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COMPASSION MINDFULNESS

SELF COMPASSION AND MINDFULNESS FOR TEENS

Sometimes its not easy having conversations with teens (especially when they don’t speak!).  But we respectfully keep trying.

Sometimes we need to have conversations about:

Anxiety

Depression

School

ADHD

LGBTQI

Anger 

Body image

Mindful awareness

Compassion

At the Positive Thinking Clinic, I use mindfulness, compassion, self-compassion, and kindness to tackle, discuss, and deal with these challenging issues.

I aim to stimulate conversation and promote mindful and kind ways of being, when dealing with teens.  We all want mindful interactions and loving connections between adults and teens.

I have had teens benefit from such experiences whether they come into the clinic on a one : one session, or small group, or during workshops that I offer.

FOLLOWING ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT IS COVERED IN EACH AREA:

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION:

Having fun is one way of releasing stress, anxiety, and worry.  So how do you play?  Do you take the time to play every day?  What are some of your favourite ways to play?

SCHOOL:

Everyone FAILS at some stage in their life.  But we can consider it as

First Attempt In Learning.  So if you celebrate some failure, this is one way of being kind to yourself and to others.  The truth is, when we fail, we learn something, and this makes every moment meaningful.  Lets discuss…

ADHD: 

Ok Move It!  So when are you most fidgety and feel the need to move?  Some teens with ADHD are more active in the morning, while others are more active in the afternoon or evening.  Notice and talk about your unique and personal rhythm of activity.

LGBTQI:

Coming out.  When teens think about coming out at LGBTQI, it can be exciting, terrifying, and even affirming.  If you have thought about coming out, and you are worried about discussing it, this moment is a safe one.  Do you have the courage to speak about it now?  If not, its ok, Just know that talking to me is safe…..[this is done in a one : one session]

MINDFUL AWARENESS:

Nature teaches us to be mindful and open.  So look outside and find as many examples of nature as you can within 2 minutes.

SELF-COMPASSION:

You can become your very own best friend.  When things in your own mind are not so good, you can offer yourself kindness as your best friend would.  Imagine what you would prefer to hear, and silently say it to yourself…

ANGER: 

Sometimes people don’t react well to their own anger, or to the anger of others.  I wonder if this has ever happened to you?  Can you please forgive yourself and /or the other person?  Lets discuss this if it feels right to do so…

BODY IMAGE:

Ok, lets do some mindful eating.  When you eat, try chew your food 45 times.  Notice each bite.  Notice how it transforms with each chew.  Can you do it?

COMPASSION:

Carry out a random act of kindness.  What could you do? How will you ensure that you will do it?

These are just some examples, I have heaps more that the teens enjoy, and if they don’t enjoy any part of a discussion we simply move on.  

My clinic is a safe place for teens, and I really want them to know this.

I always let teens know that the only time I need to break confidentiality is if I become aware of a crime, or if self harm is taking place, or where suicidal thoughts are in place.

Our teens are special and important.  Lets provide whatever supportive environment that we can.