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your child freedom formula - has anyone tried it?

1000 replies

lu9months · 08/05/2021 21:00

ive seen adverts for this on fb. they claim to be able to cure anxiety in young people. im suspicious - and nowhere does it tell you the cost. however im fairly desperate since my 16 year old is very disabled by anxiety. thanks

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TeenMinusTests · 31/05/2021 06:34

Inspector I don't think you have to attend all the mentor sessions, just that they are available to you so you can choose when works best / drop in when you need them.

To be honest I can see a benefit in having the mentors 'on tap' so as to speak. There have been times when it would be good to have someone just there when I need them, to help with knowing how to react to DD.

However, when DD was at her worst, she (and I) were in no position to 'work at it', we were in complete survival mode. I started counselling for myself and we got other outside agencies involved and like an oil ship, slowly turned the corner.

Mibb · 31/05/2021 07:42

The thing that really helped our family was a course that was run by CAMHS (in Scotland) for parents of anxious children. It ran for 8 weeks, one morning a week and was based on the principle that the parent is the best therapist for the child, and the "anxiety pyramid" which was based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs. We were supported to create a strong 'base' of of connection with our kids and then to use strategies to help with anxiety.

Some (not all) of the children were attending therapy or support groups etc, concurrently with the parents attending this course.

It was incredibly important that the facilitators of the group were highly professional and held everything in confidence as well as being able to handle the ups and downs and facilitate us to help and understand each other.

Going by the videos on the site, and the replies to reviews, that seems to be what's lacking with YCFF and I think that's why I feel uncomfortable about it.

DoubleTweenQueen · 31/05/2021 11:48

Not sure why my last post was deleted. Quite a few posts here accusing bullying - instigating/organising bullying - being immature, hateful etc. I hope they will all be removed.

DoubleTweenQueen · 31/05/2021 12:02

Actually, no. Leave them up as a useful reminder.

Psuedoshoes · 31/05/2021 21:33

Did anyone see this response to a negative review? The passive aggressiveness is shocking. SO so glad I found this thread, wouldn't want these people anywhere near my child.

your child freedom formula - has anyone tried it?
your child freedom formula - has anyone tried it?
NoSquirrels · 01/06/2021 00:09

@Psuedoshoes

Did anyone see this response to a negative review? The passive aggressiveness is shocking. SO so glad I found this thread, wouldn't want these people anywhere near my child.
I think the person running this doesn’t come from a place of being deliberately manipulative - but they can’t see that their communication is problematic. That’s my take. And if they can’t see their communication is problematic then they aren’t someone I’d like to take advice from. They’ve grown from an in-person word of mouth local service to this online national-reach operation and they’re ill-equipped to do that.

I don’t think guilt trips or the general insistence on how “Mums” behave/engage is at all useful and comes across as very manipulative. As I said, I’m not sure they mean it that way. But in essence, the tactics are wrong. I wouldn’t respond to this. Though I see why others do.

When it’s boiled down - do you trust them, no qualifications and all - with in excess of £5,000?

NoSquirrels · 01/06/2021 00:13

When it’s boiled down - do you trust them, no qualifications and all - with in excess of £5,000?

Actually, this should say when it’s boiled down - do you trust them, no qualifications and all - with in excess of £5,000 and your vulnerable teen’s mental health?

JackieAnneH · 01/06/2021 21:15

We started on anxiety freedom formula. We knew it sounded dodgy but we were desperate. They seemed so caring and helpful to start (once we had paid first installment) but when we couldn't get our daughter to instantly engage, they became incredibly impatient, and then rude, and finally evil. I could not believe that someone who had suffered with anxiety and was making a living out of helping those with anxiety, could send such a cruel message. I am happy to explain more to anyone who is considering it.

