Using Neuroscience-informed Group Work with Children and Adolescents Affected by the Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many types of disruptions from mild inconveniences to deaths. These disruptions have resulted in a host of stress responses among children and adolescents. Small group work is one way that helpers in schools and agencies can address developmental and diagnostic issues that arise. Neuroscience informs counselors understanding of stress responses and reactions in children and adolescents, as well as aids in generating activities and activating group therapeutic factors. This article describes the ways the neuroscience of pandemic stress and therapeutic factors can be used in group work with children and adolescents.