Healing the Hole in the Soul: Rethinking Children’s Mental Health Through Instincts, Coping, and Faith with Richard Tierney

On Inner Light, we challenge the quick-diagnosis culture around children’s mental health. Guest Richard Tierney argues that feelings are instinctive signals—not disorders—and that kids thrive when we teach practical coping skills grounded in fight, flight, freeze, and acceptance, plus age-appropriate spirituality. We unpack classroom and at-home practices (journaling and safe “hide” plans, healthy venting, prayer/dream-visualization), boundaries with bullying, and why language matters when talking about anxiety and depression. This direct, stigma-reducing conversation aims to help parents, teachers, and counselors guide kids toward resilience without shame. Keywords: children’s mental health, emotions vs disorders, coping skills, anxiety in kids, resilience, parenting, school well-being, faith and mental health, Inner Light podcast.

About the guest  :

Richard Tierney is a teacher and advocate focused on children’s emotional education and spiritually informed recovery frameworks. His work centers on helping families and schools respond to feelings as useful instincts and build simple, repeatable coping routines.

Key takeaways:

• Feelings as signals, not labels: Anxiety, anger, grief, and loneliness are instincts that cue action; labeling them as disorders too early can backfire for kids.

• Four responses to stress: Beyond fight/flight/freeze, Richard teaches acceptance—naming fear and asking for help (including prayer for those who practice it).

• Family/classroom playbooks: Make a visible chart of common feelings and agree on safe actions for each (e.g., step out, quiet corner, supervised “cool-off,” letter-then-shred exercise).

• Practice, don’t pathologize: Rehearse alternatives (ask for a hug, write a private “anger letter,” brief guided visualization). Repetition builds confidence and choice.

• Bullying boundaries: Seek adult help fast; create clear exit options. Use voice confidently and involve school processes—kids shouldn’t white-knuckle distress alone.

• Language hygiene: Kids internalize self-talk; shift from “I am broken” to “I’m noticing anxiety and choosing a next step.”

• Age-appropriate spirituality: For families who opt in, simple prayer/reflective practices can calm the body and focus intention (e.g., pre-event visualization).

• Care coordination: Feelings education works alongside professional support when needed; the aim is skill-building, not shame.

How to connect with the guest:  

• Email: [e-mail]

• Books: Healing Any Trauma Memory and How to Live Stress and Anxiety-Free 24 Hours a Day (available on major platforms)

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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