NLP/CBT

[mummyflood]

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has tried either of the above for a child, especially a teen, who has very low self esteem/general anxiety. Would you recommend it, is it available as a referral from GP, etc? Am looking into the possibility for DS2, 14, who we are having ongoing problems with, and have had no luck with CAMHS, Connexions, etc.

Thank you!

Don't know much about NLP, but CBT is very good and can usually be accessed via your GP, although there might be quite a long waiting list.

Not had any CBT myself, but know a few people that have and for many of them it has helped them to turn their lives around. You have to want to do it and be willing to work with your therapist and put in the effort though, as its something you learn to do for yourself rather than have done to/for you iyswim.

It works by challenging negative thought patterns (so just the type of thoughts you get in low self esteem and anxiety) and replacing those thoughts with more realistic positive thoughts.

There's some information and a video about it on the NHS website here.

You might also find the Anxiety UK website useful. They have a section on anxiety in young people.

Hth and hope your son finds a way through his problems soon.

Hi Moosemama, thank you so much for your reply, the links are extremely useful. Having read the Anxiety Uk one, I found myself ticking many, many boxes with regard to DS, and we are definitely going to go back to the GP with notes this time!

DS is definitely wanting to seek more help, he is an extremely sensitive soul who requested his own GP appointment leading to the CAMHS referral, but unfortunately on the day this wasn't helpful as he was quite 'up' and didn't explain his problems at all. It was all put down to puberty, which I am absolutely convinced is not the whole cause.

Would still like to hear if anyone has experience of NLP, have heard this can be quite effective with younger people too, anyone with any thoughts? (excuse the pun!)

Anyone else?