Cuando los niños rechazan la escuela: Guía para terapeutas (Programas que funcionan)

What is 'When Children Refuse School: Therapist Guide'?

This guide is part of the Programs That Work series and is specifically designed for mental health professionals working with children and adolescents who experience school refusal. The book offers a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) based approach, structured in sessions and adapted to the individual needs of each patient. It is a comprehensive resource that covers everything from initial assessment to relapse prevention.

Who is this book for?

This manual is intended for clinical psychologists, child psychiatrists, school social workers, and occupational therapists who deal with cases of school phobia or separation anxiety. It is also useful for postgraduate students in clinical psychology looking for an empirically validated protocol. The authors, Christopher A. Kearney and Anne Marie Albano, are recognized experts in the field of child anxiety and have developed this program based on decades of research.

Content and structure

The book is organized into modules that include:

• Functional assessment of school refusal behavior
• Graduated exposure techniques
• Coping skills training for the child and family
• Contingency management and positive reinforcement
• Coordination with the educational center
• Relapse prevention and follow-up

Each chapter includes worksheets, examples of therapeutic dialogues, and decision-making guides. The format is practical, allowing the therapist to adapt interventions to each case.

How can this book help in clinical practice?

The program provides a systematic framework for addressing school refusal, a problem affecting approximately 5% of school-aged children. By following the steps described, therapists can reduce treatment duration and improve success rates. The guide emphasizes the importance of collaboration with parents and teachers, offering concrete strategies for each context. In addition, it includes standardized assessment measures to monitor progress.

Frequently asked questions

Is this book suitable for parents? No, it is aimed exclusively at professionals. However, parents may benefit indirectly by working with a therapist who uses this manual.

Does it require prior CBT training? Basic knowledge of cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended, although the book includes detailed explanations.

Does it include downloadable materials? The print edition contains reproducible worksheets; the digital version may include additional resources.

Important warning

This product is an educational and professional training resource. It does not replace clinical supervision or professional judgment. Therapists must adapt interventions to the individual characteristics of each patient and comply with the ethical and legal regulations of their country. It is always recommended to consult with a specialist before implementing any protocol.