Feelings can be tough to handle…especially for kids. Our Registered Counsellor Wendy Monks – Janzen explains a unique method to help your child manage their feelings.
The Turtle Technique in Managing Feelings
For many children, managing feelings can be difficult. There can be an added layer of challenge when needing to manage these feelings in less comfortable environments, like school. The best part about the Turtle Technique is that it can be utilized anywhere, as it only involves the use of your own body in the present moment.
When a child is feeling overwhelmed with their emotion (i.e., anger, sadness, upset, anxiety), they can engage with the following steps. Ideally, it is helpful for children to visualize these steps, and to physically move their bodies to accommodate with each step accordingly.
First, STOP. Stop the behaviour and work on identifying what emotion you are feeling in that moment.
Second, retreat into your turtle shell—breathe. In and out.
Third, think about alternatives of what you can do, to change your response in a more effective way.
Lastly, when you feel calm, begin to come out of your shell, and engage with these alternative responses.
– Wendy Monks-Janzen, Registered Counsellor
That’s so good, Wendy! Thank you.
Wendy is a Registered Counsellor and would love to work with you. Wendy works with Adults, Couples, Children from Birth – 12 years of age, and Youth 13 – 18 years of age. She offers ART & PLAY Therapy in her work with Children.
Wendy is extremely skilled in:
- ART & PLAY Therapy
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Stress
- Grief & Loss
- Trauma
- PTSD
- Addictions
- Mental Health Issues (Bipolar, OCD, Eating Disorders)
- Self Harm
- Suicide Ideation
- Parenting
- Difficult peer or family relationships
- Self-esteem
- Self-confidence
- And many more issues
Book your appointment with Wendy, here.
Cheers to helping our little ones manage their feelings.
Penney