This module offers an in-depth exploration of two primary forms of anxiety: traumatic (automatic) anxiety and neurotic (signal) anxiety, based on the foundational work of Sigmund Freud and psychoanalytic studies. By understanding the differences between anxiety triggered by real-life overwhelming situations and the anxiety that arises from anticipating past trauma, you can better recognize and address the sources of distress in your child. With real-world examples and practical insights, this module helps parents and caregivers identify these distinct types of anxiety and respond to them effectively.
Types of Anxiety: Traumatic and Neurotic
Understanding the Two Faces of Anxiety Through a Psychoanalytic Lens
Common Pain Points
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Struggling to Recognize Traumatic Anxiety in Children
Many parents find it difficult to differentiate between their childโs immediate reaction to overwhelming, real-world stressors and other forms of anxiety. When children experience traumatic anxiety, their defense systems become overloaded, leaving them trapped in fear and unable to respond effectively.
Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety in Day-to-Day Situations
Neurotic anxiety, or the fear of re-experiencing past trauma, can prevent children from fully engaging in new situations. Parents often see their children withdrawing from opportunities out of fear, even when the threat is no longer present.
Managing Emotional Shutdowns When Defenses Fail
When defense mechanisms donโt work, children may freeze or shut down emotionally, leaving parents unsure how to help. This shutdown can manifest as avoidance, refusal to communicate, or sudden changes in behavior.
A word from our Families
I had the chance to check out Pathformers on my phone and computer, and let me tell you, the computer version really blew me away. The site’s beautiful aesthetic and diverse family photos and videos really capture the richness of family life. The topics they talk about are super helpful, and navigating the site is a breeze, especially with the filters that stay put until you change them. Dr. Klein explains things in a way that’s easy to get, which I think will hit home for a lot of people, not just parents like us. I’m actually pretty excited to tell my colleagues about it. We’re always looking for meaningful ‘lunch and learns’, and I really think Pathformers could be a big hit with us and others.
Jamie and Kevin T.
I am so appreciative of the Pathformers initiative!! In conversations with friends who have children, we are always questioning whether some behaviors are normal, worrisome, or not. I am struck by how very little information pediatricians give to parents on mental health and what is normal for children to do and when you need to seek help. Pathformers gives us a place to turn to answer those questions. It provides families with research-based and trustworthy information to help with their kidsโ mental health.
Patricia and Aldo B.
Pathformers boasts an exceptionally well-designed platform that offers an intuitive and seamless user experience. In my role as a professional dedicated to guiding parents through the intricacies of child-rearing, I commend Pathformers for its outstanding execution. Beyond its polished aesthetic, the platform’s meticulous integration of substantive information solidifies its position as an invaluable resource. The ease of navigation on Pathformers allows users to access precisely curated content effortlessly. The transformative impact of Pathformers’ videos is truly exemplary. Dr. Maya Klein’s understanding of parental challenges is evident, forging a profound connection with users. For parents embarking on the exploration of potential developmental hurdles for their children, Pathformers proves to be an indispensable resource. Excitement builds as we eagerly anticipate their sustained growth and enduring impact on families worldwide.
Shayda M.
Module Benefits
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Clear Understanding of the Two Types of Anxiety
This module breaks down the distinction between traumatic and neurotic anxiety, helping you understand how real-life stressors and the anticipation of past trauma manifest differently in your childโs behavior.
Tools for Addressing Traumatic Anxiety
Learn how to recognize and respond to traumatic anxiety when your childโs defense systems are overwhelmed by real-world events. This knowledge will equip you with strategies to help your child process their fear and regain a sense of control in distressing situations.
Strategies for Managing Neurotic Anxiety and Building Trust
Discover practical methods to help your child confront neurotic anxiety, allowing them to engage in new experiences without being held back by past traumas. By fostering open communication, you can guide your child towards healthier emotional responses and build trust that their fears wonโt always be realized.
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