BOUNCE BACK Coaching is a one-on-one support program which assists youth, 15 and older, to cope with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety.  This CMHA SK program receives referrals from school counselors, doctors and nurse practitioners. In addition, mental health professionals in clinical and non-clinical practice can refer individuals to BounceBack. Even though youth populations are the main target, any individual in an age category above 15 can participate in this program. Our Youth Support Worker, is a trained coach to support both youth and adult participants.  

When referrals are received, participants are scheduled for up to six sessions, usually with phone or video links. During the first session, the persons explore their interests and goals for the program.  The youth identifies specific barriers and difficulties.  The coach outlines expectations and opportunities of the Bounce Back program.  The therapeutic relationship between the coach and learner offers support.  The youth is encouraged to stay in contact with other formal and informal support people and groups.  Participants can use 2-3 months out of a total program period of 6 months to complete Bounce Back Coaching, working on their own issues at their own pace.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which is the principal approach of the program, focuses on thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that precede and accompany times of depression and anxiety. Course workbooks introduce noticing and changing the thoughts.  Problem solving opens a choice – take an action, change the words and meaning, and release the negative energy.  Celebration acknowledges acting instead of staying stuck.

Under the umbrella of Bounce Back, the CMHA-Saskatchewan Division also runs the Living Life to the Full for Youth. This is a fun and engaging eight-week course that provides people from all walks of life with effective tools to maximize their ability to manage life’s challenges. The group-based course, for youth 13-18, uses the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which focuses on understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together to impact well-being. Each 90-minute session focuses on a different topic, such as understanding unhelpful thoughts, engaging in enjoyable activities, coping with anger and solving daunting problems. Session times can be adjusted to suit the schedule and needs of a group. Our group-oriented course does not require a referral from a primary care practitioner.

RBC funds CMHA SK Bounce Back to reach youth across Saskatchewan.  For more information, to make a referral for Bounce Back Coach, or to register your students for Living Life to the Full, send an email to: Bounceback@cmhask.com or call 306-525-5601 ext. 239.

For access to Bounce Backs National Services visit the link below.

https://alberta.cmha.ca/bounceback/