Woman helps children in overcoming anxiety fears
‘It teaches them how to cope with flare-ups’
AWOMAN is coaching children and adults to overcome anxiety using a technique that aims to help individuals better manage their symptoms.
Samantha Davies, who is based near Johnstone, uses the Stop, Talk, Imagine, Listen, Learn (STILL) method to help individuals learn to cope with their anxiety.
The method, which was developed by therapist Stuart Thompson, sees participants learn how to use techniques to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, and also uses positive thinking.
Catherine Daly, from Bridge of Weir, contacted Samantha to help her 12-year-old daughter who suffers from separation anxiety and emetophobia, a fear of vomiting.
She had six one-to-one sessions with Samantha.
Catherine said: “She enjoyed doing it and she did find it helpful.
“What I think is good about STILL method is it teaches them techniques to learn how to manage their anxiety if it flares up and if it flares up again in the future.”
Over a six-week programme, participants are guided through a mind-hack journal and are given exercises to do each week.
Samantha, who trained in May to become an anxiety coach, said: “It’s fun, it’s practical, it’s something they can take away with them afterwards and work through.
“I’ve seen it already in the children that I’ve been working with, they seem to be able to cope with their anxiety better.”
Samantha, who is a qualified occupational therapist in adult mental health, added that she believes the method is better than counselling and medication, as it leaves people with practical techniques.
To find out more, visit Samantha’s website at samanthadavies24. wixsite.com/website