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What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster, a licensed mental health clinician and author of "How to Train Your Amygdala," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares her insights on how understanding the brain's alarm system can empower children to see anxiety as a protective mechanism rather than a foe. She reveals her unique strategies for using storytelling to foster emotional resilience, making complex concepts like the amygdala accessible and engaging for young minds.

With a background as Director of Content for Sesame Street, Anna explores how fun and playful narratives can demystify challenging topics, like anxiety management, to help children connect with characters and their experiences. By integrating practice and co-regulation, adults and children together can reshape brain pathways, enhancing focus and reducing threat responses. Our conversation emphasizes the necessity of a collaborative approach, providing practical insights into building a reliable pathway to calmness and emotional understanding.

By integrating brain education into broader curriculums and fostering open conversations, parents and educators can empower children with the vocabulary and strategies to articulate and manage their feelings. This episode serves as a call to action for schools and communities to prioritize mental health education, ensuring equitable access to these vital skills. Join us in championing positive change in education and creating a supportive environment for children's growth and learning.

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If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Stories as Tools for Anxiety Management with Former Sesame Street Director, Dr. Anna Housley-Juster

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