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counseling to get past a great loss

Sometimes things can get to be more than you can handle. I know this from my own personal experience. I suffered a great loss and after a year of trying to cope with that loss on my own, I knew that it was time for me to reach out for some help. I was missing work, didn't want to do much of anything and just didn't feel like myself. I started seeing a counselor each week, and it has helped. If you are struggling to recover after a loss, this blog may be able to help you find the help you need to get past it.

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counseling to get past a great loss

Self-Soothing Techniques For Children With Anxiety

by Jessica Mason

Children who face anxiety may feel like they are all alone, but it is all too common. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it is most frequently seen in children between the ages of seven and nine. If you have a child who is suffering with anxiety, you should help them find a counselor. In addition to speaking with a caring professional to help sort out their anxiety, these self-soothing techniques can be very helpful for children.

Engaging in Positive Self Talk

One source of anxiety for kids can be the negative thoughts that come to one's mind. Children may feel badly about themselves and develop an inner monologue that repeats what bullies have said. In order to combat this destructive self-talk, teach a child to engage in positive self-talk. A child can repeat the following phrases to replace self-criticism with reassuring words to oneself:

  • You can do it.
  • This moment will pass.
  • Feelings aren't facts.
  • You are safe and loved.
  • You can ask and receive help when I need it.
  • You are smart.
  • You're a winner.

Distracting One's Attention

While it sounds a bit overly simplistic, distraction is a truly powerful self-soothing technique. Children may have trouble with the notion of distracting themselves at first, but they can ask a parent or other caring adult in their life to provide a distraction when they need it. The distraction should be something that is interesting as well as absorbing to the child. Some helpful distractions for children may include the following activities:

  • Taking a walk in the park.
  • Instant messaging with friends.
  • Watching a funny online video.
  • Dancing to fun music.
  • Playing a board game with parents.

You may even help your child make a distraction booklet where they can have "coupons" for all the different activities that will help distract them. Agree that they can bring the book to you when they need some guidance on choosing a distraction.

Spending Time with An Animal

Children and animals often develop strong connections without much push from adults. If a child has anxiety, getting a pet may be a great way to help them relieve stress. If adopting a pet isn't realistic for the family living situation for whatever reason, fostering a pet or allowing a child to volunteer at a pet shelter are other ways that a child can have access to spending time with an animal.

Finally, in addition to working on these self-soothing techniques regularly, a counselor can help a child find other ways to recover from anxiety. In fact, parental support and regular counseling sessions can go a long way towards helping a child cope with anxiety.  

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