Welcome to
Balanced Schools
Mental Health resources and interventions for Education
CBT Based Resources and Training for educators
Balanced Schools provides educational staff with the resources and knowledge needed to positively address the wide range of student issues that arise daily. Our CBT Based Resources empower staff to equip students with the knowledge and skills to regulate their emotions and manage their behaviours.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an active, skills-based approach that fits perfectly within educational settings. Much like learning in the classroom, CBT empowers individuals to recognise unhelpful thought patterns, assess them realistically, and develop effective problem-solving strategies. This makes CBT more than just a clinical tool; it’s a powerful proactive resource for building wellbeing. By integrating CBT principles into the curriculum, we can equip students with lasting coping skills and foster greater mental resilience.
Founded by Samantha Garner, Ex-SENCo, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Counsellor and Mindset Coach, Balanced Schools provides practical, realistic and flexible resources that are being successfully used in settings nationally and internationally.
What we do
Handbooks
CBT Pastoral Toolbox for Children – written for primary aged children
CBT Pastoral Toolbox for Adolescents & Young Adults
Over 100 CBT worksheets to support the wide range of daily issues that occur in educational settings.
CBT Handbook for SEN Children
CBT Handbook for SEN Adolescents & Young Adults
Over 100 CBT worksheets specifically written to support students with ADHD, ASC, conduct issues and Dyslexia.
Intervention Programmes
Our intervention programmes are designed to be run over several sessions with individuals or groups of students. The logistics of sessions can be adapted to suit the school timetable.
Our programmes are being successfully used in schools nationwide, from PRUs to prestigious independent schools.
- Changing Patterns (Behaviour Management)
- Exam Anxiety
- Managing Anxiety (Anxiety)
- Ready to Go (Attendance)
Our Training
Further enhance your staff skills with our training. It provides staff with an understanding of how the brain works, the basics of CBT, and how it can be used in their setting as part of every-day practise.
Trained CBT Facilitators can then improve their skills working with SEN students with our online on demand SEN Specialist Facilitator Training.
How it works
We base all of our resources on CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) techniques. CBT is characterised by a collaborative and problem-solving approach. This process is typically active and directive, with the individual and facilitator working together to understand problems and develop strategies for change.
The “active” learning component is central, as it encourages individuals to become their own “therapists” over time by internalising the skills to test and challenge maladaptive thoughts and modify behavioural patterns independently.
The “active”, skills-based nature inherent in CBT means it is particularly suited to educational settings, which are fundamentally centred around learning and the acquisition of new skills. This also means that CBT principles are easily integrated in to broader wellbeing curricula, equipping students with durable coping mechanisms and mental resilience.
The well documented versatility of CBT in addressing a wide spectrum of psychological conditions ranging from the common – anxiety and depression, to the less common – Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders, sleep problems etc. – carries significant implications for educational institutions. Schools, colleges and Universities serve diverse student populations presenting with varied, and often co-occurring, mental health challenges.
CBT is widely recognised and recommended as a first-line treatment for anxiety and depression in youth, and it’s application is broadly endorsed for promoting positive mental health among university students.
We developed a range of resources, based on the British Primary (Children) and Secondary (Adolescents & Young Adults) model, with the Child resources being adapted for Younger age students who respond better to engaging narratives rather than abstract introspection and Socratic dialogue. The Adolescent & Young Adult resources are suitable for post-secondary students too.
Common problems
Balanced Schools is here to help education settings support the increasing numbers of students requiring help with mental health issues and behavioural problems.
We help settings provide support that isn’t just about understanding, it’s also about providing students with the tools and techniques to move forward and thrive.
Why CBT?
When we say that CBT is one of the most evidenced forms of help for use with students, we mean it. From some of the most respected organisations in the field, to individuals looking to find out for themselves, the evidence is overwhelming – and positive
CBT doesn’t work for everybody, but it is said to work for most of the people most of the time.
Benefits of Balanced Schools
Using our resources, you can teach students cognitive and emotional self-awareness to help them become better learners and achieve.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has revolutionised mental health treatment. When integrated into educational settings, our CBT-based resources can provide significant benefits for both students and staff.
Who we are
About Us
Balanced Schools was founded by Samantha Garner, a dedicated professional with a rich background as a former SENCo and qualified mental health expert. Drawing from her frontline experience in diverse educational settings, Sam identified a crucial need for adaptable, school-based mental health resources that staff can readily implement.
She possesses a deep understanding of the daily challenges educators face when supporting students. Known for her engaging and straightforward approach, often incorporating humour, Sam is a respected figure within the Education Sector.
Furthermore, her commitment to child and adolescent wellbeing is demonstrated by her role on the committee of the Devon & Cornwall Branch of the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH).
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Read what people who use our CBT Based Resources or take our training have to say.
“I think the training offers a constructive way forward for recognising and supporting anxiety and exam anxiety in my school”
What we have to say
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have questions about our services, how they work, or how they can be best implemented in your specific setting – and we’re always delighted to answer them!
We genuinely enjoy connecting with people, so please don’t hesitate to reach out
However, you might find the information you’re looking for quickly and easily in our comprehensive FAQ section. We recommend taking a moment to browse it first, as it may already hold the answers you need.