
The Challenge of School Refusal
As a specialist in chronic anxiety, I frequently encounter adolescent clients who struggle with school refusal due to anxiety. This issue often involves collaboration between the student’s school counselor or social worker and their parents. The goal is to reintegrate the student into the school environment through informal support. While some parents seek external counselors to address the anxiety symptoms, the core challenge remains: an excessive focus on symptom management.
The Limitation of Symptom Management
Many students feel overwhelmed by the idea of managing their anxiety symptoms. When they lack confidence in their ability to cope, attending school can seem impossible. The emphasis on symptom management can inadvertently reinforce their fears, making school attendance a daunting prospect.
Building Resilience Through Tolerance
In my practice, I work closely with parents to help their children re-enter the school environment consistently. The key is to shift the focus from managing symptoms to increasing the student’s tolerance for anxiety. By encouraging students to lean into their anxiety, they develop resilience and a greater capacity to handle anxiety-provoking situations.
Advanced Techniques for Anxiety Tolerance
Using advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, I help students learn to tolerate distressing thoughts and emotions. This approach, combined with exposure to anxiety triggers, empowers students to accept that feeling anxious is a part of the school experience. With increased resilience, they become less concerned about the presence of anxiety throughout the school day.
A New Approach: Reentry Programs
I run a reentry program specifically designed for anxiety-related school refusal. This program focuses on helping students manage their anxiety without being overly concerned with symptoms. By fostering adequate levels of anxiety tolerance, students are more likely to remain in school long-term, as opposed to merely managing symptoms.
In conclusion, building resilience and tolerance for anxiety can create a more sustainable path for students to thrive in their educational environments, ultimately supporting their long-term success.
Comments