Children’s Mental Health, Emotions as Instincts & Healing the “Hole in the Soul” with Richard Tierney

On Soul Sparks,, Richard Tierney challenges the “disorder-first” approach to children’s mental health. He reframes emotions—anxiety, fear, grief, anger, sadness, loneliness—as instinctive signals that call for fight, flight, freeze, or accept responses. We discuss why early labels can derail development, how dissociation can be a protective coping tool for kids, and a practical family method to build an “action toolkit” for hard feelings. Richard also shares his framework for repairing the “hole in the soul,” and why spiritual language (the “I AM” statements) can shift identity and behavior. This direct, no-fluff conversation is for parents, educators, therapists, and youth mentors seeking root-cause healing, not symptom suppression.

About the Guest  :

Richard Tierney is a trauma recovery coach and author of How to Live Stress and Anxiety-Free 24 Hours a Day. His work centers on teaching families to interpret emotions as survival signals and to practice simple, repeatable actions that restore safety, agency, and spiritual alignment.

Key Takeaways :

• Emotions = Signals, not defects: Anxiety/fear/grief/anger/sadness/loneliness cue fight, flight, freeze, or accept—teach kids safe, concrete actions for each.

• Family practice builds resilience: Role-play responses at home (e.g., take a pause, step outside, ask for help, quiet space) so children have ready scripts under stress.

• Dissociation can be protective for young kids: When leaving or fighting isn’t safe, briefly “checking out” may help a child self-preserve; adults should reduce threat and guide back gently.

• Labels later, learning now: Prioritize developmental experience and skills during adolescence; avoid premature pathologizing that can narrow identity and options.

• Spiritual identity statements (“I AM”) can reinforce healthier self-concepts; pair them with real-world actions and professional care when needed.

• Safety first: If a child senses danger, leave, pause, or seek support; trusting instincts is a teachable skill.

• Care escalation: Strong, persistent, or impairing symptoms always warrant evaluation by qualified clinicians alongside any family practice or spiritual tools.

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.

Medical Disclaimer: The content in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health provider, or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this episode.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment

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