We must actively teach teens the tools and skills they need to manage their stress and care for their own well-being. Proven, evidence-based tools that target the root causes of stress and overwhelm. 

We need to commit to making this every bit as great a priority as teaching them reading, writing and arithmetic.

It is essential that we provide young people (and those who work with or raise them) with effective life skills that they can utilize at any time to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, wherever and whenever they need them. Not only will it help them now, their risk of developing chronic, lifelong stress – based disorders, including anxiety and depression is greatly reduced.

I grew up in a life filled with massive inconsistency and dysfunction. I felt like I never quite fit in, I had huge expectations of myself as a student, and life at home was less than supportive, to say the least.

My stress and anxiety showed up on a physical and emotional level. I couldn’t be around large groups of people for long periods of time, loud noises and people would trigger me as well. I suffered from severe social anxiety when I was uncertain of the situation. I was more comfortable against the wall to feel safe whenever I was in a public place. I even had anxiety while driving due to the lack of control I had from the other drivers on the road.

Emotionally, I developed an intense lack of trust for most people in general. I was quick to love and just as quick to withhold my love.

I constantly felt alone and unsupported by those around me. I didn’t ask for help because deep down I was afraid of the rejection. So I decided to do everything by myself and for myself.

And I began to display a variety of self-destructive behaviors, including engaging in unhealthy relationships.  I developed signs of depression and chronic anxiety, even contemplating ending it all to end the pain.

I desperately wanted to be seen, to be loved, to be accepted.  For me, animals were my salvation – when I was with a furry companion, I finally felt safe and in my happy place. I could truly be me!

Although I survived those years, ALL of those symptoms persisted right into my adult life.  In fact, it literally made me sick – I suffered with debilitating gut issues and chronic fatigue for years.

Then  finally I had enough. I walked with my fears and insecurities and began to learn to listen to my own inner voice.

It took a LOT of time and effort in self-discovery, self- awareness, self-love and self development.  For me, that path included yoga, meditation and mindfulness as well as body – talk therapy and hypnotherapy. I became a Certified Empowerment Coach, Yoga, Meditation Teacher and Reiki Master so that I could teach others how to incorporate these tools and powerful methods so they could heal themselves!

And of course, I kept up those all-important connections with animals.

I healed from the trauma I lived through as a young person, but it was quite a lengthy and expensive journey to do so.

It would have been so much different if I had experienced the support and community I needed while I was a teen.  To have learned those vital life-skills for developing boundaries, effectively managing my moods and emotions as well as communicating effectively so I got what I needed. To have a wide range of  effective tools that I needed to manage the stress and anxiety that I, and most teens, have learned to deal with.

The tools I needed to brilliantly thrive, not just barely survive.

I’m not saying I never get anxious or triggered now but it is very infrequent. I finally feel safe in my body and with the people around me. I have learned how to set healthy boundaries and I no longer surround myself with unhealthy people and situations.

But…. it took 20 years of hard work to get to that place. And I’m not alone. Research shows that most of chronic, lifetime stress, anxiety and depressive disorders are carried through from our youth. We spend a lifetime dealing with debilitating mental health conditions often leaving us hopeless and dis- empowered.

So that is why I have made it my mission to ensure that every teenager on the planet can have access to a different future. So they can live joyful, empowered lives without needing a lifetime to heal from their childhood challenges.  To have all of the skills and support they need so they do not have to carry the scars from trauma in their adolescence into the rest of their adult lives.

Will you join me?

I promise, I’ll have your back every step of the way!

Victoria Haffer M.S.

Our programs are based on proven, evidence-based techniques that target the root causes of stress and overwhelm. They are purposely designed to provide young people with highly  effective tools and skills they can utilize at any time to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, wherever and whenever they need them.

We also offer programs that are specifically for adults who work with adolescents and teens (teachers, coaches, school personnel, etc) as well as parents and caregivers working to provide their teenaged children and families with the kind of caring environments that support their growth and well-being (and yours, too!)

All programs and curricula are easily customized to best meet your school or organization’s needs.

Want a program uniquely designed for your organization and needs?  We’ve got you covered.

Below are some of the topics we have presented on to give you some ideas  to get started, but do please contact me to discuss all of the possibilities!