Clover House Therapy - The Complementary Therapy Centre for Children

331M Ian, Aged 13 from Cardiff

Behaviour - Anger, Bullying, Teenage Acne, Sugar Addiction, Hyperactive, School, Sibling Rivalry

The Problem

Mum found us via a hyperactive children’s support group, and wrote on the questionnaire that Ian was impulsive, easily loses his temper and found it hard to keep still. Ian had been excluded from school twice for fighting, A list of other complaints included; he would not do his homework; underachieving at school; spends a lot of time on the computer; finds it difficult to keep friends; and was not eating his packed school lunches.

The Treatment – 3 sessions

Imagery

Ian got to “rewind” incidences of bullying of ages 4 and 7, “reframing” being bored and disruptive at school, and had time in the first session to “install” the lioness for confidence. At second session various ways were tried to change his ideas on food, and then building up confidence and self control. Dad came to third session and asked for help with Ian arguing with his older sister, and Ian was taken through the Baboushka story.

Massage

It was noted that Ian did not make eye contact, and spoke to the floor. He had a back massage and the therapist talked about helping his back and being away from the computer. Mum was shown more massage and Dad attended third session.

Nutrition

Mum suggested that nutrition would be a problem as they all like their sweets – so the nutritionist suggested they all give them up for a week! They took lots of handouts, and some supplements – multi-vitamins and essential oils. He tried many new and healthy foods such as baked beans, wholemeal bread, cashew nuts – although they had not sweets Mum had caught him putting sugar on his nuts and bread!

Results

By the third session it was reported that Ian’s face had cleared up, with it his confidence and was speaking up, “Everyone had noticed the change in Ian, and the whole family felt better.” Ian had started playing tennis and has lunch at school; Dad said they would be telling everyone to bring their children to Clover House!

In and evaluation 1 month Later mum reported “Ian is more aware of good nutrition e.g. He eats only brown bread and is more prepared to try different foods. He is more prepared to negotiate. Ian did concentrate and listen in the imagery sessions and has matured. He is getter on better in school and with other children. One of the greatest benefits from Clover House is the improvement in all our eating habits.”

Mum also reported that she liked the down to earth approach. “Clover House gave us practical advice and moral support in carrying out the nutrition and massage programmes. In emphasising that it was up to both Ian and us to improve his nutrition Clover House enabled Ian to have more control over his own behaviour. I think Ian got a lot out of the focused attention during the 3 therapies, especially as his views were taken into account”.