A bibliotherapy project for children with social anxiety

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to provide a bibliotherapy resource for caregivers to use with children who are experiencing shyness or social anxiety. The project includes a thematic literature review on social anxiety that covers etiology, intervention, prevention and research on the use of bibliotherapy in treating social anxiety. Information that emerged from the literature was used to create a bibliotherapy resource in the form of a children's picture book entitled Quiet Ira. The book is coupled with a guide for caregivers on how to use the book as a bibliotherapy tool with a child who struggles with social anxiety. The story features a young girl who experiences social anxiety and is supported by caring adults in her life to manage the social anxiety. Interventions introduced in the story and caregiver guide include: psychoeducation, positive self-talk, exposure therapy, supportive relationship, mindfulness, social skills, externalizing, and references to other resources.iii Acknowledgements It would not have been possible to complete this project without the love and support of those closest to me. First I want to thank my husband Dusty; for taking care of more than his share of dinners and dishes during crunch times, for reminding me to take breaks and getting me out for walks in the sunshine, for his listening ear and emotional support, for believing in me and for celebrating my ideas, creativity, and passion. You are my anchor. I also want to thank the friends that were right there beside me in this process, especially Erin, Megan and Emily. Erin, thank you for the time you spent with me brainstorming and generating ideas, for being a caring confidant and for being there when I needed to get out and have fun climbing, laughing or cooking. Megan, thank you for providing me with meaningful feedback, encouraging my passion for helping and for being a bosom buddy throughout the whole growth process of juggling practicum, life and engaging in our spiritual and personal growth journey together. Your friendship has been a source of light and strength. Emily, thank you for your excitement about this project, for being so supportive (even from afar), and for your practical advice on writing and communication. I am also so grateful for the support of my parents and siblings -for believing in me, for showing interest, for providing each of your unique perspectives, for nurturing in me the importance of attuned emotional connection and the value of taking risks.Last but definitely not least, I want to thank my professors and supervisors, Linda and John, for facilitating self-awareness, for helping me understand my journey and how change might happen for others. You both have provided a safe place to learn and calling me up to the person and professional you knew I could be, thank you. Chapter One: IntroductionFor as long as we have known, human survival has depended on our ability to work together, to commune and to be connected to one another. History has proven that when we cooperate and work together we can do in...