School refusal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Im honestly overwhelmed with your kindness and support. It’s truly a day by day thing. At this point, it’s easier for my mental health to expect the worst (no school) and consider the day a success if she goes in (even if it’s late). My daughter is getting help for anxiety and depression.

We need a support group! And I’m so glad to hear of all experiences, especially where kids have gotten through it. On the topic of SPACE therapy, did you apply it, and also have a therapist for your teen? I’m reading the book now.

-OP

Same. Yes, we do need a support group. I have to wake DS up soon and am expecting the worst. I’m looking into SPACE therapy since I hadn’t heard of it. My husband and I are starting to see a therapist for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is virtual academy a good choice for kids like this?

You'd have to be very involved and monitor them and make sure work is getting done but it's a good option. Its a structured school day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is virtual academy a good choice for kids like this?

You'd have to be very involved and monitor them and make sure work is getting done but it's a good option. Its a structured school day.

School refusal kids need to eventually face the thing they are afraid of... school. Virtual allows them to stay isolated and avoid the hard thing.

That being said, if your kid is a senior with one more semester to graduation, virtual could be great just to get to the next thing.

Also, being on zoom could cause more social anxiety than being in person.

[Anonymous]

Other than the 1 mental health day, any other days at home would be with no wifi, tv, car or phone.
if they want to stay home, fine but then read or do something productive around the house because vegging on the couch aint happening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did SPACE therapy with my partner to support our child and it changed our lives. It worked so well in helping my child become empowered and overcome the anxious thoughts. We did a SPACE group but found individual SPACE treatment better for us and our schedule. It was the best thing we ever did for our child and for our family.

NP here. How did you find a SPACE therapist you liked? I do see the list of trained providers on their website, but if anyone has recommendations for particular providers, preferably in DC, I’d love to hear them.