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Hi Reader, Part II on the subject of Fear. When I work with teen girls who feel stuck in fear, at some point I invite them to have a conversation with it. WHY? Because when we keep things in the shadows they feel bigger, more impossible to tackle. When we shine some light on it we see it differently, giving us the chance to interact with it differently. STORYTIME. My son and his girlfriend were taking a walk in the dark and came back to tell us there was a large dead animal down once of the paths so they turned around and went another way to be safe. Jon, my youngest, and myself equipped ourselves with our gear and headed down the path to ensure all was ok. As we got to the spot we shone our flashlights on the black outline that looked like a large animal laying on it's side. Turns out it was a washed up rubber inner tube, the kind you float on the rivers with! Shadows can be deceiving. And so can fear. If we were to have a conversation with it instead. We might ask, If you could chat with fear right now, what would it say to you? The answers sometimes sound something like:
When we stop fighting fear and start listening to it, something shifts. Compassion grows. Because fear isn’t trying to ruin our lives. It’s trying to protect us. I try to think of it as fear is doing it's best to keep me safe. I often say to it. To me. Invitation to try with your teen (or with yourself):
Fear doesn’t need to be silenced. Fear just needs to be understood. With gratitude, Chantal Psychologist| Teen Coach| Part of the Pyramid Psychology Team Come Make Wacky Never Done Before Gingerbread Houses With Us! The Happiness Path (THP) Hangouts A chance to do a hands-on craft that’s totally beginner-friendly, a little bit of easy movement (no pressure, no performance), and have a few laughs 👉 Are you in? Register here |
Hello! I’m Chantal, teen life coach and psychologist who’s helping teen girls build confidence, handle tough stuff, and grow into their most authentic selves. I’ve curate tools to make your journey as a parent, auntie, or supportive professional a little easier, and a lot more connected. These are the things I use, love, and trust to spark calm, courage, and real conversations with teens.
So glad you had the courage to open this email Reader, What a video on Will Smith's skydiving experience taught me about fear. I distincly remember it. He said, “God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear.” That line stopped me in my tracks. Because I’ve seen it. In myself and in the teen girls I work with. A girl who had the courage to set a boundary in a friendship. A teen who tries out for a team even though her knees are shaking. A young person who decides to have a...
Hello to Monday Reader, how are you doing today? My post Halloween vibes got me thinking about fear this weekend. I know this feeling in my throat all too well that tightening and dryness as if my body is crying out, “Don’t take that next step.” It’s not the kind of fear that sends you running from danger. It’s quieter. More polite. The kind that hides behind thoughts like: Maybe things will change if I just let it run its course What if I make it even worse by saying something What if it's...
Hello Reader, There’s something truly calming about being around animals for a lot of people. The soft rhythm of cat's purr, the wag of a friendly dog’s tail, or the stillness of simply being together. At Pyramid Psychology, we’re exploring ways to bring that same sense of calm and connection into our teen supports. We’re curious about your thoughts as we design this next chapter. Would your teen be interested in experiences like: 🐕 Mindful interactions with some therapy animals (e.g. dog,...