Emotions Are Instincts, Not Disorders: Spiritual Tools for Children’s Mental Health — Richard Tierney

On Soul Sparks with Saima, Richard Tierney reframes children’s emotions as God-given instincts—not diagnoses—to help families respond to stress with agency. We unpack a four-response model (fight, flight, freeze, acceptance), daily 15-minute practices to build safety and confidence, and a spiritual lens on healing the “hole in the soul” caused by unresolved pain. This direct, practical conversation bridges faith, trauma literacy, and child-safe skills parents can use today.

About the guest  

Richard Tierney is an Ireland-born mentor based in Thailand who works with families on children’s mental health and with adults on trauma recovery. He is the author of How to Live Stress and Anxiety Free, 24 Hours a Day.

Key takeaways  

• Emotions are signals, not defects: teach kids to trust instincts without shame.

• Four responses to threat: fight (speak up/seek help), flight (create distance/safe hiding), freeze (short, intentional mental “time-out”), acceptance (brief grounding/prayer).

• Daily skill-building: four 15-minute blocks practicing each response builds confidence and reduces panic.

• “Letter to God” method: write with dominant hand to express; reply with non-dominant hand to access a wiser, calmer voice; then safely discard.

• Dissociation as a temporary tool: guided daydreaming can regulate overwhelm—use sparingly and safely.

• “Hole in the soul”: address root causes of pain rather than only surface behaviors (tantrums, overeating, withdrawal).

• Parent role: model calm, name options, and normalize asking trusted adults for help.

• Safety first: fight ≠ physical confrontation; flight ≠ running into danger; acceptance ≠ enduring harm.

• Faith and meaning: many families find short, structured prayer or stillness can reduce immediate fear.

• Language matters: shifting from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what is your body asking for?” builds self-respect.

How to connect with the guest  

• Book: How to Live Stress and Anxiety Free, 24 Hours a Day (available in print and digital)

• Email: [e-mail]

 

• Disclaimer - Spiritual practices may complement, not replace, professional mental-health care; viewers are encouraged to consult qualified clinicians for diagnosis or treatment and to seek immediate help in emergencies.

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

• DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

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.

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

With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

ContactBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik™Email: [e-mail] | podcast@he