Child Therapy Telford

07/08/2025

As an NLP4Kids practitioner in Telford, I often encounter young people grappling with anxiety, particularly during significant transitions like moving from primary to secondary school. This period can be both exciting and daunting, as children face new environments, teachers, and social dynamics. Using Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), I help children manage their anxiety and develop strategies to cope with these changes.

Understanding School Transition Anxiety

Do you remember changing schools? For many, this transition is a pivotal moment in their academic journey. While some children adapt with relative ease, others experience overwhelming anxiety. The move from being the oldest and most familiar in primary school to the youngest and most inexperienced in a larger secondary school can feel like stepping into a vast, uncharted territory.
Imagine starting a new job where your colleagues are unfamiliar, the tasks are challenging, and you're under constant pressure to perform. For many children, this is precisely how transitioning to secondary school feels. The stakes seem high, with exams looming in the future and new friendships to navigate.

Strategies to Alleviate Anxiety

Using NLP techniques, we can equip children with the tools they need to face their fears head-on. Here are a couple of effective strategies:

Anchoring Positive Emotions ⚓

One powerful NLP technique is anchoring, which involves associating a physical gesture with a positive emotional state. This technique helps create a mental anchor that can be accessed during stressful situations, providing a sense of calm and reassurance.

Reframing Negative Thoughts 🤔

Another valuable NLP strategy is reframing, which involves shifting the way a child perceives a situation. Instead of viewing the transition as a daunting challenge, we can help them see it as an exciting opportunity for growth. For instance, rather than thinking, "I will never fit in," they might reframe this to, "I will meet new friends who share my interests." This shift in perspective can significantly reduce anxiety and foster a more positive outlook.

Preparing for the Transition

Preparation is crucial when it comes to easing school transition anxiety. Here are some practical considerations to discuss with your child before they switch schools:

• Familiarity with the School: Encourage them to visit the new school multiple times, if possible. Knowing where to go if they feel unwell or understanding the layout can alleviate anxiety.

• Organisational Skills: Discuss the importance of managing their school bag and keeping track of resources.

• Understanding the Routine: Make sure they know the names of their teachers and what the different bell rings mean. Familiarity can ease feelings of uncertainty
• Friendship Strategies: Talk about ways to form new friendships. Role-playing various social situations can build their confidence.

Encouraging Open Communication

Once the transition has taken place, it’s essential to keep the lines of communication open. Regularly check in with your child about their experiences. Ask questions like: Is it what you expected? What has been easier or more challenging than you thought? This dialogue not only provides them with a platform to express their feelings but also helps identify any ongoing challenges that may need addressing.

School transition anxiety is a common experience for children who I work with at my office Telford, but with the right strategies and support, it can be managed effectively. By using NLP techniques such as anchoring and reframing, we can help children navigate this significant change with confidence. Remember, the goal is not just to survive the transition but to thrive in the new environment. With preparation and open communication, children can emerge from this experience not only more resilient but also excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

👉Does your child need help with their confidence and their self-esteem?
👉Are they struggling with anxiety or feeling anxious?
👉Does your child need some strategies to help with school transitioning?

Book a FREE 🆓consultation with Child Therapy Telford. https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me

https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org
📞07966 819194
📧 louisa@nlp4kids.org

The original version of this article was written by Gemma Bailey, director of www.NLP4Kids.org. It was republished and rebuilt with additional content by Louisa Gauld-Crichton - Child Therapy Telford. https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org

As an NLP4Kids practitioner in Telford, I often encounter young people grappling with anxiety, particularly during significant transitions like moving from primary to secondary school. This period can be both exciting and daunting, as children face new environments, teachers, and social dynamics. Us...

06/08/2025

We’ve relaunched a support programme to help people back into education, employment, and training across the Borough. 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 👨🏻‍⚕️ 🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻

The NEET engagement and reduction scheme is funded by our £7.7 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) with a particular focus on reducing the number of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in Telford and Wrekin.

Our Job Box team, along with local training provider Landau, are offering support through the programme to help young people aged 16-24 to overcome the barriers they may face and get their education or career on track. 👥 🚶🏾‍♀️

Across the borough, 990 16-24-year-olds are currently identified as being in the NEET category and we want to try and reduce those figures.

