Supporting a child to tense and then relax parts of their body, supports muscles to release tension. Relaxed muscles require less oxygen, so heart rate and breathing naturally start to slow down. We have created an environment where each child is loved, respected, and can develop as an individual. We will be promoting positive attitudes of respect for self, others, other peoples needs, property and the environment, treating everyone as we would wish to be treated ourselves. Children’s perspectives are valued, and their emotional and individual needs come first. We will enable all children to develop their capabilities as successful learners, confident, individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors to society. Babies are not born with the neurological capacity to understand distress, or even to differentiate between discomfort and mortal danger. To ensure their survival therefore, babies are biologically programmed to communicate all forms of distress to their primary caregivers through very primitive means (e.g. crying, screaming and reaching out).

The amygdala only learns from experience - for better or worse. So the more they avoid, the more the amygdala learns that the thing they are avoiding is ‘unsafe’, and it will continue to drive a big fight (anger, distress) or flight (avoidance) response. Our clinic is turning into such a calm and peaceful place to work. I can’t wait to welcome more children, young people and families here next month! 🙂Delighted to introduce ‘Rex’ to our team – a 3D anatomy model, who specialises in helping children to better understand how their brain works ? WINNERof Corporate Live Wire Global Awards 2022/23 under the category of ‘Child Mental Health Service of the Year’ Isabel, Mrs. Lee’s heroine, had wings, too, and felt them unfolding; when she became aware of her roots and discovered that the soil was not the kind best for her development, she transplanted herself without betraying any cramping regard for parental disapproval. This approach can be helpful, because children who are ‘freed up’ in fantasy or play, are generally in a less frightened and defensive state than children who are asked to talk directly about worries that they might not even fully understand themselves. A healthy family provides a secure environment for growth and learning. There is a sense of “we-ness” and belonging on the part of each member. There are fair limits that are understandable and can be discussed. There are boundaries that protect members and boundaries that expand to let in new members and new information. There is a sense of loyalty that is strong and does not impede one from developing into a person with individual ideas, dreams, and behavior. Humor in a family improves its general health and well-being. There is no question that the way a family functions will define, to a large measure, how well a child will develop.

Hughes, D., Golding, K. & Hudson, J. (2019).Healing Relational Trauma with Attachment-Focused Interventions: Dyadic developmental psychotherapy with children and families. NortonIn the schools, teachers provided children with “roots and wings,” the Rev. Mr. Strosahl said, roots representing the American heritage. Teachers help those roots grow strong, he said, but through wisdom and independence, “children take wings … and develop into wondrous people.” For descriptive praise to be effective, however, it should always be within the context ofGENUINEheartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the child or their behaviour, as our non-verbal communication is always stronger than our verbal.