Parents of G (7) Presenting Issue: Separation Anxiety.

We as a family had the problem of G separating away from us, not wanting to join in with others.  He appeared to have separation anxiety and low self-esteem/confidence. He would become upset and anxious every morning before school. He would say he felt sick and his tummy was hurting.  He felt sad and was always reluctant to try new things/new situations.

Jo’s sessions were very useful and beneficial, not only for G but for us parents also. From Jo’s sessions we found most useful how she would explain how our body & brain would work and what strategies she would put in place for G to use when he was feeling the above.

The sessions were carried out in a fun and learning way for G, drawing pictures, talking , playing games which really helped G to love his sessions with Jo. We found the strategies very useful, to bring home after each session and be able to use these on a morning before school and in general day to day life. Every morning when G would feel anxious or have that pain in his tummy he would say I will do Jo’s work and the tears and anxious feelings gradually got smaller and smaller. 

G situation has massively changed since seeing Jo. He has came out of his shell and is a confident , happy little boy who is loving life. He has not been upset going into school for absolutely ages. He will attend new football groups on his own without having to know another child. He will make new friends and a massive improvement he actually stood up in an assembly in front of his class and all the parents to speak!! G actually said “Jo will be proud mam, I would have never done any of these things before I visited Jo” and I think that speaks volumes about how good and knowledgeable Jo is. 

We as parents and G would definitely recommend Jo to other families. We can not recommend her enough. Jo is absolutely amazing, and definitely worth her weight in gold! 

Parent of P (9) – Presenting Issue: Anger and Sibling Rivalry

“I found Jo from a Facebook ad and was honestly a little dubious but having been knocked back by CAMHS I was feeling desperate. From my initial call with Jo I felt she was the right match.

She really put my mind at rest and assured me she would only work with us if she felt a good match. She really normalised what was happening and spoke to my son on his level. My son changed from reluctantly attending the first session to being a willing participant.

Since meeting Jo, he’s really started to consider his actions what he can do to deal with situations in a more appropriate manner and he’s even started to make friend’s and fit in more at school. I have had lots of positive feedback from teachers and family. 

I can’t thank Jo enough for her help and support and would 100% recommend to anybody who finds themselves looking for help with an anxious child struggling with their anger.”

Teacher of G (11) – Presenting Issue: Anger and Anxiety Relating to Trauma.

“I had the privilege of seeing Jo work with a child (G) I was teaching, and was always greatly encouraged by the depth of relationship Jo had forged with her, which really grounded her and gave her security. From that place, Jo was able to talk with her about the issues she faced in ways always appropriate to her, and thus help her to begin to see a way through the various challenges she was facing.

This was always done in a spirit of collaboration with her, and Jo also helped give her the language and communication skills necessary to do this and to develop her ability to manage tricky thoughts and emotions, and to communicate her needs. This helped greatly in my setting as there was a consistency of approach which led to G flourishing and growing in both trust of others, and confidence in herself.

I was always secure in the belief that Jo was able to help G because of her natural skills, warmth, professional outlook, understanding of child development and therefore would be confident in asking her for support and advice regarding helping children and young people face their challenges and overcome them.

Parent of S (11) – Presenting Issue: Needle Phobia.

Due to time constraints before the appointment this was a single session piece of work with S.

“My daughter was due to have a procedure done at hospital which she was very nervous about. She had previously had it done before while she was younger and was quite traumatised from her last experience. 

Upon discussion with Jo we decided that there were a couple of coping techniques/strategies that could be put in place to help give my daughter more control over her feelings/anxieties on the upcoming days to the procedure.

Jo met with my daughter prior their session to help put my daughters mind at ease and discussed the types of things they would be doing in the session. After this my daughter felt comfortable enough to have the session. 

My daughter left feeling a sense of more power over her feelings/emotions and anxieties. She practised using the strategies beforehand which helped her to sleep easier. 

On the day of her procedure she used the strategies the best she could and remembered them quite well. The experience of the procedure this time was a much better one and went a lot more smoothly.

My daughter has since used these techniques in other situations and feels they have benefited her.

Overall I feel this was a great way to help with anxieties and although may not take away it all has definitely helped my daughter feel more power and control over them and help her move through them.”