Mibb · 01/06/2021 22:01

JackieAnne sorry you had that experience. This is the impression I got from the videos on the site and the reactive replies to reviews on Trustpilot. I really feel for you, you were in a place of desperation when you signed up, I think we all know what that feels like and how vulnerable you can be. I'm sure any more details you feel able to give would be appreciated as there are a few people finding this thread when looking into whether to sign up. I hope things are improving for you and your DD now. Flowers

Mibb · 01/06/2021 22:23

If it's ok, I do have a couple of questions JackieAnne

  1. I've thought about how my child would react to this and I know 100% that they would be very reluctant to engage, especially on video calls
What sort of strategies did YCFF use to encourage your DD?
  1. There are lots of videos on the YCFF website where parents are recognisable and talk about their children's mental health in a lot of detail. I wondered if you sign a consent form for this type of recording to be made public or if there's any way you can refuse consent?
GoodButNaughty · 04/06/2021 06:23

Sorry for my delay in posting again; work has been super busy. This thread seems to have gone quiet which I’m confused about Confused.

I read the trustpilot review response (that @Psuedoshoes posted, thank you!) and had referred it in an earlier post as I was so shocked with this response too.

@Mibb At the moment my friend does not feel ready to speak up - I’m being as supportive and encouraging as I can but I think it is unlikely she ever will as she feels she is the failure; she feels she has let down her daughter; she feels the money she paid was clearly explained to her and so she has no recourse (and collectively this is where the issues lie in my mind as no one should be left feeling this way!) and she feels intimidated by the Robins tactics.

My therapist friend is working a lot with anxious teens at the current time and is very concerned about the patterns that are emerging here. YCFF seems to have some very worrying practices which could be very damaging and there are so many unanswered questions, such as: what is the criteria to be accepted onto the programme (it seems to us that they’re looking for parents who are desperate or dealing with their own anxiety); what are the qualifications of those working with these young people; do the young mentors have DRB checks (to list just a few).

Their new offer of a 1 week trial is all well and good but I don’t feel it is enough to understand if this is the right approach for you/your child. It’s a pseudo-offer in my mind and just reinforces my beliefs about the unscrupulous practices of this company.

If they are not unscrupulous why are they dodging my friends request for information that should be freely available (i.e. she asked who is their data controller; why aren’t they registered with ICO??!).

I am seriously questioning who will speak up for those people who are already struggling with a child with anxiety (and possibly anxiety them self) and who don’t feel ready, willing or comfortable to speak up for themselves about YCFF practices?

But what about those people who likely feel intimidated by the Robins demeanour (‘passionate’ I think Martin calls Sam in that trustpilot review response which is worded in such an intimidatory way!) or who are now in debt due to paying a significant sum for something they don’t see the value in?

Has anyone watched the documentary series ‘Don’t f**k with cats!’?? I almost feel as though there would be a benefit in creating a private group away from Mumsnet to investigate YCFF and to offer help and guidance to anyone who is dissatisfied with their business practices. We could advise them how to request a SAR or take out a CCJ to reclaim paid sums (which I’m trying to encourage my friend to do, but she is reluctant following intimidation tactics from the Robins). Anyone interested in setting up something like this..??

Can anyone help who lives near the area they are based as they list their registered office as: Cornucopia 37 High Street Clovelly Bideford Devon EX39 5TE (this is freely available information online) but this seems to be a visitor centre so I can’t see how they are using this as a registered office address. I may telephone the visitor centre tomorrow and ask..?

What else can we do? Contact Watchdog? Panorama? Local press?

Finally I came across this online course which is offered from a reputable organisation in Australia and it’s a fraction of the cost, it might be worth checking out: mindninja.lifelessonsglobal.com/order-483680461620339624901

GoodButNaughty · 04/06/2021 07:25

Btw - the course I linked to above is currently costing US$68...

TeenMinusTests · 04/06/2021 09:12

Good I think the thread has gone quiet because most people on it don't have direct experience of the organisation. Views have been taken based on the website and trustpilot and the input from the people who have used it (positive and negative).

I think if you wanted to try to collate together people who have been dissatisfied you maybe would need to ask them to private message you or similar.

I suspect that if you wanted a TV programme you would have more chance with Watchdog or 'Rip Off Britain' than Panorama. Again you might need a collective of people rather than just 1 complaint.

GoodButNaughty · 04/06/2021 09:24

@TeenMinusTests - thank you; that is a really good point. I’ll step away too and focus on my friend. If anyone wants to PM me for support I’m happy to offer it.

