Improving Children's Mental Health ☮️

School Psychologist Angela Murphy Shares Insights

Our latest interview features Angela Murphy, a school psychologist and author of the Wonder Pup series.

Angela and I explore the complexities of children's psychology, the impacts of trauma, and the significance of self-care.

Angela's journey into this field is deeply personal, originating from her experiences in Germany and her brother's struggle with mental health and substance abuse. These early encounters with psychological challenges not only fueled her passion but also honed her ability to empathize with children who often mask their cries for help behind laughter and disruptive behavior.

In our conversation, Angela sheds light on the often-misunderstood role of the 'class clown' in classrooms. She unravels the complexities behind such behaviors, suggesting they might be silent cries for help rather than mere mischief.

Employing a tree metaphor, Angela explains that just as the leaves and branches of a tree are visible, so are the external behaviours of children. However, like a tree's unseen roots, the internal struggles of these children often go unnoticed. Addressing these 'unseen roots' is crucial, focusing on building attachment, reducing stress, and helping children form a positive identity.

Transitioning to the topic of the pandemic, Angela highlights a concerning shift in the mental health landscape among students. Pre-pandemic, about one in four students faced mental health concerns. Post-pandemic, this number has alarmingly risen to over 60%.

This spike in mental health issues has also placed a heavy burden on educators, who find themselves repeatedly co-regulating with these emotionally overwhelmed students.

Another significant part of our conversation explored the role of animal therapy and self-regulation in children's emotional well-being. Angela illustrated how her Wonder Pup series uses these tools to help children regulate their emotions. By presenting complex topics through relatable animal characters, children can better understand and practice these strategies in a less intimidating manner.

Angela has six children’s books currently available: ‘Speak Up, Wonder Pup’, ‘Breathe Up, Wonder Pup’, ‘Listen Up, Wonder Pup’, ‘Talk Yourself Up, Wonder Pup’, ‘Step Up, Wonder Pup’, and ‘Love Yourself Up, Wonder Pup’. She explains how these books help children and adults begin to understand children can regulate and how parents can support them through co-regulation.

Our conversation with Angela Murphy provided profound insights into the world of children's psychology, highlighting the need for understanding, empathy, and targeted support.

By equipping ourselves with the right knowledge and tools, we can better support children in navigating their emotional landscapes, fostering healthier minds, and ultimately, healthier futures.