The DISA Leader Manual is the companion volume to the DISA Student Manual. It provides detailed step-by-step descriptions showing how to work effectively with teens in a group setting to prevent stress and depressive symptoms.
DISA is a preventative method that has been proven to be effective at minimizing depressive symptoms and stress in teen girls. It is most commonly used in school settings but also at summer camps, youth centers or other voluntary youth groups.
The DISA-method is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is an evidence-based method developed by the Stockholm County Council Department of Public Health. The purpose is to help teenage girls to recognize, understand and deal with negative thought patterns. It also gives them tools that can help them to deal with stress factors and prevent or reduce the severity of depressive symptoms at an early stage.