The STILL Method
A positive approach
STOP -TALK-IMAGINE-LISTEN-LEARN
The STILL Method is a complete system to reduce anxiety. It uses a step-by-step system to understand and manage anxiety, improve low self-esteem and gain resilience.
The STILL Method was created by Stuart Thompson, who trained as a social worker and is now an award winning therapist. Stuart has been working with anxious adults and children for over 25 years. Stuart developed the STILL Method using his experience as a therapist, he wanted a system which addresses anxiety at it’s root cause.
The STILL Method clubs are lead by our STILL coaches from around the U.K, United States and Australia. Our STILL coaches are fully trained and are licensed to practice the STILL Method system.
STILL doesn’t just teach you to relax, it gives you essential tools to face challenges and feel empowered. The STILL Method is fun and engaging, allowing you to develop confidence and overcome anxiety.
STILL is an easy to follow, methodical approach
By using the STILL method you will learn what anxiety is and what causes it. You will learn tools to face challenges and feel empowered.
The STILL method teaches techniques to deal with immediate crisis, such as panic attacks, but also demonstrates easy to learn ways of dealing with painful memories and recurring thoughts.
In recent years there has been an unparalleled rise in the number of children, young people and adults presenting with high levels of anxiety and associated conditions. Schools and parents are having to devote more and more time to managing anxiety.
The STILL Method brings together the best techniques from, positive psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy, Neuro linguistic programming and personal development, into a complete system based on the best available evidence and a set of tools that can equip any child, adult, teacher or parent.
Supporting Children with Anxiety: A STILL Method Approach
Childhood anxiety is a common yet manageable challenge, and as the creator of the STILL Method, I’ve seen how structured, practical, and empowering approaches can transform the way families navigate these struggles. The STILL Method isn’t just about managing anxiety—it’s about equipping children and their parents with the tools to thrive, grow, and regain confidence.
This guide draws on evidence-based strategies to support children with anxiety and shows how the STILL Method brings these techniques to life.
Understanding Anxiety in Children
Anxiety is a normal response to perceived danger, activating the body's "fight or flight" system. However, when a child experiences excessive worry disproportionate to the situation, it can impact their daily functioning. Common triggers include:
- Social situations: Speaking in front of others, making friends, or fear of judgment.
- School-related pressures: Exams, fear of failure, or new transitions.
- Family stressors: Divorce, illness, or financial difficulties.
Children may not articulate their anxiety clearly but instead show symptoms such as:
- Physical complaints: Headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue.
- Avoidance behaviours: Reluctance to attend school or participate in activities.
- Emotional outbursts: Irritability, crying, or excessive clinginess.
Anxiety is manageable with the right interventions. Early support is key to preventing long-term impacts on mental health and development.
Why the STILL Method?
The STILL Method was developed to provide families with practical, real-world tools to address anxiety effectively. STILL stands for:
- Stop: Helping children pause and reflect in moments of overwhelm.
- Talk: Encouraging open communication about feelings and worries.
- Imagine: Using creative visualisation to reframe challenges and build resilience.
- Listen: Teaching active listening and empathy to foster understanding.
- Learn: Developing life-long skills for managing anxiety and emotional growth.
This framework empowers parents and children alike to address anxiety in a structured and effective way.
How the STILL Method Aligns with Evidence-Based Strategies
- Validation and Communication: Techniques like Cuddling the Puppy help children acknowledge and soothe their anxiety with kindness.
- Gradual Exposure: Breaking challenges into manageable steps builds confidence and resilience.
- Coping Tools: Tools like STOP techniques and Grounding Games provide immediate ways to handle overwhelming moments.
- Structure and Predictability: Establishing routines helps reduce uncertainty and fosters a sense of security.
- Resilience as a Life Skill: Teaching children to manage anxiety equips them for long-term success.
A Real-Life Example: Noah’s Journey
Meet Noah, a fictional child who struggles with separation anxiety. Using the STILL Method, his parents helped him:
- Stop: Pause and identify his feelings when he felt anxious.
- Talk: Share his worries with his parents, who validated his feelings.
- Imagine: Visualise himself confidently handling time apart from his parents.
- Listen: Reflect on positive feedback and support from those around him.
- Learn: Build the confidence to stay in situations that once felt overwhelming.
Through small, consistent steps, Noah gained the tools to manage his anxiety and approach life with more confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The STILL Method equips families to tackle anxiety with confidence and clarity. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, our approach provides practical tools to transform how children and families manage anxiety.
Stuart Thompson-creator of the STILL Method.
Stuart Thompson has been a therapist for over 20 years and over that time has treated and supported many people with anxiety. Stuart started his work life as a social worker. Stuart is a senior award winning therapist and a Fellow of ACCPH. . In 2019 he was listed as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK.
Stuart is an anxiety specialist and created The STILL Method to use with his clients. Now his aim is to make The STILL method accessible to more people through his anxiety STILL workshops around the U.K and our through our Still anxiety coaches.
Stuart’s work on anxiety in children, teenagers and adults has been featured in the media. www.stuartthompson.co.uk
“On the other side of anxiety is happiness, opportunity and great things. Anxiety’s cruel trick is to make us believe they are far away, when in fact they are at touching distance”
Stuart Thompson - creator of the STILL Method