12 Ways to Help Someone with Anxiety: Anxious Children Part 4/4

No one is born knowing what to do with their emotions. But it’s a skill that can be learned.

In the last three videos we learned that the most effective way to help kids with anxiety is to teach the parents how to think about anxiety differently. And to stop shaming their kids about it or protecting their kids from it. Instead parents show their kids that anxiety is ok to feel and then coach kids on how to break down scary tasks into achievable skills.

In this video you’ll learn a bunch of tools that can help your anxious kid in a really practical way.
If you were to ask “But what do I do?” Here are some things you can do. And again, if you haven’t seen part 1, 2 and 3, go check those out too.

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

[theologytherapist]

"No one is born knowing what to do with their emotions, but it is a skill that can be learned" - absolutely! ❤ Thank you so much for this insightful video!

[emilydumont]

Thank you for all the wonderful content you provide. So compassionate and practical. Your calm and realistic explanations make it easier to apply to real life. I appreciate your work so much 😊

[VertigoRecoveryDr]

Growing up I wasn’t given the space or coaching to process through emotions/anxiety, I’m thankful you’re teaching this and I only hope parents/society get better with this with each generation!

[wiliame]

i just want to say thankyou too you for these videos.... helped me worked through and understand myself as a grown up better, because i never had help as a child with but after watchign these i get to "be my own parent" and help myself figure out why i feel what i feel at times, and how i can think and handle difficult situations!!

[Ktealove]

What a sweet story to share. Thank you❤

[aarushi]

Dear Emma, I have a video request : Could you share your views on Separation Anxiety in adults? It is first seen in children and then transcends into adulthood. Would really be interested in knowing your opinion 🙏🏻❤️ lots of love! ❤️

[ilovepickle]

This is a random question but my love language is physical touch and there are times I want to give my therapist a hug and it's to show how thankful I am and for me it's something that comes on naturally and for me it's a sign of trust from me. In life I've found it hard when this feeling come son because not everyone wants hugs lol and I never want to cross boundaries. What do I do when this happens with my therapist? Is it ok to hug a therapist? Also hugs can help a ton with my anxiety.

[hopetocope]

Great content and examples! Thanks for sharing. :)

[cindymunoz]

Thank you so
Much! I love your videos ❤

[vikramingleshwar]

Can you please add links to Parts 1, 2 and 3 of this video in the description section ? I didn't find them on your channel. Playlist can be super helpful as well.

[tmotherhood]

You are so helpful! Occasionally my kids get really wild anxiety attacks where they get “stuck” and can’t stop crying. There is adhd in my family. I try to help my 8 year old when she gets works up that way. I have noticed a connection with her eating foods with dyes and then having meltdowns. Her crying and fits can go on for an hour. She refuses to try the deep breathing and just keeps repeating “I can’t.” The only thing I have found that helps is a bachs tincture for kids that’s for anxiety. I do hold her and try to explain what is happening to her. Any more ideas when the kid is already over the edge?

[amenhotep]

May God Allah Bless you my dearest Emma.

[Struzzylive]

Have you done any videos on how to handle toxic step parents?

[Swan.princess]

Anxiety falls on the autistic spectrum, just very light version of it. Like autistic people stick with routine and hate any tiniest change which causes them a huge breakdowns all the time. Anxiety is also a fear of a change, of something unknown.

[lizbarrington]

I asked a question about my therapy in a nutshell course. Reached out to admin. Could someone please respond?

[RachelNiDhugain-mibk]

What if your child immediately says no when you start to do the priming expectation exercise?

[kareemahmed]

Hello Doctor..I suffer from anxiety and tension when I face a problem. My body trembles, my heartbeat increases, and I feel difficult to speak...Do you recommend supplement to treat my condition..Please help my age 40 year