In a world grappling with rising rates of anxiety and depression among children and teens, Cathleen Connor emerges as a beacon of hope, armed with a wealth of experience and a toolkit of holistic strategies to foster youth empowerment and resilience. In an exclusive interview, Cathleen shared her journey from being a concerned mother to a seasoned educator and bodyworker, passionately advocating for alternative approaches to support the mental well-being of young minds.
Cathleen’s odyssey into the realm of holistic tools began when her son experienced a profound shift in his personality due to a medication reaction. The once vibrant and joyous child became a torrent of emotions that Cathleen, as a mother, struggled to understand and manage. In those challenging moments at the grocery store, she keenly felt the judgment of strangers who couldn’t comprehend the depth of her son’s internal struggles.
“When he got to high school, he turned this energy in on himself, causing anxiety and depression,” Cathleen shared, her voice resonating with the pain of a mother witnessing her child’s internal battles. The journey was tumultuous, marked by tears, sadness, and social isolation, which led Cathleen to embark on a quest for holistic tools that could bring about transformative change in her son’s mind and body.
Through her exploration, Cathleen discovered a range of strategies, including yoga, Brain Gym ® movements, the Body Talk System ®, and Access Consciousness ® tools. These holistic approaches, coupled with her dedication as a mother, played a pivotal role in her son’s graduation from high school—a milestone that seemed distant during the challenging times. “Using some of these strategies and leaving the high school environment shifted him into a much easier and happier life,” she remarked, the triumph of his success evident in her voice.
Armed with the knowledge gained from her journey, Cathleen dedicated 25 years to teaching special education in both public and private schools. Her mission extended beyond the classroom, encompassing 12 years as a bodyworker, where she delved into the intricacies of the mind-body connection. It was a fusion of these experiences that laid the foundation for her unique skill set, one she now shares with people of all ages.
In the face of a concerning rise in anxiety and depression among young adults and children, Cathleen is a staunch advocate for proactive measures that extend beyond the traditional reliance on medication. “We all know that learning resilience that can lead back to happiness is especially important for children and teens,” she emphasized. Her eyes light up with passion as she stresses the importance of mindfulness and holistic approaches in supporting resilience.
In her years of working within school teams, Cathleen encountered a prevailing tendency to resort to medication as the first solution for issues like anger, ADHD, and anxiety. However, she stood apart as a teacher who delved into holistic alternatives rather than opting for quick fixes. “Instead, I studied energetic bodywork, things like Yoga Calm ® for children, Brain Gym ® movements, the Body Talk System ®, Access Consciousness ® energetic work, and other modalities,” she explained, highlighting her commitment to introducing body-positive tools to her students.
Cathleen’s current focus is on reaching a wider audience, particularly youth, so they can experience the spark of aliveness within them. “My target now is to reach a wider audience, especially so that youth can experience that spark of aliveness while they’re still young,” she emphasized. She desires to equip the younger generation with tools of empowerment, ensuring they navigate the challenges of a sometimes chaotic world without succumbing to mental health issues.
In her work with schools, youth, and parents, Cathleen emphasizes key ideas of body and mind awareness. She advocates for the integration of easily accessible practices like Brain Gym and mindfulness into daily routines, making holistic well-being a tangible and practical aspect of life.
As Cathleen Connor continues to champion the cause of youth empowerment and resilience, her story serves as an inspiration for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the well-being of the younger generation. In a world that often seeks quick solutions, Cathleen stands as a testament to the transformative power of patience, holistic approaches, and the unwavering belief that every young mind has the potential to shine with a spark of aliveness.
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