Foundations Child & Family Therapy

04/12/2025

Sour sweets can literally help interrupt a panic attack.🍬🍭

Mental health professionals explain that the intense, sharp flavour works as a grounding technique - it pulls focus away from racing thoughts and back into the present moment through a strong sensory experience.
That sudden zing, snaps the brain out of the spiral and redirects attention to something concrete: taste, saliva production, chewing, breathing. This shift can break the cycle of panic long enough to regain control and settle the nervous system.
Of course, sour sweets or candy are not a cure and they don't replace therapy - but in the middle of a panic surge, it can be a surprisingly practical tool to keep on hand.

According to Utah State University Extension (2023), grounding strategies like this can be especially helpful during panic attacks, while also noting that frequent or intense anxiety should be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional for long-term support and care.

Sometimes, relief can come from the smallest of things - a single sour sweet.

02/12/2025

Big feelings can be overwhelming but with the right tools, we can help children and young people feel safe, understood, and find themselves back in control. Here are 3 simple strategies that can really make a difference:
1. Name the Feeling - When we label emotions, we help children understand what is happening in their own bodies. That alone can reduce intensity and fear of not knowing what they might be feeling. “It seems like you are feeling frustrated. Would you like some help?”
2. Co-Regulate First - Sit close, stay calm, offer a steady presence.
Borrowing our calm will help children find their own. Save teaching or problem-solving for when they’re settled.
3. Offer a Regulating Tool: Deep belly breaths, a drink of water, a quiet corner, a fidget or soft toy, or give them a physical action that helps the brain reset - pushing a wall or lying flat on the floor to help their nervous system relax.

Big emotions aren’t ‘bad behaviour’, they’re communication. With patience and connection, we can help children build lifelong emotional skills.

30/11/2025

This weekend we watched an incredible short documentary on YouTube: Saving Superman — a deeply moving story about Jonathan, a 57-year-old man with autism, whose compassion and bravery have turned him into a local hero.

If you’re looking for something uplifting, full of heart and real humanity — this one hits hard.

Take a few minutes to watch, share, and let Jonathan’s story inspire you.

SAVING SUPERMAN tells the story of Jonathan, a 57-year-old man with autism who’s become a local hero in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn. Affectionately know...

30/11/2025

⭐NVR Parent Workshop⭐
Join our supportive 6-week Introduction to NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) course, led by accredited NVR Practitioner & Parent Coach, Tracy Weiner, alongside Autistic Assistant Psychologist, Aishling Dempsey. Together, they offer a warm, inclusive, and deeply informed approach to helping families build stronger, calmer relationships.
Across the six sessions, focus will be on the theme of connection, exploring practical and compassionate techniques that can be integrated into everyday family life. Whether you’re hoping to reduce conflict, strengthen communication, or create a more peaceful home environment, this course provides tools that truly make a difference.

The course will be delivered both online and in-person and costs £120 per family, per group. Booking is required by 16th December.

To secure your place, or to find out more information, email: info@foundationschildtherapy.com, or call us: 07443 735 733

27/11/2025

As adults, it can be hard to recognise and understand our own emotions, so it is no surprise that children don’t always have the words to explain how they feel. Often their actions speak for them. Their behaviour can be a really helpful window into what they’re experiencing inside. A few gentle signs that a child might be struggling:
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Big reactions over small situations
• Withdrawing from friends or activities they once loved
• Worrying more than usual
• Becoming clingy, frustrated, or easily overwhelmed

Noticing these early signs can help us support children before their feelings become too heavy to carry alone. Every emotion is valid — and every child deserves to feel supported and understood.

At Foundations, we’re here to help children and families make sense of big feelings in a safe, nurturing space. Through music, play or mindfulness we can help children to share and process their emotions in a way that feels comfortable.

25/11/2025

Music is more than sound - it’s connection, expression, and a safe space for feelings that are sometimes hard to put into words. For many children, music therapy opens a door to calm, communication, confidence, and creativity.
Through rhythm, movement, singing, or simply listening, children can explore emotions in a playful, supportive way, build communication and social skills or reduce anxiety and develop self-regulation. It is all about expressing themselves freely - no pressure, no judgment.
At Foundations, we use music therapy to help children and young people connect, grow, and thrive at their own pace.

19/11/2025

Looking for calmer, sensory-friendly ways to enjoy the festive season?🎄✨
We’ve collated a list of relaxed Christmas events, designed with SEN families in mind—lower volume, gentle lighting, and welcoming spaces for everyone. ——> scroll to see where you can visit relaxed light shows, pantomimes, train rides and Christmas experiences throughout November and December.
Browse, share, and enjoy a Christmas that feels comfortable for all. 💛

18/11/2025

Our clients’ testimonials highlight the meaningful difference our services make.
From experiences of an assessment process, to how we delivered personalised therapy for an adult or child. Feedback fuels our commitment to support every individual in an environment that encourages understanding, kindness, and confidence.
📣 Read their real experiences.

17/11/2025