Your child (11 years +) or teen is feeling anxious, nervous, or scared a lot of the time. You see it getting in the way of their friendships, social life, academics, athletic or extracurricular accomplishments, and overall wellness.
You desperately want to help them. You are worried about how this is going to impact their future. You want to know they are going to be ok.
You feel frustrated, helpless and perhaps have thought "I'm not sure where to begin to help them" or "I don't know what to do anymore".
You have probably talked to your friends and perhaps read some on-line posts or listened to podcasts on the topic. You have tried a few different ideas, but things don't seem to change.
You desperately want to help them. You are worried about how this is going to impact their future. You want to know they are going to be ok.
You feel frustrated, helpless and perhaps have thought "I'm not sure where to begin to help them" or "I don't know what to do anymore".
You have probably talked to your friends and perhaps read some on-line posts or listened to podcasts on the topic. You have tried a few different ideas, but things don't seem to change.
change is possible.
Our thoughts are so influential and lead to rooted patterns of thought-feelings-behaviours,- well actually sometimes the order looks more like feelings that are making me freak out-behaviours or actions to stop those feelings-thoughts that are reinforcing these patterns like "see I knew that would happen" or "I almost died out there". Learn more about anxiety and how to help children and teens cope.
Past experiences and memories help inform our feelings and thoughts about the next similar experience. For example, a feeling of embarassement and nervousness during a presentation at school can lead to those same feelings at the thought of the next presentation even before it ever happens.
These patterns are in place to protect us, but they may not always serve us.
The solution: helping children and teens to better understand their thought patterns, their body's physical responses and the behaviours they use to cope. Once you and your child/teen have more awareness and understanding of their experiences and responses, it is possible to make changes and choices that will be more supportive.
Imagine if your child/teen could understand those thought patterns better and have a sense of empowerment and control around those thoughts. Imagine the possibility of them choosing other thoughts that lead to success and feelings that feel good in their bodies. Imagine them writing a test with managed thoughts and little anxiety, stepping onto the court with confidence and focus, going to sleep without nightmares or constant ruminating thoughts, or choosing to try new activities.
It is all possible.
Past experiences and memories help inform our feelings and thoughts about the next similar experience. For example, a feeling of embarassement and nervousness during a presentation at school can lead to those same feelings at the thought of the next presentation even before it ever happens.
These patterns are in place to protect us, but they may not always serve us.
The solution: helping children and teens to better understand their thought patterns, their body's physical responses and the behaviours they use to cope. Once you and your child/teen have more awareness and understanding of their experiences and responses, it is possible to make changes and choices that will be more supportive.
Imagine if your child/teen could understand those thought patterns better and have a sense of empowerment and control around those thoughts. Imagine the possibility of them choosing other thoughts that lead to success and feelings that feel good in their bodies. Imagine them writing a test with managed thoughts and little anxiety, stepping onto the court with confidence and focus, going to sleep without nightmares or constant ruminating thoughts, or choosing to try new activities.
It is all possible.
|
This sounds great but can counselling actually change things? What if my child/teen refuses to come in? What if they want to know more about the counselling process?
Tell Me more about the counselling process?Using a curious, gentle, and creative stance, counselling can help your child/teen:
|
|
how are you going to help them do this?
- First and foremost creating a sense of safety in the environment and between the therapist and young person
- Using fun and creative games, activities and exercises that promote safety in exploration
- Normalizing their experience, letting them know they are not alone in their experience, and that their responses are normal even if they are problematic
- Teaching about thought patterns, nervous system and body responses, and emotions
- Co-constructing (negotiating together) the "what if the problem didn't exist scenario" to create specific hopes and goals for counselling
- Trying new ideas and strategies in a safe context
- Building inner resources and uncovering resilience
- Bridging with current support systems
