Empowering Struggling Students through Guided Conversations
Book Study also Available!
“Always leading with the heart, Dr. Watson makes us stronger and wiser through practical and accessible guidance. In this guide, educators can find comfort in knowing that there are answers to hard questions as they navigate challenges with students as we learn and grow together.”
—Maura Papile, L.I.C.S.W., Senior Director of Student Support Services, Quincy Public Schools
Boost your Confidence in Supporting the Mental Health of all Students
Educators can’t always fix or change students’ challenging situations, but with Dr. Hayley Watson’s Finding the Words, they can create compassionate, safe spaces to truly make a difference to student wellbeing.
Get a Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Be guided using transcripts from Real Conversations with students, along with honest reflections from a Clinical Psychologist.
Each Chapter contains an interview between Dr Hayley Watson and a student (from the US, Canada, or Australia) communicating about different mental health challenges.
The Learning Cycle for Building Mental Health Skills
This book provides educators with conversation tools for supporting students to move through the Six Steps of Self-Reflection. These steps will help students navigate whatever struggles they face by encouraging them to Open the door to their own experiences (through Validation, Noticing Patterns & Connecting to Feelings), and Take Action to help themselves (through Shifting Paradigms, Remembering Their Power, & Practicing Skills).
Praise for Finding the Words
“Avoiding theory and jargon, Dr. Hayley Watson’s Finding the Words is a hands-on resource for teachers and other caring adults who hope to address young people’s mental health issues proactively, responsively, and responsibly. From her deep experience as a clinical psychologist, Dr.Watson presents a practical framework for understanding common problems young people are facing—and then illustrates it with sample conversations that offer constructive strategies to support young people in overcoming these obstacles. Using highly accessible language, she encourages us to act on everyday opportunities to have a positive impact on young people who are experiencing mental health challenges.”
Lead Superintendent for Social-Emotional Learning, AASA,
The School Superintendents Association
“Finding the Words is more than just a book—it’s a call to action, empowering educators to engage in transformative conversations with young people facing significant challenges in their lives. Dr. Watson skillfully uses real-life scenarios to demonstrate the application of a six-part process designed to boost mental health resilience among youth.At the heart of this approach is the value placed on deep, meaningful conversations between young people and supportive adults, providing the context for nurturing the insights and skills youths need to help them navigate adversity.”
—Jenny Williams,
Educational Consultant and Developer of http://wellbeingbc.ca
“The book beautifully encapsulates the idea that as educators, our role goes far beyond impart- ing knowledge; we are also responsible for nurturing the emotional well-being of our students. Dr.Watson highlights the crucial steps in self-reflection that can help students confront their inner needs and find their true selves. By making space for this self-discovery, educators can profoundly impact a student’s personal growth. Every educator or supporter of education can benefit from this book.”
—Scott Frauenheim,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Distinctive Schools
“Finding the Words serves as a trusted colleague for educators, offering guidance and examples crucial for supporting students in their moments of struggle. This reliable companion empow- ers educators to authentically connect with students, equipping them with the words needed to navigate challenging situations and foster meaningful understanding.”
—Liz Hill, M.Ed.,
Assistant Superintendent,West Vancouver Schools, Canada
Learn the Language to use with any Struggling Student
- Worries, Anxiety & Stress
- Depression & Apathy
- Social Media Impacts
- Peer Pressure
- Low Body Image
- Bullying
- Perfectionism
- Disengagement from School
- Self-Harm
About the Author
She has been creating and delivering youth and school-based programs globally for the past 20 years, and has worked across a range of sectors including police victim services, non-profit organizations, private psychology practices, hospitals, schools, and universities. She trains educators and parents worldwide on holistic wellbeing practices, and is the founder of Open Parachute – an online school mental health program using documentary stories of real students sharing their experiences of overcoming struggle, that is being delivered in schools across the US, Canada and Australia.
