In this episode, Charlotte Mumford talks with Angela Palacios Senior Educational Psychotherapist and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practitioner) about how educational psychotherapy, executive function coaching, and support for emotionally based school avoidance can help children and families. They explore how neuro-affirming practice shifts the focus from “fixing” individuals to creating supportive environments, and how strengths-based approaches can empower neurodiverse children and young people.
To find out more about The Wellbeing Hub visit our website familyfutures.co.uk/wellbeing-hub
Timestamped Guide
00:01 – Introduction
Charlotte introduces Angela Palacios and the three areas of support offered through the Wellbeing Hub.
00:40 – Angela’s Story
Angela shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 43 and how her experience informs her practice.
03:43 – What is Executive Function Coaching?
Exploring executive functions, daily tasks, and how coaching sessions support children, young people, and adults.
06:40 – Practical Examples of Executive Function Coaching
Breaking routines into steps, building strategies, and managing the stress of everyday tasks.
09:20 – Understanding Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Why children refuse school, the role of anxiety, and how to identify underlying causes.
11:39 – Educational Psychotherapy in Practice
How sessions explore learning-linked anxiety, and the difference between therapy and tutoring.
14:10 – The Emotional Roots of School Stress
How shame, avoidance, and learning struggles intersect in the classroom.
16:28 – The Wider Impact of Learning Difficulties
How one subject challenge can affect a child’s whole school day, friendships, and self-esteem.
19:24 – Family and Home Pressures
The role of parental expectations, lack of emotional support, and performance pressure.
22:51 – High-Achieving but Struggling
When children achieve academically but hide high levels of stress and anxiety.
23:51 – The Performance of Schooling
Sets, grades, and the impact of categorisation on self-esteem and identity.
27:23 – Home vs School: Why Context Matters
Why children may thrive at home but struggle in school, and the importance of listening to parents.
28:13 – What Does “Neuro-Affirming” Mean?
Angela explains neuro-affirming practice and how it shifts focus away from fixing the individual.
33:03 – Strengths-Based Approaches in Coaching
Using creativity, strengths, and consistency to build habits and improve executive function.
34:22 – Building Lasting Habits
Why consistency and parental support are key in making strategies stick.