EASE - ArcaMind

“EASE is a holistic intervention that teaches adolescents to manage stress and helps caregivers create the supportive environment that is crucial for long-term mental health progress.”

—Rick Gertsema, MS
Mental Health Senior Advisor, Miller-Dwan Foundation

“EASE is a holistic intervention that teaches adolescents to manage stress and helps caregivers create the supportive environment that is crucial for long-term mental health progress.”

—Rick Gertsema, MS, LP
Senior Mental Health Advisor, Miller-Dwan Foundation

“EASE marks a significant advance in supporting adolescent mental health.”

—Traci Marciniak
CEO, ArcaMind

“EASE marks a significant advance in supporting adolescent mental health.”

—Traci Marciniak
CEO, ArcaMind

What is Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE)?

Developed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, this program includes seven group sessions for adolescents who are experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. The program also includes three sessions for caregivers. Sessions draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles, incorporating psychoeducation, stress management, behavioral activation, and problem-solving techniques. EASE promotes supportive caregiving/parenting and helps adolescents develop effective coping strategies. The curriculum is adapted to fit the cultural context of the participants, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Participants gain skills for handling both practical and emotional challenges

Emotion Regulation

Stress Management

Problem-Solving Skills

Coping Strategies

See the research

A study in Lebanon found that adolescents in the EASE program had fewer emotional and behavioral problems and improved well-being and functioning.

Caregivers reported better supportive parenting, enhancing adolescents’ use of learned skills in Jordan and Pakistan study.

Solutions for:

Communities

Partnering with communities to implement early mental health interventions that prevent crises and build supportive inclusive environments. Our programs strengthen relationships, reduce isolation and marginalization, and enhance resilience.

Solutions for:

Nonprofit Organizations

Enabling nonprofit organizations to significantly impact their mission by addressing the mental health needs of the populations they serve. Our training programs support the essential objectives of nonprofit organizations.

Solutions for:

Business Organizations

Collaborating with business organizations to prioritize mental health and create strategies that address the unique needs of the workplace. Our programs support a productive, positive work environment and a healthier, balanced life for the workforce.

The EASE Process

Introduction

Setting ground rules for group sessions to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Activities to build trust and rapport among participants and facilitators.

Understanding Emotions

Encouraging healthy expression of emotions.
Techniques to manage and regulate intense emotions.

Cognitive Behavioral Strategies

Identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thoughts.
Encouraging positive thinking patterns and self-talk.

Problem-Solving Skills

Recognizing and defining problems in everyday life.
Brainstorming possible solutions to problems.

Coping Skills

Techniques to manage and reduce stress, such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness.
Identifying and utilizing support networks, including family, friends, and community resources.

Social Skills and Relationships

Learning to express needs and opinions respectfully and confidently.
Understanding the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Behavioral Activation

Encouraging engagement in positive and meaningful activities.
Setting and working toward personal goals.

Application and Practice

Practicing skills through role-playing scenarios.
Assigning tasks to practice skills outside of sessions.

Program Conclusion

Reviewing key concepts and skills learned throughout the program.
Encouraging ongoing use of skills and planning for future challenges.

Program Length

Each EASE session typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. Sessions are usually held weekly or bi-weekly. Optimal group sizes range from 10 to 15 participants to ensure active participation and individual attention.

EASE Recipients

Participants in the EASE program are young adolescents who benefit from structured support to enhance their emotional and mental health. The program is designed to be inclusive, supportive, and practical, helping them develop crucial skills for managing emotions, coping with stress, solving problems, and building resilience.

EASE Roles

Master Trainer

Responsibilities
• Oversees the implementation and quality assurance of the EASE program.
• Trains and supervises Trainers and Helpers.
• Provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure fidelity to the EASE model.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of EASE interventions.

Qualifications
• Extensive experience in mental health, preferably with expertise in psychological interventions.
• Proficiency in training and supervision techniques.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

Trainer

Responsibilities
• Conducts training sessions for Helpers on EASE techniques and protocols.
• Provides ongoing supervision and support to Helpers during their implementation of EASE.
• Ensures fidelity to the EASE model and adherence to quality standards.
• Facilitates discussions and skill-building exercises during training sessions.

Qualifications
• Background in mental health or related field.
• Experience in delivering psychological interventions.
• Effective communication and teaching skills.

Helper

Responsibilities
• Implements the EASE interventions with groups in the community.
• Assists participants in identifying and addressing specific problems and stressors.
• Teaches stress management techniques and behavioral activation strategies.
• Enhances social support networks and encourages participation in meaningful activities.

Qualifications
• Training and certification in EASE techniques through ArcaMind Helper training.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to build rapport with participants.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of community dynamics.

Solutions for:

Communities

Solutions for:

Nonprofit Organizations

Solutions for:

Business Organizations

Master Trainer

Trainer

Helper

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