School Refusal

School refusal occurs when a young person experiences difficulty attending school due to underlying emotional or psychological challenges. It can impact a child's academic, social, and emotional development and is often linked to anxiety, depression, bullying, or learning difficulties.

Signs of school refusal may include:

• Frequent absences or reluctance to attend school
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches on school days
• Anxiety or emotional distress about going to school
• Avoidance behaviours, such as feigning illness

Common causes of school refusal include:

• Anxiety: Fears related to school, social situations, or academic pressures
• Depression: Withdrawal or lack of motivation to engage in school
• Bullying: Negative peer interactions creating distress
• Trauma: Past traumatic experiences affecting school engagement

At Future Minds Psychology, we address school refusal by working with families and schools to identify the root causes. Our approach may involve:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To address negative thoughts and behaviours
• Gradual Exposure: Slowly reintroducing school attendance to build confidence
• Mindfulness: Teaching emotional regulation techniques
• Family Support: Guiding parents to provide supportive home environments

Early intervention and a collaborative approach can help young people overcome school refusal and re-engage in their education.