The STILL Method
Stuart Thompson
Founder of the STILL METHOD
What is the STILL Method?
The STILL Method program runs across the UK, Europe, the USA and Australia and was created by Stuart Thompson, an award-winning therapist, as a response to the unprecedented rise in the number of children and adults whose lives are being detrimentally affected by anxiety.
The last ten years have seen a huge increase in the number of children and adults experiencing high levels of anxiety. The STILL Method was created to provide a step-by-step approach to reducing anxiety and raising self-esteem. By studying the most up-to-date social science research it was possible to create a system that addresses anxiety at its root cause, whilst managing the feelings it creates.
Our STILL Method qualifications are externally accredited by:
Amanda's journey - becoming an anxiety coach
It was while I was teaching from home during the first lockdown in 2020, that I saw the STILL Method workshop advertised online. The session was for teachers and parents of anxious children. I instantly saw how the method could be used to support children and adults experiencing anxiety to become more resilient and to give them usable tools to manage their own anxiety in any situation. I was inspired to train over the Summer break and become Staffordshire’s first STILL Method coach.
Karen's journey - following in the coaching footsteps
I was lucky enough to witness the impact that the STILL Method had, not only on the children in my class, but also on Amanda. It was a very easy decision to follow in Amanda's footsteps and train to become an anxiety coach too. The Still Method is such a powerful programme, empowering children and adults take control of their fears and anxieties - I only wish that we had discovered it sooner!
The Program
Our STILL Method sessions, whether they be 1:1 or group, are fun and informative, and provide children and adults with the tools to deal with difficult feelings, fears and phobias. The programme runs for six weeks, incorporating techniques and tools from a range of disciplines including positive psychology, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, coaching and personal development. The STILL Method has five elements:
STOP-TALK-IMAGINE-LISTEN-LEARN.
Each session of the workshop introduces one element, with the first session focussing on how to stop feelings of anxiety, and by session five participants will have created their own unique STILL plan. Alongside the activities, every attendee has a personal journal to record their journey and keep as reminder of what works for them.
Impact
The sessions are structured in such a way that they are practical as well as informative and what I love is that it gives the power back to YOU - we don’t let anxiety stop us from doing what we would like to! Within one session, you are thinking more positively; have an awareness of what anxiety feels like: the vocabulary to explain it and some practical tools to STOP anxiety in its tracks.
What people say about the STILL Method
“I found the STILL Method helpful because when I am nervous I use the ‘windmill’. I feel much more confident with how I am feeling. I have enjoyed the sessions a lot.”
Y6 Girl
“I like using the STILL Method. I use the wall push to keep me calm.”
Y6 Boy
“Using Mrs M’s STILL Method was really useful. I love the ‘windmill’ technique as I now know when I’m stressed so I use this. I have already shared with friends.”
Y6 Girl
“The STILL Method really worked for me. I don’t get as angry or upset anymore and when I do, it’s not as bad as before. I have felt a massive change in myself and the way that I feel. Thank you.”
Y6 Girl
“The STILL Method really helped me with not just my anxiety but my anger. Just some little things like pushing a wall or palms and saying nice things to yourself in the mirror. I suggest STILL Method because it really helped me and I think that it can help many more.”
Y6 Girl
“From a teacher’s perspective, there is a tangible difference in the children who have taken part in the STILL method sessions. There seems to be an inner calmness in the children – they are less worried and they don’t get as phased by any changes to their routine. It has given them the strength to deal with their perceived adversities, given them the coping strategies to help when things get a bit difficult and has improved their capacity for successful learning."
Teacher
“It has provided my son with the tools he needs to self-regulate in times of angst. His ability to manage complex situations and tricky feelings has made a world of difference to his little life..”
Parent
“Hi my daughter talked a lot at home about what she has done in the sessions. The blowing on the thumb strategy is the one that she has used most. She does seem better than before and doesn’t have so many anxiety attacks, or as she calls them, scared feelings, as she did before. Thank you for helping.”
Parent
“Hi Mrs M, I just wanted to let you know that following on from (my daughter) attending the STILL Method sessions after school, I have found her to be a lot more open at home. She is finding new ways to express her frustration and we talk things through a lot more. I cannot tell you how much this has helped, especially following on from the recent death of my mum. She was extremely close to her nan and talking about how she feels, together with knowing that it is perfectly fine to express your emotions, has helped a great deal. The sessions have given her more confidence both at home and with other people. So thank you very much for giving her the opportunity to attend. .”
Parent
The STILL Method
