Clover House Therapy - The Complementary Therapy Centre for Children

340M Billy, 8 years old

Anger, Anxiety, School Exclusions, Separation, Bereavement

The Problem

Dad found us on the internet from Spain and telephoned and arranged to visit during the summer holidays. He explained on our questionnaire that Billy had an explosive temper when being told “No” or prevented from doing something, and had anxiety attacks when left at new school, and his behaviour had led to two expulsions from 2 schools. He was having power struggles with his sister. His brother had died when Billy was 14 months old, and pressure in the family involved moving to Scotland, his parent’s separation and a move to Spain with his father.

The Treatment – 3 sessions

Imagery

At the first session Billy was shown a magic trick to help build rapport and then he worked on the emotions experienced during incidents where he needed more control. Dad was helped to deal with his stress by a reframing of his relationship with his son, and some work with the emotions resulting from the divorce. At the second session Billy played well with the toys and then used imagery to “see himself through the eyes of someone who loves him” afterwards he was reluctant to leave. At the third session Billy learned a technique for self-confidence using the idea of becoming a lioness, and practiced ways to not get upset with his older sister whenever she teased him.

Nutrition

Advice included how refined carbohydrate and sugary foods may exaggerate Billy’s moods and was given handouts together with magnesium supplement. On the second session it was suggested to reduce the pasta and bread and change to wholemeal versions to consider introducing organic meat into the diet, and some porridge in the evening. To avoid diary to help sinus congestion as Billy craved chocolate to have one square of dark chocolate after tea. Dad was asked to involve the children in food preparation and to make it fun, and to get commitment for having breakfast, They were given a food challenge chart to record new foods eaten with an explanation that they need to be tried 15 time before being accepted, or mixed in with foods they like. Mum attended on the third session and the advice was re-emphasised with Mum. An additional supplement of Zinc to improve Bill’s appetite and a supplement to help blood sugar levels was also prescribed.

Massage

Dad and Mum separately were shown a massage routine and given a DVD and booklet with techniques shown to use at home.

Results

Dad emailed from Spain “Thanks so much for all the help” Billy went back to school, and seems to be back to his old happy go lucky self with no sign of any of the conflict issued he struggled with all last year!! We couldn’t ask for more”