On Second Thought (OST) is a computerized cognitive behavioral program intended to teach the core principles of CBT to upper elementary school children. OST was originally developed to be delivered on a universal level with prevention aims such as to:
raise thought awareness
develop a better understanding of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors
understanding and naming emotions
changing unwanted emotions
reducing vulnerability of the unwanted emotions
reducing vulnerability of the mind
managing extreme emotions

Research applying the OST program to targeted areas of concern (ie. anxiety and anger), have recently been conducted, lending itself to additional aims in the area of treatment:
a reduction in anxiety
a reduction in anger
to decrease maladaptive behaviors while increasing healthy ways of self-regulation
a reduction in automatic negative thoughts
an improvement in adaptive skills
an improvement in interpersonal relationships
an improvement in problem solving
an improvement in academic achievement

Who developed OST?
The OST program was developed by Dr. T. Busto, a NYS licensed elementary school psychologist and a private practitioner. The program is based on the work of Dr.’s Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck and David Burns, who are pioneers in researching the relationship between unhelpful thoughts and how they affect our feelings and behaviors. Dr. Busto has adapted these concepts and turned them into a kid friendly program.

How many activities are included in the entire OST program as well as the separate volumes?
The entire OST program consists of 19 activities, each one is a complete 30-45 minute lesson plan. These activities are separated into four volumes:
Volume 1: Tossing Around More Than a Thought: 8 activities (232 screens)
Volume 2: Tossing Around Iffy Thoughts: 4 activities (112 screens)
Volume 3: Tossing Around Witty Thoughts: 4 activities (104 screens)
Volume 4: Tossing Around Even More Iffy and Witty Thoughts: 7 activities (243 screens)

As an elementary school psychologist, school guidance counselor, social worker or private practitioner, how can I deliver this program to my clients?
This program can be delivered in several ways. For example, you may choose to teach the entire OST program, once a week for 30-45 minutes, or you may choose one or more volumes as needed, according to the skill level of your audience.

How can I access materials used with the OST Program?
Visit the website at www.onsecond-thought.com to download printable documents used with the program.

Do I need any special preparation of teach the OST program?
No special preparation is needed to teach this program. Each lesson is carefully laid out so there is no preparation on the part of the facilitator. Although, it helps to have some knowledge of CBT principles, it is not necessary.

As a parent, how can I encourage my child to use this program?
Have your child complete the activities with you. OST is designed to be completed with your support.

Is OST evidence based?
OST is based on CBT, widely accepted by mental health practitioners and has underlying data to support it. Also, small independent studies have demonstrated a reduction in anxiety and anger in children.