As adults we are conditioned by our past experiences and so used to behaving in a certain way, that to be anything else, not only seems impossible but can also make us feel insecure and scared because we don’t know what it is to be any other way, and even though we may know that this particular way of being, is no longer serving us, it can also bring some sort of comfort which prevents us from moving forward.

Animals who are faced with threat or danger, can resume equilibrium both physically and mentally and go back to grazing in the field yet humans on the other hand are different. When we knock our bodies out of balance, this is called stress and we turn on the stress response because we are reacting to our external environment. We also have the ability to turn on autonomically, the fight or flight response by thought alone, whether it be in anticipation of something happening or by revisiting past trauma.

Inner Child
The Inner Child refers to the part of the psyche that represents the emotions, thoughts, and needs of the person when they were a child. It can influence one’s current behaviour, emotions and thoughts.

Self-Sabotage
Self-sabotage refers to the act of intentionally or unconsciously undermining one’s own success or goals. It can manifest in various forms, such as procrastination, self-doubt or self-destructive behaviour. It is often caused by limiting beliefs, low self-esteem and fear of success or failure.

Limited Beliefs
Limited beliefs are a set of thoughts and convictions that limit an individual’s potential. They can be self-imposed or acquired from others. They can limit one’s ability to think, act and feel, limiting their view of the world and their own abilities, often leading to self-sabotage and limiting their potential for growth and success.

Anxiety
Anxiety is a state of uneasiness, worry or fear often about future events or unknown situations. It can manifest in both physical and mental symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension and difficulty concentrating. It is a normal and often healthy emotion, but it can become overwhelming in some cases.

Having a child who presents with high levels of anxiety can be very distressing and can raise the levels of anxiety in parents too. There can be immense guilt that comes with a child who is suffering and parents tend to put themselves under a lot of pressure because they feel responsible in some way. This can interfere with the parents logical thinking and without realising, can exacerbate the situation which can impact the way in which their child expresses feelings of anxiety. A parents own trauma and major events such as divorce, moving home, changing jobs or serious illness, can also affect the way their child behaves. Without using words, children, like animals, pick up on behaviour and body language. They also find it hard to articulate what they are feeling so often develop coping mechanisms because this is the only way the child knows how to express the confused feelings and stress they are experiencing. Working with parents to cope in a more positive way will undoubtedly filter down to the relationship with their child in an equally positive way.

Guilt
Guilt is a feeling of responsibility or remorse for something one has done or failed to do. It is an emotional state that one experiences when they believe they have violated a moral or ethical standard.

Loss
Loss refers to the state of having something taken away or no longer in possession. It can be tangible or intangible, such as losing something valuable, losing a loved one or losing an opportunity. It can also refer to the feeling of grief and grieving over a sudden change or transformation of something or someone.

Anxiety
Anxiety is a state of uneasiness, worry, or fear often about future events or unknown situations. It can manifest in both physical and mental symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension and difficulty concentrating. It is a normal and often healthy emotion, but it can become overwhelming in some cases.

Behaviour
Behaviour refers to the actions and conduct of an individual or group. It can be voluntary or involuntary and it can be influenced by internal and external factors such as emotions, thoughts and environment.

In today’s fast-moving world , children are being bombarded with information that makes is hard for them to process and deal with. Social media plays a huge part in children’s well-being and while many of us enjoy staying connected, excessive use can fuel feelings of addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and FOMO (fear of missing out). Human beings are social creatures and we need the companionship of others to thrive in life. Social media can never be a replacement for real-world human connection and it requires in-person contact with others to trigger the hormones that relieves stress and makes you feel happier, healthier, and more positive.

Puberty is a very “normal” yet very confusing time for some children which also plays a huge part in their well-being. Children find it hard to articulate how they feel and this can lead to anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Other contributory factors may be their home, or school/college environment. Helping them work through these feelings ‘together’, can have a huge impact and make them feel less alone or afraid.

Confusion
Emotional confusion refers to the state of being uncertain, perplexed or unable to understand one’s own emotions. It can manifest as a result of conflicting emotions, past traumas or lack of emotional awareness. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and can impede decision making.

Anxiety
Anxiety is a state of uneasiness, worry or fear often about future events or unknown situations. It can manifest in both physical and mental symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension and difficulty concentrating. It is a normal and often healthy emotion, but it can become overwhelming in some cases.

Overthinking and What if thoughts
Overthinking refers to the act of excessively ruminating on a particular thought, situation or problem. It can lead to anxiety, indecision and can prevent a person from taking action. It can also lead to a distorted perception of reality and can negatively affect mental and emotional well-being.

Confidence
Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance and self-reliance. It is the trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment. It can be influenced by past experiences, beliefs, and self-perception. A lack of confidence can lead to self-doubt and limiting beliefs.