Clover House Therapy - The Complementary Therapy Centre for Children

361M – Jack, Aged 5

Anxiety - School - Sibling Rivalry

Although incredibly sociable and outgoing in many ways, my son, Jack, has always been an anxious child.  He always finds new situations, particularly if he is expected to part from me, daunting.  For example he would often take a long time to get to sleep due to worrying about attending Pre-School the next day. He would cry about going to Pre-school and on parting would cling to me, creating a fuss about going into the class room.  Jack also suffered mood swings and could be quite irritable during the day.  He also suffered from sibling rivalry and was often jealous of his younger brother.

Having lived in Saltford for 8 years, I often drove passed Clover House and wondered how the Charity helped children.  After looking at their website I spoke with Jill Gill, the Practice Manager, and she confirmed that Jack would benefit from coming to Clover House.

We had a warm welcome on arrival at Clover House and together, Jack and I saw the three therapists in turn.

Jill demonstrated some simple massage techniques for me to use on Jack at home in order to relax him. This has certainly helped calm him before bed time and he is getting to sleep quicker and is having a much deeper sleep, awaking refreshed in the morning having had quality sleep.  It is also a channel for providing quality time with Jack, which has made him feel special.

John, the Creative Imagery Specialist, helped Jack discover a way of gaining confidence in situations that he may find daunting.  John established that Jack was a fan of Spiderman and suggested that he should imagine he is Spiderman when he is feeling anxious.  Super Heroes, of course have to be strong and are never afraid - they have amazing powers and can tackle any difficult situation! This has encouraged Jack to face different or new situations in a positive manner. He no longer cries before going to Pre-School!

Philippa, the Nutritionist, studied a food diary for Jack, that I had completed before going to Clover House, and made some simple suggestions on how to help Jack.  She suggested that he have protein for breakfast, rather than cereal and yoghurt because this would help maintain steady sugar levels and as a result, Jack would not suffer so badly from mood swings.  She advised that Jack should have a small snack before bedtime, in order to help with deeper sleep.  She also suggested that he take a magnesium supplement, which helps the nervous system.

Jack has certainly been more relaxed overall and we now have tools to use when he begins to feel anxious.  He is a much happier child as a result of the advice and support we were provided by the therapists at Clover House.

I understand that Clover House have helped children with emotional, behavioural and physical concerns and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Charity to any family who would like to help their child be happier and healthier.  Their DVD has also been a great inspiration.

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*The name and photograph in this testimonial have been changed.