Jeremy is a 10 year old boy who comes across shy and reserves. His mother has contacted me because she is concerned about the transfer to high school that will be happening in September. She advises that Jeremy did not settle well in reception and has found the transition to new teachers annually quite unsettling, added to this a children shuffle when joining junior school caused Jeremy not to settle well within his new peer group. Jeremy has shown signs of anxiety through temper tantrums, silences that mum finds she cannot break through and occasional disruptions in class.
On meeting Jeremy I met a silent boy, with unsure body language which we worked through by starting with
Bal-A-Vis-X exercises ( non-verbal balance, auditory, visual programme). With sessions lasting only 40 minutes, each session was initially targeted at trust and self-esteem building. Further sessions created opportunities for self discovery through art expression and helping Jeremy find strengths within himself that he had yet to recognise. Jeremy offered information on his concerns through non-verbal communication techniques. We worked through his understanding of safety and security and found some of his strengths. With this he felt more comfortable with the idea of change.
A message from mum.
‘I just wanted to contact you to advise about Jeremy’s first month at high school. I must say I was a little nervous the week before school. We had prepared Jeremy as you suggested through buying uniform and equipment early in the holiday and assisting Jeremy through additional responsibilities throughout the holidays. Jeremy struggled the night before with a short silence, however I was pleased to see Jeremy work it through with paper. School initiation began slow, but Jeremy is settling well and is communication his quiet times through written word and Bal-A-Vis-X. Thank you so much for your work. We will be in contact again should the need arise.’