In our last 3 posts we discussed the reasons why we our generation is so much more anxious then our parents and grandparents. We discussed the different types of Anxiety disorders and some treatment options. In this article we will continue to talk about more treatment options.
Brochie Weinberg, MS. LPCC, our A+ Solutions therapist, when treating children often uses the terms, The Worry Bully, The Worry Bug, or Lord Voldemort, when explaining to children what anxiety does to our thinking.
She explains the “Worry Bug’s” tricks:
He:
- Lies
- Overgeneralizes
- Makes you never feel you never finished the job
- Constantly tells you “what if”
- Makes you feel you have to be 100% sure
- Keeps away from real facts, sticks to possibilities
- Tells you to “get away from the worry, FAST!” (Avoidance)
- Tells you this awful feeling will never pass!
Brochie also teaches children the following techniques to manage the “Worry Bug” or as she says, “gain victory over the Worry Bug”:
“Boss it Back” (with Chutzpah)
Contain or Delay the Worry (worry time)
Get the FACTS! (worry glasses? or smart glasses?)
Pool Phenomenon
Feelings are like a wave
Monster makeover
Step by Step, trick the worry back!Tamar Chansky, the author of the book, Freeing Your Child from Anxiety, suggests the following to parents who are trying to help their child overcome anxiety:
“In the context of a game or roleplay, parents can use puppets or a silly voice to differentiate worry thinking from regular thinking. A worry bug can be buzzing around, scaring a stuffed animal, say an elephant who is afraid of dogs, only because the worry bug keeps saying mean, bossy things-“you can’t play with the doggy, doggies bark and you are too scared.” Parents can then turn to your child and say, “Wow that worry bug is being so mean, and it’s not right. It is saying that all doggies are mean, that’s not true, let’s think of some nice doggies. So now when we go for a walk and the worry bug tries to scare you, you can be brave and boss it back! Let’s use a strong voice and say, “Hey worry bug, doggies can be nice, go away, I’m the boss!”
She further suggests using stuffed animals to play out the parts, asking the child what the stuffed animal is afraid of; using a different stuffed animal to say the “brave” thoughts about the situation.
Want to learn more?
You can contact Brochie Weinberg, MS, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
216.896.0111
Brochie Weinberg received her M.S. at NorthEastern University in School Counseling and her LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at John Caroll University . Brochie is a clinical counselor at A+ Solutions and provides individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults. She is also a school – based therapist at Yavne Junior High School where she provides individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, teacher training and faculty consultations. She runs social skills programs and creative workshops for preschool age children as well as adolescents on the topics of self esteem, handling emotions, friendship skills and study skills. Brochie works with children and adults with a variety of issues. In her personable approach, she draws from a wide range of theoretical orientations to creatively meet the needs of each clien
