{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F9f70b630-c021-487d-b2a0-5057db09a99c","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Healing the Hole in the Soul: Rethinking Children\u2019s Mental Health Through Instincts, Coping, and Faith with Richard Tierney","description":"On Inner Light, we challenge the quick-diagnosis culture around children\u2019s mental health. Guest Richard Tierney argues that feelings are instinctive signals\u2014not disorders\u2014and that kids thrive when we teach practical coping skills grounded in fight, flight, freeze, and acceptance, plus age-appropriate spirituality. We unpack classroom and at-home practices (journaling and safe \u201chide\u201d plans, healthy venting, prayer/dream-visualization), boundaries with bullying, and why language matters when talking about anxiety and depression. This direct, stigma-reducing conversation aims to help parents, teachers, and counselors guide kids toward resilience without shame. Keywords: children\u2019s mental health, emotions vs disorders, coping skills, anxiety in kids, resilience, parenting, school well-being, faith and mental health, Inner Light podcast.\nAbout the guest\u00a0\u00a0:\nRichard Tierney is a teacher and advocate focused on children\u2019s emotional education and spiritually informed recovery frameworks. His work centers on helping families and schools respond to feelings as useful instincts and build simple, repeatable coping routines.\nKey takeaways:\n\n\nFeelings as signals, not labels: Anxiety, anger, grief, and loneliness are instincts that cue action; labeling them as disorders too early can backfire for kids.\n\n\nFour responses to stress: Beyond fight/flight/freeze, Richard teaches acceptance\u2014naming fear and asking for help (including prayer for those who practice it).\n\n\nFamily/classroom playbooks: Make a visible chart of common feelings and agree on safe actions for each (e.g., step out, quiet corner, supervised \u201ccool-off,\u201d letter-then-shred exercise).\n\n\nPractice, don\u2019t pathologize: Rehearse alternatives (ask for a hug, write a private \u201canger letter,\u201d brief guided visualization). Repetition builds confidence and choice.\n\n\nBullying boundaries: Seek adult help fast; create clear exit options. Use voice confidently and involve school processes\u2014kids shouldn\u2019t white-knuckle distress alone.\n\n\nLanguage hygiene: Kids internalize self-talk; shift from \u201cI am broken\u201d to \u201cI\u2019m noticing anxiety and choosing a next step.\u201d\n\n\nAge-appropriate spirituality: For families who opt in, simple prayer/reflective practices can calm the body and focus intention (e.g., pre-event visualization).\n\n\nCare coordination: Feelings education works alongside professional support when needed; the aim is skill-building, not shame.\n\n\nHow to connect with the guest:\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nEmail: appointments@traumarecoveryanonymous.com\n\n\nBooks: Healing Any Trauma Memory and How to Live Stress and Anxiety-Free 24 Hours a Day (available on major platforms)\n\n\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\nDM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\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. 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 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:\n\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.\nSubscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContactBrand: Healthy Mind","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/fb3a8ffd-7663-46c0-836c-768ee59d4bb6/mjm0zi5qcgc.jpg"}