{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F18c3b4c3-1f42-4e1d-81ea-4f362c11f632","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Emotions Are Instincts, Not Disorders: Spiritual Tools for Children\u2019s Mental Health \u2014 Richard Tierney","description":"On Soul Sparks with Saima, Richard Tierney reframes children\u2019s emotions as God-given instincts\u2014not diagnoses\u2014to help families respond to stress with agency. We unpack a four-response model (fight, flight, freeze, acceptance), daily 15-minute practices to build safety and confidence, and a spiritual lens on healing the \u201chole in the soul\u201d caused by unresolved pain. This direct, practical conversation bridges faith, trauma literacy, and child-safe skills parents can use today.\nAbout the guest\u00a0\u00a0\nRichard Tierney is an Ireland-born mentor based in Thailand who works with families on children\u2019s mental health and with adults on trauma recovery. He is the author of How to Live Stress and Anxiety Free, 24 Hours a Day.\nKey takeaways\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nEmotions are signals, not defects: teach kids to trust instincts without shame.\n\n\nFour responses to threat: fight (speak up/seek help), flight (create distance/safe hiding), freeze (short, intentional mental \u201ctime-out\u201d), acceptance (brief grounding/prayer).\n\n\nDaily skill-building: four 15-minute blocks practicing each response builds confidence and reduces panic.\n\n\n\u201cLetter to God\u201d method: write with dominant hand to express; reply with non-dominant hand to access a wiser, calmer voice; then safely discard.\n\n\nDissociation as a temporary tool: guided daydreaming can regulate overwhelm\u2014use sparingly and safely.\n\n\n\u201cHole in the soul\u201d: address root causes of pain rather than only surface behaviors (tantrums, overeating, withdrawal).\n\n\nParent role: model calm, name options, and normalize asking trusted adults for help.\n\n\nSafety first: fight \u2260 physical confrontation; flight \u2260 running into danger; acceptance \u2260 enduring harm.\n\n\nFaith and meaning: many families find short, structured prayer or stillness can reduce immediate fear.\n\n\nLanguage matters: shifting from \u201cwhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d to \u201cwhat is your body asking for?\u201d builds self-respect.\n\n\nHow to connect with the guest\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nBook: How to Live Stress and Anxiety Free, 24 Hours a Day (available in print and digital)\n\n\nEmail: appointments@traumarecoveryanonymous.com\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDisclaimer - Spiritual practices may complement, not replace, professional mental-health care; viewers are encouraged to consult qualified clinicians for diagnosis or treatment and to seek immediate help in emergencies.\n\n\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContactBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.comWebsite: www.healthymindbyavik.comBased in: India & USA\nOpen to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let\u2019s connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:Listen to our 17","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/31f4af9e-cc4e-409a-98fb-653e1f193907/mtdlnc5qcgc.jpg"}