What is E.B.S.A.?

Emotional Based School Avoidance is affecting more and more school-aged children. Symptoms often include severe anxiety which can create a vicious cycle of stress and avoidance.

Many children and young adults are avoiding school, often because of neurodiversity and anxiety. What I can do to help?

• Tailor therapy to suit their age and interests and allow them to play, explore and explain their needs.

• Make it fun and gentle; no need to sit still, no need to close eyes, lots of storytelling back and forth.

• Create a calm space where they can empower themselves and learn coping mechanisms including anchoring techniques, breathwork, visualisation and inner rehearsal.

• Support them in setting simple goals and creating easy steps towards managing stress and fulfilling healthy, social and academic routines.

Clifton Practise trained Solution Focused therapist with EBSA training.

25 years working with children and young adults (primary, secondary, alternate provision, tutoring)

Experience working with children with autism, hearing impairment, English as a second language or not yet acquired, dyslexia.

British Sign Language trained (and American Sign interpreter trained)