Children and Anxiety: Psychology Skills for Parents and Professionals

Welcome to the event: Children and Anxiety: Psychology Skills for Parents and Professionals

Date: Sun Jun 30 2024

Time: 09:30:00 GMT+0100 (Irish Standard Time)

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork

Join renowned clinical and counselling psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Hayes, for this half day master class and learn how to help children manage anxiety. This event is perfect for parents and professionals looking to understand childhood anxiety and to learn effective psychology skills to help children. Dr. Jennifer, an expert in the field, will share her knowledge and experience and provide practical tips for adults that will assist children. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your understanding and skills to help children with anxiety. See you there!

Introduction to Master Class

Children can learn skills to manage their anxiety. Parents and professionals play a central role

Anxiety is part and parcel of everyday life. However, a child can also feel overwhelmed by anxiety and this can casuse upset as well as impact friendships, activities, learning and family life. When a child finds it difficult to cope with anxiety, their confidence and self esteem drops and the joy in life can be more difficult to find. There is nothing harder for a parent or a professional than watching a child struggle with anxiety and be unsure of how best to help.

The good news is that every child can learn basic psychological skills to improve their skills to manage feelings of anxiety and to feel and be more resilient. Parents and professionals are a child's biggest resource in helping a child achieve this. Having the correct knowledge and skills is key for parents and / or professionals to support and teach children about worry and how to deal with anxiety. This workshop will give participants a greater understanding of anxiety / worries and ideas on effective psychological tips and strategies that will assist children.

Key Topics Covered:

Module 1: Understanding Anxiety

This master class will draw on scientific information from multiple sources to explain what anxiety is and how it presents itself in primary school aged children. You will leave with a good understanding of how anxiety effects a child's thinking, their feelings, their physical body and their actions. You will understand what triggers anxiety, the factors that keep it going as well as factors which protect against anxiety and build resilience in children. This strong foundation will then serve as the base for teaching specific strategies / skills that you can use to help children manage anxiety.

Module 2: Effective Psychological Strategies / Skills that Work.

Simple but effective strategies that parents or professionals can teach children to help them to control their anxiety, boost confidence and help them to thrive will be taught. You will receive practical and effective psychological advice on how best to support children. Specific skills that target worrying, panic, avoidance, reassurance seeking and general distress will be covered. Strategies for adults to help a child calm their mind and control their worries will be taught along with practical and effective approaches to helping children feel relaxed in their bodies. How to manage yourself and your own response to an anxious child will also be covered.

About Dr. Jennifer

Dr. Jennifer Hayes, a clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, families and adults in the HSE and in private practice. She currently heads up all psychology services in HSE Social Inclusion across Cork and Kerry. In her private work she has provided psychological training and consultation services to multiple organisations including, Tusla, Dept. of Education and Science, Dept. of Justice, the Irish Defence Forces, HSE, SIPTU, the Education and Training Board,the GAA and others in a wide range of topics including anxiety, stress, depression, self-care, trauma and more. She has been guest lecturer at U.C.C. and U.C.D. In 2006 she was awarded the Therese Brady award in UCD and in 2013 she was recipient of the HMI award . Dr. Jennifer has represented the HSE on behalf of the Irish Government on UN selection missions to Jordan, Beiruit and Greece. In 2023 she provided the psychological input to the winning All Ireland and Munster Cork u20 hurling champions . In 2022 and in 2021 she assisted Fr. O’ Neills and Midleton senior hurling teams to respectively win County championship titles.

A mother of two herself, Dr. Jennifer is fully committed helping people of all ages and walks of life to overcome the challenges that they face and to reach their potential. She prides herself in meeting people where they are at and providing psychological advice which is jargon free and effective. No stranger to challenges in life herself, she is kind, respectful and prides herself in setting high standards.

Teaching Method / Style

Dr. Jennifer takes a relaxed, informal approach. There will be no jargon. The information is clear, easy to follow, concise and practical. All information and strategies provided are evidence-based, meaning that they have been shown through research and years of experience to work!

THIS COURSE IS FOR ADULTS ONLY. CHILDREN WILL NOT BE ADMITTED.

Host or Publisher Dr. Jennifer Hayes