TAKE ACTION

Flexible, evidence-based support for schools, psychologists, counsellors, and child practitioners.

by Dr Allison Waters and Dr Trisha Groth

Used in over 500 health clinics, practices, and schools around Australia, the Take Action program is an easy-to-use, flexible, and robustly effective CBT child anxiety disorder treatment designed for both individual and group use.

Used in more than 500 Australian schools, clinics, and practices, Take Action is a practical CBT-based program designed to help children aged 4–12 manage anxiety in everyday settings. Developed in Australia by clinical psychologists Dr Allison Waters and Dr Trisha Groth from more than 12 years of psychological research and clinical application in childhood anxiety treatment, Take Action combines evidence-based cognitive behavioural strategies with flexible, easy-to-use materials suitable for both individual and group work.

Whether used in a school wellbeing setting, private practice, or community clinic, Take Action provides structured guidance without requiring expensive accreditation or intensive training programs.

 Designed for Practical Use

Take Action was designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice — providing practitioners with flexible, evidence-based CBT tools that can be used confidently in busy educational and clinical environments.

Take Action helps practitioners support children experiencing:

• excessive worry and fear
• school-related anxiety
• social anxiety and shyness
• avoidance behaviours
• low confidence and emotional distress

The program includes practical CBT strategies that help children:

• recognise and manage anxious thoughts
• build coping and problem-solving skills
• develop emotional resilience
• strengthen social confidence
• practise assertive communication
• gradually face feared situations in manageable ways 

Flexible and Easy to Implement

Take Action can be adapted for:

• individual therapy
• small-group work
• school-based intervention
• community and clinic settings

Practitioners may use the materials flexibly as part of ongoing therapeutic work or deliver the program as a structured 10-session intervention. No accreditation fees or mandatory training programs are required.

What’s Included

The core Take Action manual includes:

• session guidance and treatment structure
• assessment support
• CBT activities and exercises
• therapist instructions and practical examples
• materials for group or individual delivery

Optional child and parent workbooks are available to support:

• home practice
• parent involvement
• child engagement between sessions
• reinforcement of CBT skills

Why Early Intervention Matters

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health difficulties experienced by children. Without effective support, anxiety can interfere with learning, social development, confidence, and everyday participation. Research consistently shows that cognitive behavioural approaches can significantly improve coping skills, emotional wellbeing, school participation, and social functioning in anxious children. Take Action was developed to provide practitioners with a practical and accessible way to deliver this support in real-world settings.

For a detailed overview download the Take Action Information Booklet

For schools, clinics, and organisations, download the School & Bulk Order Form