is not an attempt to use an adult model with young people; instead, it is grounded in developmental research and seeks to describe the conditions that help children grow into strong, healthy, whole young people. DNA-v follows the evidence based results driven SAFE practice:

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S-sequencing training from the most basic to advanced

A-actively engaging young people in the exercises through experiential embodied exercises

F-focusing on skills development

E-explicitly targets the Social Emotional Learning Skills of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building and responsible decision making.

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The course is designed to be taught in groups.  We all learn best in relationship with others. Adolescents in particular learn from their peers.  This is the best way to foster an awareness of common humanity, empathy for shared experiences and inclusion.   

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There are two DNA-V courses available - one for ages 11-14, and another for ages 14-16