Escaping the bubble and regaining independence

His parents were not sure what action to take next, but Max’s school referred him to Presbyterian Support’s Mana Ake Service where kaimahi Kelly* became involved. 

Kelly provided various tools and strategies to help manage Max’s worries, including using a workbook - Starving the Anxiety Gremlin, which he particularly enjoyed completing together with his parents. She provided mindfulness activities, such as grounding techniques, and worked with Max to develop his confidence and independence, using growth mindset and strength-based activities. 

Thanks to Kelly’s support, Max’s parents and teacher reported huge improvements in his ability to recognise and verbalise his emotions. They also said he had been using the tools he had learnt to manage his anxiety in situations where he would normally become distressed. 

Max also noticed the difference saying, “My class was doing a performance and I told myself, I can do this!” Something he would have certainly struggled with beforehand.

His Mum’s feedback has been extremely positive – she now tells all the other parents at Max’s school about the Mana Ake Service and sings its praises! 

When Max first started working with Kelly, he was very shy and would hardly say three words. Now, Kelly says, “Max is a whole different child. He has made such fantastic progress and finally has his independence back.”