{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fd71740f0-468e-4f43-b140-ce351f053902","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Children\u2019s Emotions Aren\u2019t Disorders: Teaching Instincts, Safety & Faith with Richard Tierney","description":"On Healing Horizons, host Saima speaks with Richard Tierney about reframing children\u2019s mental health by treating emotions as God-given instincts\u2014not disorders. Richard explains the four natural responses to perceived danger\u2014fight, flight, freeze, and acceptance\u2014and shares simple, family-friendly practices to help kids act safely when big feelings show up. You\u2019ll hear practical ideas (10-minute \u201cpractice rounds,\u201d how to model responses at home, and a kid-friendly breathing routine: inhale through the nose, slow release through the mouth) plus guidance for parents on building trust, boundaries, and agency\u2014without pathologizing normal emotions. Direct, grounded, and applicable today.\n\u00a0\nAbout the Guest\u00a0\u00a0:\nRichard Tierney is an educator and trauma-recovery advocate focused on giving children and families simple, actionable tools for emotional safety and resilience. He teaches parents how to normalize feelings, build response options (fight/flight/freeze/acceptance), and foster faith-based acceptance as a calming resource.\n\u00a0\nKey Takeaways :\n\n\nEmotions signal safety needs; they are not illnesses by default.\n\n\nTeach children four options for big feelings: fight (report/tell/speak up), flight (leave/hide/seek help), freeze (pause/dissociate briefly and safely), acceptance (hand it to a higher power, take a beat).\n\n\nBuild a daily 1-hour family practice: pick six common feelings (anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, grief, loneliness) and rehearse which response each child would choose and why.\n\n\nModel, don\u2019t lecture: parents share their own responses and practice together (e.g., everyone hides under the bed for 2\u20133 minutes, then debriefs).\n\n\nBreathing reset for kids: inhale through the nose, gentle hold, exhale through the mouth; optionally release with a sigh/yawn/cough/laugh to discharge tension.\n\n\nGive kids clear action menus (20+ safe ways to flight/hide; who to tell when they choose fight/report).\n\n\nTreat dissociation as a temporary, understandable pause\u2014then teach safer, proactive follow-ups (talking to a trusted adult, leaving unsafe settings).\n\n\nBuild no-secrets trust at home: \u201cWe will believe you, and we will act.\u201d\n\n\nRehearsal builds confidence; when real stress hits, kids already know \u201cwhat to do.\u201d\n\n\nFaith-based acceptance can be one calming tool among many; use it inclusively and respectfully.\n\n\n\u00a0\nConnect 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\n\u00a0\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\n\u00a0\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.\n\u00a0\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:\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.\n\ud83d\udc49 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContact\ud83d\udcbc Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ud83d\udce7 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyav","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/ea739b07-c0de-4eec-805f-6e266f2967bc/mzhhzs5qcgc.jpg"}