Read more and find out about the support which is available: ➡️ https://orlo.uk/kAJo8

05/08/2025

When Summer Feels Too Much😫: Helping Children Cope With Anxiety and Big Emotions

We’re now well into the summer holidays🍦. For some families, this break brings rest and ease. For others, it can feel long, chaotic, or just... hard.

Without the school routine, many children begin to struggle more, not less.

Maybe your child:

🔵Melts down over small things

🔵Doesn’t want to leave the house

🔵Feels anxious but can’t say why

🔵Is more tearful or snappy than usual

🔵Says “I’m bored” but can’t settle on anything

These aren’t just quirks of the summer holidays. Often, they’re clues🔍 that something is feeling too big inside, and they don’t yet have the words or tools to explain it.

Why Summer Can Stir Up So Much Emotion
Even if school has been tricky, it gives structure, predictability,📅 and rhythm. When that’s gone, some children feel unanchored.

You might see behaviour that doesn’t make sense on the surface, but underneath it🌋, there’s usually something very real: worry, frustration, overwhelm, or fear.

Children aren’t born knowing how to regulate emotions. That’s something they learn, just like riding a bike. And like riding a bike, some children need more support than others to get the hang of it.

What Can Help
Using strategies adapted for children and young people, I help them:
✔ Understand how emotions work in their body
✔ Learn calming techniques
✔ Build confidence through visualisation and gentle reframing
✔ Practice ways to express themselves safely

The sessions are relaxed and creative. Sometimes we talk. Sometimes we draw, use stories, or explore ideas through movement and metaphor. It’s about meeting them where they are.

Summer doesn’t have to be stressful.
It can be a chance to pause, reset, and help your child feel more grounded before the new school year begins.

I offer a free 20-minute discovery call where we can talk things through.

📞 Find out more: https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org

📅Book a FREE consultation at: https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me/

Check out my post https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org/why-summer-isnt-always-sunshine-for-some-children-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

05/08/2025

Would your children who are visual thinkers like to learn visually? We have now documented a curriculum and overarching pedagogy that anyone can follow through EYFS, primary and secondary to enable…

04/08/2025

🌞 When summer doesn't feel like a break
For some children, the school holidays bring more stress than sunshine.

🔗Check out my post
Why Summer Isn’t Always Sunshine for Some Children (and what you can do about it)
https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org/why-summer-isnt-always-sunshine-for-some-children-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

No routine. No structure. Just big emotions bubbling over.

Maybe your child is:

👉Melting down when plans change

👉Avoiding friends or activities

👉Struggling with anxiety or low confidence

👉Lashing out or shutting down

This isn't bad behaviour. It's a sign that something’s out of balance.⚖

With NLP strategies adapted for children and young people, I help them:
✔ Learn to calm their bodies and minds
✔ Understand and talk about their feelings
✔ Build confidence and resilience
✔ Feel more in control of their world

📍 It’s not about waiting for a crisis. It’s about knowing when your child feels stuck and giving them the tools to move forward.

I work with families in Telford, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Ironbridge, Bridgnorth, Newport, Market Drayton, and Shifnal to make sure children don’t just get through the summer, they grow through it.

🔗 Find out more: https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org
📅Book a FREE consultation at: https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me

🙌Helping Navigate Children Through Their Emotions to Lead a More Positive Life! 🌱

🔗Check out my post Why Summer Isn’t Always Sunshine for Some Children (and what you can do about it)
https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org/why-summer-isnt-always-sunshine-for-some-children-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

31/07/2025

This article provides a broad overview of eating disorders and their complexities. It highlights various influences, such as media representation and family history, that can lead to eating disorders. Recovery is possible with the right support and interventions.
The multifaceted nature of eating disorders can be overwhelming, as not all young people will fit neatly into the defined categories of eating disorders. Eating disorders are significant mental health concerns affecting children and adolescents, characterised by unhealthy attitudes towards food and body image. These disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, can severely impact a young person’s physical and emotional well-being.

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia: This involves restricting food intake to maintain a low body weight, often coupled with excessive exercise.

Bulimia: Individuals may engage in binge eating followed by purging through vomiting or laxatives.

Binge Eating: Marked by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food without compensatory behaviours.

Some young people may experience symptoms that do not fit neatly into these categories, known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).

Contributing Factors:

Media Influence 📱📺💻
The portrayal of idealised body types in the media can create unrealistic expectations, contributing to low self-esteem and a desire to attain a 'perfect' body image.

