Table 1.

Digital group intervention: general structure and sessional content, techniques and skills.

Session	Part A – group discussion	Part B – learning and practicing skills and techniques
1	Introduction: Moderator introduces him/herself and details the program outline and the group's aims. Group members introduce themselves by turn. Each member is invited to share their current hardships and points of strength. A discussion is held and rules are established regarding proper group conduct and ways of communication.
2	Group members are invited to share both a pleasant and an unpleasant experience they had in the past week.	Positive mantras & relaxation
3	Group members are invited to share a memory of a place (domestic or abroad) they enjoyed visiting.	Guided imagery of a “safe place”
4	Group members are invited to share a memory of a past experience with which they felt they coped well, a brave act they performed or of how they managed to get out of trouble.	Guided imagery of a “safe place”, followed by introduction to non-adaptive cognitive patterns of thinkinga and negative self-talk
5	Group members are invited to share an experience in which their own thoughts had failed them.	Practice the use of positive mantras and guided imagery to change negative self-talk and thinking patterns.
6	Group members are invited to share their current stress relief and coping techniques (e.g. self-acceptance; relying on significant other(s); finding comfort in food; self-distraction etc.).	Cognitive reconstruction and constructing positive self talk. Mindfulness techniques for distancing thoughts and sensations
7	Conclusion: Review of what was learned and practiced during the past sessions. Participants are invited to provide their feedback. Discussion on ways to keep in touch and of how to continue practicing.

^aBased on the work of Albert Ellis [Ellis, A. Overcoming destructive beliefs, feelings, and behaviors: New directions for rational emotive behavior therapy. Prometheus Books; 2010].