Comfysofa78 · 04/06/2021 09:45

If you did want any feedback and you are worried that people won’t want to be named you could try a survey monkey questionnaire. It’s anonymous but you could put an optional field for email address. I hope you get somewhere with your friend, I’ve certainly been put off and have started private treatment this week. Fingers crossed 🤞🤞

JungleMum40 · 04/06/2021 11:32

@GoodButNaughty
This is in reply to that massive message - I have just nearly finished my free week, I have learnt so much already, that completely makes sense, you have the complete wrong impression of these lovely people.

The saddest thing about this post is the lack of compassion for people who are trying their upmost best from what I have seen this week, I am still baffled that you even have the time to comment such hateful words and calling people names, I don’t think that is very compassionate or caring at all, I am still not out off by these posts and will be singing up! I have nothing but nice comments to make about these people who are trying to give my daughter their life back!
Every place you go to everywhere you go is always going to have people who don’t agree or have nasty or negative things to say, but at least get your facts straight!
You are literally wasting your time if you think about reporting, if you think about taking it to a tv show ? They are just going to say to you these people are saving lives which I 100% believe they are. So I suggest if you come back in 3 months time I will update you on how we have been getting on.

Thanks, logging out now :)

TeenMinusTests · 04/06/2021 12:14

Jungle
That is quite a long reply to not say very much.
Can you say some of the things you have learned in your 4 days so far?
Have you changed your approach to things based on input so far?
Has your DC learned anything?

GoodButNaughty · 04/06/2021 13:35

@JungleMum40 what names did I call anyone? Hmm

JungleMum40 · 04/06/2021 13:58

@TeenMinusTests

I have learnt loads, it’s too much to type out on a forum, it’s also about going there to the sessions of that week and learning from mums who are in the same position with their children, it’s an amazing, interesting and eye opening experience, I think for people who are now going to comment on ‘that isn’t much information to go off’ my answer to you is, go and try it for yourself, there is SOOO much to take in from this which is too much to type to people who will just throw it back at you anyway!

I am changing everyday, realising different things and taking a step back on myself as well.
It’s also going to take time just like anything. I definitely think this is an amazing process.

@GoodButNaughty I’m not going to go in tit for tat as I am a grown woman and do not need the hassle! Everyone can read that and see what you have said!

I hope this helps guys :)

TeenMinusTests · 04/06/2021 14:08

Go on Jungle give it a go. What are the 3 most important things you have learned so far? Real, tangible things. Or 3 specific things to do / not do?

DoubleTweenQueen · 04/06/2021 14:58

@TeenMinusTests There is absolutely no reason for Jungle to not give a few short examples. She's already posted two fairly lengthy posts, and if part of the free week, open to anyone, she couldn't be accused of giving away sensitive (patented? Surely it should be) information.

TeenMinusTests · 04/06/2021 15:35

Well quite Double . I could write about what my DD is gaining with her meds, and with her 'equine assisted therapy'. I could write about what I have been gaining from the counselling I myself have been having. I could write about different day to day approaches we have tried and what is working and not working for us right now. If I wasn't able to articulate it clearly I might start to wonder whether we were really gaining anything. Actually it might be worth a thread of its own - 'Anxious teens - what approaches work for you'?

JungleMum40 · 04/06/2021 15:40

The best advice ladies I can give to you is go and find out for yourselves, there is so much information and as I have just now realised it is a process and one you all have to work at! It is not something I can simply say in 3 steps because it’s not that easy! But it’s about learning and understanding what it is and how to get your child’s life back to how it was before anxiety, honestly I cannot put into words steps etc because it’s impossible jist like all the other mums will say who have been going through it it’s not just a quick fix or a tablet to make you better! It’s the fundamental understanding etc that is making a difference! I don’t know what else to say on that matter, Everything I have tried just gives out information etc etc, this is completely different and everyone is different! Thank you

TeenMinusTests · 04/06/2021 15:57

So you are unable to articulate clearly anything at all?
That is a real shame. Sad I wasn't asking for 3 steps, just 3 things given that you have learnt so much already. Just some insights you have gained, or small changes you have made which appear to be beneficial.
Never mind, we'll just have to draw our own conclusions.

JungleMum40 · 04/06/2021 16:12

@TeenMinusTests
Okay, you do you, nothing you say anymore has any effect on me whatsoever, I’m focusing on this now so I don’t have time to reply, too much to do.

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