Family Dynamics 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
A family history of eating disorders, depression, or substance misuse can significantly influence a child's relationship with food. Observing a loved one struggle with these issues may instill fear or mimicry in younger family members.

Bullying and Criticism 🥺😢😖
Experiences of bullying based on body size or shape can lead to body dissatisfaction. Children engaged in activities that emphasise physical appearance, such as dance or gymnastics, may be particularly vulnerable.

Control and Perfectionism 👌🏽
For some young people, especially those experiencing high academic pressure, controlling their food intake can provide a sense of agency in an otherwise chaotic environment. Perfectionists may find themselves trapped in a cycle of unrealistic expectations.

Self-Esteem Issues 🪞
Events such as trauma or significant life changes can trigger or exacerbate self-esteem issues, making children more susceptible to developing eating disorders.

Treatment and NLP Strategies 🔦
Eating disorders are treatable; early intervention is crucial for achieving a successful recovery. Treatment often involves a combination of dietary education, psychological therapy, and, in some cases, medication.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) strategies can be particularly effective in addressing the underlying psychological issues associated with eating disorders. Here are some techniques that can be employed:

Reframing: Helping children shift their perspective on food and body image to cultivate a more positive self-view.

Anchoring: Creating positive emotional states that can be accessed during moments of anxiety or self-doubt related to eating.

Visualisation: Guiding children to visualise achieving their goals related to healthy eating and body image, fostering motivation and self-confidence.

In my practice at Child Therapy Telford, I utilise these strategies to support children, teens, and young people in overcoming anxiety and developing healthier relationships with food.

Eating disorders are complex conditions and often coexist with other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. It requires a nuanced understanding and a multi-faceted approach to treatment. By addressing the psychological underpinnings and utilising strategies such as CBT, Psychodynamic, DBT, or NLP, children can work towards recovery and improved self-esteem.

If you would like to learn more about how I help children, teens, and young people understand their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, please book a 15-minute discovery call here >>> https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me/

📞07966 819194
📧 louisa@nlp4kids.org
https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org

The original version of this article was written by Gemma Bailey, director of www.NLP4Kids.org. It was republished and rebuilt with additional content by Louisa Gauld-Crichton - Child Therapy Telford. https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org

30/07/2025

🎉 Fun for Kids This Summer!
Our Summer Holiday Activity Programme is bursting with great-value activities for all ages — on now until Monday 1 September 2025!

From soft play to skiing, disc golf to Urban Games, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Take a look: https://orlo.uk/dWESt

29/07/2025

Welcome to the Body Coach TV where I post weekly home workouts to help you get, stronger, healthier and happier.

28/07/2025

⚽ Hannah Hampton: Proof That Resilience Beats the Odds – Every Time 🧠

Let’s talk about Hannah Hampton.
From being born with strabismus (an eye condition that affected her vision) to becoming a professional goalkeeper and England Lioness... her journey is anything but ordinary.

She didn’t just break through the glass ceiling.
She smashed it with gloves on.
This is resilience in action.
Not the sugar-coated kind. The real kind:

the early setbacks

the frustrations

the fear of not being “good enough”

and the grit to show up anyway

What she’s built isn’t just a career. It’s self-belief.

And guess what?
That same resilience is learnable. It’s trainable.
That’s where NLP comes in.

🧠 Neuro-Linguistic Programming helps rewire the stories we tell ourselves.

“I’ll never be good at this” becomes “I’m learning to handle this.”

“I’m not confident” becomes “I can choose courage, even when it’s hard.”

I help children, teens, and young adults build emotional strength from the inside out, just like Hannah did.

Whether it’s anxiety, low self-worth, anger, fear of failure, or pressure to be perfect, they don’t have to face it alone.

💬 If your child struggles with confidence, resilience, or managing big emotions, let's talk. Together, we can shift their mindset and give them tools to thrive, not just survive.

🏆 Because greatness isn’t just for football pitches.
It’s for classrooms, playgrounds, and every brave young heart out there!

👉Contact me today to learn more about how NLP therapy can support your child’s journey.

