Herts Child Counselling

Very relatable which part of this is diagram is big for you?

IKIGAI: A JAPANESE CONCEPT MEANING 'A REASON FOR BEING'

Ikig*i (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and g*i, meaning “benefit” or “worth.”

When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose.

Ikig*i is similar to the French term “raison d’etre” or “reason for being.”

The concept of Ikig*i is said to have evolved from the basic health and wellness principles of traditional Japanese medicine.

This medical tradition holds that physical wellbeing is affected by one’s mental–emotional health and sense of purpose in life.

Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano (2017) has said that Ikig*i is a state of wellbeing that arises from devotion to activities one enjoys, which also brings a sense of fulfilment.

Michiko further distinguishes ikig*i from transitory pleasure (hedonia, in the ancient Greek sense) and aligns it with eudaimonia.

Eudaimonia – the ancient Greek sense of a life well lived, leading to the highest and most lasting form of happiness.

Ikig*i also resonates with Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy’s emphasis on pursuing activities that produce enjoyment.

A sense of mastery, specifically as a way to alleviate depressive disorder.

Useful resource - TED Talks video: How to Ikig*i
https://lnkd.in/eFwizte

For more understanding on 'Ikig*i, please visit the 'Positive Psychology' website below.
https://lnkd.in/gWE25htm

On mental health week here is some great information. Sorry i have been super busy lately. There are also some great resources from place 2 be which i have used in my schools this week along with some teachers in their pshe sessions.

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: FIND THEIR 'CALM PLAN'

This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is taking place on 7-13 February 2022 and is hosted by Place2Be

The theme for this year is 'Growing Together!'

Just like adults, children and young people feel worried and anxious at times.

Children can feel anxious about different things at different ages. Many of these worries are a normal part of growing up.

Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it starts to get in the way of their everyday life.

If a child is experiencing anxiety, there are things that parents and carers can do to help.

First and foremost, it's important to talk to your child about their anxiety or worries.

Reassure them and show them you understand how they feel.

If your child is old enough, it may help to explain what anxiety is and the physical effects it has on our bodies.

It may be helpful to describe anxiety as being like a wave that builds up and then ebbs away ag*in.

As well as talking to your child about their worries and anxiety, it's important to help them find solutions.

Place2Be resources - https://lnkd.in/dqz_hHk

Useful resource - TED Talks video: How to raise kids who can overcome anxiety
https://lnkd.in/egnhHDzJ

Psychologist Anne Marie Albano explains how constantly rushing to fix a child's problems can perpetuate a lifelong cycle of dependence and resentment.

She shares why a healthy dose of risk helps kids cultivate lasting confidence.

https://www.facebook.com/1517496921898174/posts/3007547766226408/

💛💛💛💛

On world 
do know its OK to not be OK,
it's OK to reach out and ask for help,
It's OK to have these rough feelings
It's OK to work through these
Its OK to have medication if that helps you
It's OK to keep going
Its OK to feel better
It's OK to find the better, well you
End the stigma

Hello everyone hope you are all coping OK. I'm sorry i haven't been too active on here, i have been super super busy with lots of work and with my little ones. My 4 year old started school! So huge so many emotions for everyone but more so for my daughter.

Have you or your children used a worry stone or peace pebble?

Children (and adults) can train their brains to reach for a pebble, stone or crystal when they are feeling anxious, worried, stressed, angry or upset.

The pebble acts as a positive reminder; a reminder to stop, to breathe or to repeat a certain affirmation.

I always have one in my pocket or in my bag. I use mine by holding the stone between my index finger and thumb, then gently moving my thumb back and forth across the stone.

The stone acts as an anchor, bringing me back to the moment and reminding me to breathe. This can help stop any anxious thoughts and reduces stress.

I’ve used it before presentations, before hospital appointments and in traffic jams.

Our children can use them too.

I usually give all children I support a crystal or a stone. We practice using them, holding them as we practice deep breathing or whilst repeating affirmations, ‘I am calm’, ‘I can do this’, ‘I believe in myself’ etc.

Some children like to link the stone to a particular affirmation. A little boy I’ve worked with this week told me he’s going to use his when he feels upset or frustrated. He said he’s going to hold it and say ‘I am calm’ when he feels like he might hit someone.

Some children use them before tests, at times of transition, when they have sleepovers, medical appointments, presentations, sporting events and at any times of anxiety or upset. My daughter took one to school for a while last year, it really helped her settle.

Carrying a worry stone, or a peace pebble (whatever you want to call it) can help both children and adults.

Give it a try ❤️

To anyone worrying about whats been missed, but think what has been g*ined.

Ready for tomorrow? You've got this kiddies. Know your doing great. Children will respond differently to the thoughts of going back to school, many having a mixture of emotions. Reassure, listen acknowledge those feelings and support hold if needed.

When the children return to school, they will have returned with a new history that we will need to help them identify and make sense of. When the children return to school, we will need to listen to them. Let their stories be told. They have endured a year that has no parallel in modern times. There is no assessment that applies to who they are or what they have learned. Remember, their brains did not go into hibernation during this year. Their brains may not have been focused on traditional school material, but they did not stop either. Their brains may have been focused on where their next meal is coming from, or how to care for a younger sibling, or how to deal with missing grandma, or how it feels to have to surrender a beloved pet, or how to deal with death. Our job is to welcome them back and help them make history.

