Dr Krause specialises in treating young people with eating disorders and those who resort to self- harm as a response to the stresses of modern life.
The first session was aimed at students in Forms I and II and was carefully guided by Dr Krause so that the students could explore why young people might respond to the changes and pressures in their lives in these ways. The students were encouraged to think of less damaging ways to reduce stress and anxiety and to reflect critically on things that might contribute to such stresses. The students asked some very perceptive questions and showed that these topics were something they were aware of and wanted to understand better.
In the second session a group of parents also had a presentation by Dr Krause about the way eating disorders and self-harm can impact on young people at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives. There was a very lively and honest discussion and we were all challenged to think about our own assumptions and anxieties and how these can influence young people and their attitudes.
As PSHE co-ordinator I was able to explain some of the relevant topics we cover, such as managing anger, healthy lifestyles and coping with stress. It was a pleasure to engage with parents in such an open and interesting way and we hope that it will be the start of many such sessions, improving both understanding and communication to benefit our girls.
If you wish to find out more please visit the Stem4 website at www.stem4.org.uk. You might also want to try the smart phone “calmharm” app to see what support it can offer a stressed young person.