Read more
SHERBET is a unique tool designed to help practitioners support young people aged 11-17 who exhibit aggressive behaviours. Using CBT-based strategies, the program aims to enhance their ability to recognise, regulate, and manage their emotions effectively.
Grounded in research and best practice, SHERBET draws on emotion regulation theories and motivational interviewing techniques. The structured group program offers clear guidance in a supportive environment while remaining adaptable to individual needs. By addressing emotional overwhelm and unhealthy coping strategies early, the program works to reduce future mental health and behavioural challenges.
Activities promote perspective taking, empathy development, and bias awareness, alongside strategies to strengthen communication skills. The comprehensive manual includes detailed instructions for staff training, program evaluation, practical worksheets (also available as downloadable resources), and role-playing exercises for facilitating effective group sessions.
This resource is essential for all professionals working with children who experience difficulties with emotion regulation, including mental health practitioners, school counsellors, youth justice workers, social workers, special education teachers, and other professionals involved in child and adolescent well-being. Readers are expected to have a foundational understanding of child development, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and therapeutic interventions.
List of contents
Acknowledgement Preface Chapter 1. Purpose of the Intervention Chapter 2. How to Use This Manual Chapter 3. Post-Session Staff Debrief Chapter 4. Assessment And Evaluation Chapter 5. SHERBET's Research and Development Journey Chapter 6. Breaking the Ice Chapter 7. Information Session - First Group Contact Chapter 8. Individual Goal Planning Workshops Chapter 9. SESSION 1 - Getting Started Chapter 10. SESSION 2 - Recognising Emotions in Ourselves Chapter 11. SESSION 3 - Recognising Emotions in Ourselves (Part 2) Chapter 12. SESSION 4 - Recognising Emotions in Others Chapter 13. SESSION 5 - Mental Mistakes Chapter 14. SESSION 6 - Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours Chapter 15. SESSION 7 - Communicating with Others Chapter 16. SESSION 8 - Moving Forward Chapter 17. Maintaining Skills Chapter 18. Worksheets And Resources Chapter 19. Summary Workbook Index
About the author
Dr. Sandra Jareño Ripoll is a forensic psychologist with experience working with both children and adults. Academically, her research focus has been youth knife offending and how to best tackle it. Through her research she has become passionate about promoting evidence-based practice, using research to inform the development and implementation of strategies and interventions. Dr Sandra Jareño Ripoll is also a practitioner psychologist, who has worked with children and adults; in the community and in custodial settings. Her experience has highlighted how beneficial early intervention, particularly regarding emotion recognition and regulation, can be for long-term outcomes.