On mental health week, today i immersed myself in their world and was guided by my girls. Back to basics i prepared this activity the night before and if they wanted to play with it they could and if they didn't that was OK too here are the before and after photos, they make me smile. Following their lead be it feeding the ducks, play on the xbox, snuggles with a film, reading a book, colouring its helped me and them feel connected im sure forgetting the pressures of the world around us. Were now having lunch and watching room on the broom.

This week is children's mental health week. I'm going to post something each day on ways to support your child.

As important as ever guys.

I know it's tough out there for many of you right now. Hang on in there, this too shall pass. Keep going. X

Thought this may be helpful for some.

A week with some information for families. https://www.facebook.com/2019761531613420/posts/2769214936668072/

After the challenges this tough year has brought, many of Hertfordshire’s young people may be experiencing new and confusing emotions. If you are the parent or carer of a child in Hertfordshire and want to learn more about supporting their wellbeing, sign up to a webinar this . For a full schedule on webinars available throughout 16-22 November, visit www.JustTalkHerts.org/justtalkweek JustTalk Herts

Really good to learn with trauma or getting to really know yourself.

As we know another type of lock down is on its way. Please know im still able to work. If anyone is struggling please do not be alone, please get in touch with someone, or message me. This isn't going to be forever. This too shall pass. X

Really good explanation

If anyone is worrying about how they will feed their children during this half term please contact me. absolutely zero judgement and in total confidence.
The world is a harsh place right now and I will do what I can to to help as I am sure many would!

On world mental health day can we pray that mental health receives the funding it needs, making it equal to the great benefits the nhs give us when we have a physical illness such as a broken arm, that therapy to support people's metal health is normalised and so much more readily available and finally that the government give more funding to schools to support early interventions to help children with their mental health rather than reducing school budgets.

Today is world mental health day. I don't own anything yellow. Please know its OK to not be OK. There is support out there, reach out for it. If anyone is struggling please pm me don't be alone anytime.

Thursday is world su***de prevention day. I've been doing some work around this. Here's a picture from me.

Parents please be aware that there is a video on tik tok of someone sadly committing su***de. Please deactivate the account for a few days while tik tok are trying to remove it. The video starts with cute animals then goes onto the su***de.

Good way to get some of those hormones.

Helpful things to do to support the children that are going back to school. https://www.raftpsychology.com/news/gyid0efdmvfmjw4r9xxly04rwrjd0o?fbclid=IwAR3_aKEiDj6ajqaUyJCIaApSORWcrjUxCmI1AHvGslveRE4I-SCHgApixfA

Return to school. A trauma informed approach — Raft Psychology Over the past few weeks we have seen endless debate about whether schools should reopen. Facebook has become a hive of home schooling parodies and every man and his dog has posted homeschooling effectiveness tips. We’ve seen everything from the ‘just spend time together that’s more important t...

For any families choosing to send your children back here's some info for you. https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/newsletters/parents-how-to-help-your-child-return-to-school-successfully

Back To School: 5 Tips For Parents Getting Back To School After COVID-19

Here are 3 ideas to help with anxiety in both adults and children.
1 try meditations, calm and head space are good apps, relaxation what relaxes you, taking time to breathe. Sit in a quiet place, get comfy be it sitting or laying down. Try grounding yourself thinking about 4 things you can see 3 things you can hear or make noise, 2 things that have different textures and 1 thing you can taste or smell.
2 Try a hobby you enjoy, being active can have huge benefits on tour mental health, take a walk or bike ride. Keeping hands busy can help, like drawing or colouring, be kind to yourself.
3 Sometimes helping others can in turn help ourselves feel better too maybe check on a neighbour, call a friend, make a card for someone.
There are lots of activities and strategies I can show you to help with anxiety, be it anxiety to do with a certain activity or generalised anxiety I can help.

On mental health week know you don't have to be alone. Reach out, to friends family professionals, samaritans or your GP. Others may not know or realise your struggles. Having a listening ear can really help.
This week has also been about being kind be it to yourself or others. I have been super busy with my 2 little ones. Still during these strange times I am offering free 20 minute phone session please pm me for more information.

Releasing can be so helpful

Crying is such an important release to regulate our emotions

It's different for girls. From masking to executive functioning. Good read.
https://www.facebook.com/28389691598/posts/10156869814371599/

It’s different for girls

Hello everyone in these uncertain times I wanted to reach out to anyone who wanted a trained listening ear, be it child or adult. I know it's tough and many are struggling be it financially or emotionally. I can offer some free 20 minute phone sessions. Please share far and wide and message me for further details.
Claire

Hello there just wanted to reassure everyone that im still working across herts and can also work on line via what's app type video calling if preferred.

Very symbolic picture here.

Good article so important.

Good post thank you Emma Sheffield. https://www.facebook.com/1128432017216100/posts/2799669506759001/

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FEELING ANXIOUS

Anxiety is part of our survival instinct. When we’re faced with a threatening situation, our brains and bodies respond by kicking into safety mode. Our adrenaline starts pumping, helping us get ready to escape the danger.

However some people, including children, react more quickly or intensely to situations they find threatening, or find it harder to get their anxious feelings under control. Some kids also perceive the world to be scarier or more dangerous than others.

For more information on helping your child with anxiety, please head over to the YoungMinds website.
https://lnkd.in/d4mRBH3