Donald
Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE May 29, 2018
Pontiac parents had the opportunity to learn about engaging with anxiety-prone children last week, when an Ottawa psychotherapist held a talk at Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School.
Nearly 30 guests attended the lecture, where Dr. Jennifer Thake provided many options to help parents and teachers, as well as answering their questions.
“This [discussion] was to help parents learn more about their child’s experience with anxiety,” said Dr. Thake, adding that she also hoped to help them manage the struggles that come with the disorder.
Focusing more on grade seven and eight children, Dr. Thake covered anxiety as a diagnosis, while examining symptoms and types of it, too.

“I also covered ways to talk to your child about anxiety,” added Dr. Thake. “An example could be that anxiety is not necessarily dangerous. In fact, it’s common and good for survival.”
Finally, she also discussed how parents can help their child manage their anxiety, through a variety of methods.
“I think one of the most important things is for parents to manage their own anxiety in front of their kids and having healthy coping habits in front of them,” she continued.
The therapist said she was very pleased with the level of engagement that parents had with her throughout the talk, often sharing their own anecdotes for her and the crowd to identify with, and in turn, build upon the topic.
Dr. Thake has visited many Ottawa-area schools to give various lectures relating to her field, including various social needs and depression. She said her talks depend on what the school has specifically requested of her visit.
Currently, she works out of the Kanata-based Terrace Wellness Group. She possesses a Master’s in counselling, as well as a Master’s and PhD in empirical health psychology.
“It’s lovely to come in and see where the kids are learning everyday,” said Dr. Thake, of holding these discussions. “It’s lovely to meet with the parents and coach them.”