anxiety resources
what do you do with a problem?
This is an incredible resource for both children and adults in that it normalizes the enormous weight of what having a problem feels like. The boy in the story (and all of us in many respects) would almost do anything to avoid, go around, and escape the problem. The worry about the problem sets in--all that might happen. And, yet, the more and more the boy worries, the bigger the problem becomes. The boy ultimately realizes that he must face his problem head on, and in doing so, he realizes that the problem is not just a problem as inherent in the problem is an opportunity.
Wilma Jean, the Worry Machine
This story is about Wilma Jean and all her myriad of worries. She worries about EVERYTHING. Her mom takes notice of this dynamic and reaches out for support. Wilma Jean's teacher then works with her to separate her worries into what she can control and what she can not control. Most of her worries end up being things that she can control and influence to an extent, and her teacher supports her to feel more equipped, confident, and prepared in the face of her anxiety. This is a fantastic resource as it tells a story, yet also gives direct coping skills and strategies!
Don’t Worry, Wags
Wags is a puppy who worries about EVERYTHING. In the facing of something that Wags worries about, Wags finds out that sometimes it is not something to fear after all. In this way, this book can provide an opportunity for a conversation about how even though Wags was scared, ultimately Wags discovered a different perspective. Yet, this different perspective only came about from facing and not avoiding what was so worrisome to Wags. This book may help lead to a discussion about not avoiding our worries as this only reinforces them and makes our worries stronger.
DISCLAIMER: Elizabeth is a member of Amazon Affiliates. If you choose to buy a product from any of these links, Burton Counseling will receive a small portion of the proceeds. You may choose instead to support your local bookstore and buy directly from them. These are book recommendations with therapeutic and character education themes that may or may not be helpful. This is not therapy itself.
Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth provides online counseling for individual adults living in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia. Elizabeth provides in person counseling for individuals located near Chattanooga, TN. You can learn more about counseling with Elizabeth here.
Elizabeth also provides life coaching for individual adults and couples living anywhere. Life coaching services are available online, and in person coaching is available for individual adults located near Chattanooga, TN. You can learn more about life coaching with Elizabeth here.
In addition to counseling and coaching, Elizabeth provides courses and workshops. You can learn more about Elizabeth’s course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress here, and if you are interested in workshops, you can learn more here. In addition, Elizabeth writes about mental wellness on her blog here. Be sure to stay connected with Elizabeth through the monthly “Narrating Hope” newsletter.