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School Phobia

Mental Health

School Phobia (School Refusal) Pathway

School phobia is a growing problem, with pupils struggling to cope with anxiety linked to the academic and social aspects of school life.

On this pathway, we’ll support the young person to explore their negative associations with school and suggest ways to reprogramme these thoughts. We’ll encourage small, manageable steps towards reintegrating, including starting the sessions at home with the aim of moving them to the school setting.

Length of treatment

10 sessions delivered weekly

Prerequisites

None required

Referral Criteria

  • Refusing to go to school or stay in school
  • Refusing to go into lessons or stay in lessons
  • Defiant behaviour
  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Anxiety (including health or social anxiety)

What we will work on

  • Develop strategies to recognise triggers of anxiety and manage symptoms
  • Reprogramme negative thoughts surrounding school
  • Build resilience
  • Plan for incremental return to school/lessons

What we want to accomplish

  • Lower anxiety levels (as measured on YP Core 10)
  • Improved attendance and engagement with learning
  • Improved self-esteem and resilience

Get AccessIf you're not already a Mable school, click here to access these pathways for your students: