Bounce Back
A School-Based Intervention Supporting Children After Stressful or Traumatic Experiences
Bounce Back is a school-based group intervention designed for elementary-aged youth who have been exposed to stressful or traumatic events. This evidence-based program supports children in building healthy coping skills, strengthening emotional regulation, and regaining a sense of safety and confidence so they can fully engage in school and daily life.
As a school-based prevention and early intervention program, Bounce Back helps address emotional and behavioral challenges early, before they create long-term barriers to learning, relationships, and well-being.
What is Bounce Back?
Bounce Back is an elementary school adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), a nationally recognized, evidence-based model originally developed for middle and high school students. CBITS has a strong research foundation demonstrating improved emotional functioning, reduced trauma-related symptoms, and increased classroom engagement.
Bounce Back brings this proven approach to younger children in a developmentally appropriate way, using structured lessons, interactive activities, and supportive discussions led by trained clinicians.
How Bounce Back Helps Children
Children may benefit from Bounce Back when they have experienced events such as:
- Community or family stress
- Loss or grief
- Exposure to violence
- Natural disasters
- Significant changes at home or school
- Other overwhelming or traumatic experiences
Through this school-based coping program, students learn practical tools to:
- Understand and name their feelings
- Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and strong emotions
- Improve problem-solving skills
- Strengthen peer and adult support systems
- Build confidence and resilience
- Re-engage in learning and positive activities
By delivering services directly in schools, Bounce Back removes barriers to access and ensures children receive support in a familiar, supportive environment.
Program Structure
Bounce Back combines group-based prevention services with individual support, allowing students to learn together while also receiving personalized care.
Group Sessions:
- Small groups of 4–7 students
- One-hour sessions held weekly
- Focus on shared learning, skill-building, and peer support
Individual Sessions:
- 2–3 individual sessions per student
- Students develop a personalized “My Story” trauma narrative
- Supports emotional processing and reinforces coping skills
Session Content Includes
Bounce Back sessions are structured and skills-focused, covering:
- Coping skills for stress and emotional regulation
- Feeling identification and emotional awareness
- Relaxation exercises
- Positive activities and healthy routines
- Social support and connection
- Problem-solving skills
These skills help students manage challenges both inside and outside the classroom, supporting long-term emotional health and academic success.
Why School-Based Prevention Matters
School-based prevention and intervention programs like Bounce Back play a critical role in supporting children’s mental and emotional health. When coping challenges go unaddressed, they can impact academic performance, behavior, and peer relationships.
By providing school-based intervention services, DISC Village helps children:
- Receive support early
- Stay engaged in school
- Build lifelong coping skills
- Reduce the need for more intensive services later
This proactive approach strengthens not only individual students but also classrooms, schools, and communities.
Learn More About Bounce Back
If you are a school, caregiver, or community partner interested in school-based intervention or prevention services, DISC Village is here to help. Bounce Back is one way we support children in developing resilience, emotional strength, and the skills they need to move forward with confidence.