📅Book a FREE consultation at: https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me/

🌐https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org

📞Call or WhatsApp: 07966 819194

📧Louisa@NLP4Kids.org

21/07/2025

When I work with young people at Child Therapy Telford, particularly those who are in college or in their final year of secondary school, we often discuss their future aspirations. A common theme emerges during these conversations! The sheer variety of options available can be overwhelming for both teenagers and their parents. Additionally, the pressure of expectations may cause teens to feel compelled to make the "perfect" choice, often resulting in increased anxiety.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A superhero? An astronaut? Or perhaps the next big pop star? (Being a social media influencer or blogger didn’t even exist back when I was at school) Fast forward a few years, and here we are, with teenagers faced with the monumental task of choosing a career. It’s a bit like being a kid in a sweet shop – except the sweets are potential careers, and the shopkeeper is your bewildered parent.

The Changing Landscape of Careers 👩🏽‍⚕️👨🏽‍🏫👮🏽‍♂️👩🏼‍💼

In the past, career paths were often straightforward. You worked where you lived, and job options were limited to what the local economy could offer. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically. According to recent statistics, 62% of teenagers in the UK are now considering careers in tech-related fields, while 45% express interest in creative industries (Source: UK Careers Service). This explosion of choice can lead to confusion and, dare I say, a touch of anxiety.

Factors to Consider

So, how can teenagers navigate this confusing maze?

1. Experience Matters: Has your teenager had any work experience? If their time spent in a potential career was enjoyable, they might be onto something. Did they feel like a productive bee buzzing around the office, or more like a tortoise trying to cross a busy road?

2. Academic Choices: Reflect on their previous academic options. Did they choose subjects that sparked joy or just ones that sounded good on paper?
Remember, enjoying a subject like Spanish doesn’t mean they’ll be the next Javier Bardem, but it could lead to exciting opportunities in international relations or travel.

3. Future Academic Options: If your teen needs additional tuition or university fees to pursue their dream job, how will that be funded? Sometimes, an apprenticeship could be a more realistic and rewarding route, especially for hands-on careers.

4. Identifying Strengths: What skills do they excel at? Perhaps they have a knack for organising events or a talent for technology. These strengths can provide clues about suitable career paths.

5. Passions and Interests: What do they enjoy doing? If they spend their time laughing and joking with friends, they might thrive in a collaborative role rather than a solitary one. Are they the one who always takes charge of planning social gatherings? That could indicate strong leadership qualities!

The Importance of Self-Reflection🪞

The best advice for teenagers is to focus on who they are right now rather than fixating on who they want to become. Encourage them to explore their interests and strengths, building a career path that reflects their true selves. After all, if they’re passionate about what they do, work will feel less like a chore and more like an adventure, perhaps even one worthy of a legend!

NLP Strategies for Career Decision-Making

For those grappling with anxiety about their future, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) strategies can be incredibly helpful. Here are a few techniques:

• 👀Visualisation: Encourage them to picture their ideal career. What does a day in that life look like? This can help clarify their goals and reduce anxiety.

• 🖼️Reframing: Teach them to reframe negative thoughts about their abilities. Instead of thinking, "I’ll never get that job," they can say, "I’m developing the skills I need to succeed."

• 🥅 Goal Setting: Help them set small, achievable goals related to their career exploration. This can transform the overwhelming process into manageable steps.

Choosing a career is a significant decision that can lead to both excitement and anxiety. With the right support, guidance, teenagers can move into this journey with confidence. Remember, it’s all about finding a career that aligns with who they are today, not just who they aspire to be.

If you would like to learn more about Child Therapy Telford and how I help children, teens, and young people understand their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, please book a 15-minute discovery call here. https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me

https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org
📞07966 819194
📧 louisa@nlp4kids.org

The original version of this article was written by Gemma Bailey, director of www.NLP4Kids.org. It was republished and rebuilt with additional content by Louisa Gauld-Crichton - Child Therapy Telford.

https://childtherapytelford.nlp4kids.org/helping-teenagers-choose-a-career-navigating-the-maze/

17/07/2025

Wellington Library’s Summer Reading Challenge starts this Saturday 📚

Children of all ages are welcome to bring their grown ups along to sign them up to the challenge of reading 8 books over the summer. Those who take part and complete the challenge will earn a certificate and prize. 😁

The library also have a fun-packed events programme planned for the summer holidays, including activities such as junk-modelling, storytime, Lego Fun and more. Please contact library@wellington-shropshire.gov.uk to book your place

See posters in the comments section below for more information 👇