The Big Worries, Strong Spirit Program is delivered through watching a series of short online videos and completing related activities that holds the information that parents/caregivers will learn with guidance from our Parent/Caregiver Support Coaches.  The coaching sessions are typically 30-60 minutes long, over the phone, and scheduled every one or two weeks over a 6–12-week period.  After program completion, families will continue to have access to the program videos and activities for 6 months, as well as 2 opportunities to book booster sessions with their coach.

For each of the modules, parents/caregivers can expect to commit 30 minutes-1.5 hours to watching the online videos and completing the activities before each coaching session, which are most typically scheduled every two weeks. 

The Big Worries, Strong Spirit Program is available throughout British Columbia, and accessible by referral from a family doctor, nurse practitioner, counsellor, school counsellor, teacher, Early Childhood Educator, and many other sources.  We are committed to improving access to early interventions, and supporting Indigenous families in reducing barriers, such as long wait times, cost, distance, and stigma.  

Yes! All our Big Worries Strong Spirit program services and materials are free to participants, and phone calls take place on a toll-free line.   

The Big Worries Strong Spirit Program uses concepts of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)— which is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. Our program was developed by an Indigenous team that have added cultural and traditional practices to the CBT structure to provide the cultural safety that many Indigenous People may not receive within the mental health services they have access to. Our team is comprised of only Indigenous staff, leadership, and clinicians.  

Our program can provide guidance and support when early signs of big worries and fears (anxiety) negatively impact or disrupt children’s well-being at home, in community, socially, and at school.  

Our coaches’ roles are to help parents/caregivers learn and practice effective CBT skills (in recognizing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions) along with helping families to nurture their spirits. With step-by-step guidance, the coaches can answer questions, support progress, and nurture motivation. Coaches do not provide counselling or work directly with the children. 

The Big Worries, Strong Spirit Program team consists of Indigenous people from various professions, including mental health and early childhood education. Coaches receive training and ongoing supervision from an Indigenous clinician, drawing on culturally safe and respectful approaches toward helping families with children who are experiencing mild to moderate worries and fears. Telephone coaching sessions are recorded and monitored by our clinical team for quality assurance and training purposes.  

Coaches are typically available to book coaching sessions with families during these hours:   

Monday to Thursday: 9am to 7pm  
Friday: 9am to 5pm  
Saturday: 9am to 5pm  

After a referral has been accepted and the family enters the program, their file can be put on hold for up to three months.  After the three-month mark, another referral will be needed to return.  Within the three month hold period, families can start the program when they are ready by sending us an email at: bigworriesstrongspirit@cmha.bc.ca 

Yes, conference calls with parents at two different locations at the time of the coaching session can be done.  

We encourage both parents to be on the coaching calls at the same time, if possible.  This will allow for the consistency that is needed in learning the tools and practicing them to complete the program. If it is not possible for both parents to attend, then it is important to have one consistent parent/caregiver to be present for all the calls.  In the case of when both parents, who are in separate households, are unable to attend calls at the same time, we recommend that each parent enrol in the program separately.