Your Complete Guide to Overcoming Anxiety With The STILL Method: Tools, Training, and Support for Every Stage of Life

Anxiety is one of the most common and misunderstood challenges today. Whether it’s children struggling with school pressures, teens facing social anxiety, or adults balancing work and family stress, anxiety affects millions of lives every day. It can show up as overthinking, worry, avoidance, or even physical symptoms like tension and fatigue.

The STILL Method offers a compassionate, practical solution.

This trauma-informed, neuroscience-based system helps people of all ages understand and overcome anxiety. Through simple, structured steps, The STILL Method empowers individuals, families, educators, and professionals to build calm, confidence, and emotional resilience.

In this guide, you’ll learn what The STILL Method is, how it works, and how its tools and programs can support children, adults, and teams to thrive — at home, in schools, and in workplaces.

What Is The STILL Method?

The STILL Method is a structured, trauma-informed approach to managing anxiety and building confidence. It draws from neuroscience, positive psychology, and coaching principles to create a step-by-step system that works for all ages and abilities.

At the heart of the method are five key pillars — the building blocks of emotional awareness and regulation:

  1. STOP – Pause and notice what’s happening, creating a moment to respond rather than react.

  2. TALK – Express feelings and thoughts safely, fostering communication and emotional literacy.

  3. IMAGINE – Use creativity and positive imagery to reframe difficult experiences.

  4. LISTEN – Tune in to the body’s signals and emotions to build self-awareness.

  5. LEARN – Reflect on experiences to build resilience and confidence over time.

Together, these steps provide a practical, repeatable framework that helps individuals move from anxiety to calm, and from uncertainty to self-belief.

👉 Learn more about the philosophy behind The STILL Method on the About page.

Anxiety Support for Children, Teens, Adults & Families

Anxiety can appear in many forms — and it often looks different depending on age.

  • For children, anxiety may appear as tummy aches, tears, or trouble sleeping.

  • Teenagers may withdraw, overthink, or struggle to manage school and social pressures.

  • Adults often face burnout, perfectionism, or ongoing worry that feels hard to shake.

The STILL Method’s 1:1 coaching sessions are designed to support each individual in a creative and compassionate way. Sessions are family-inclusive and neurodivergent-aware, helping clients recognise triggers, express emotions safely, and practise tools that bring real calm into everyday life.

Coaching is not about “fixing” anxiety — it’s about building understanding and confidence. Parents often describe seeing their children regain self-belief, while adults experience improved focus and wellbeing.

“The STILL Method helped our son go from nightly panic attacks to sleeping confidently in his own bed.”
— Parent testimonial

👉 Learn more about our personal support options on the 1:1 Coaching page.

Train as a Certified STILL Method Coach

If you’re passionate about helping others manage anxiety and build resilience, becoming a STILL Method Coachcould be the next step in your journey. The training is designed for anyone who supports others — from teachers and parents to therapists and wellbeing practitioners.

The program offers:

  • A step-by-step curriculum covering The STILL framework in depth.

  • Mentoring and supervision to guide your development.

  • A supportive community of coaches and wellbeing professionals.

  • Accreditation with IPHM and ACCPH, providing professional recognition.

Many coaches choose to specialise in particular areas such as working with children, supporting anxiety, grief, sleep challenges, or creative wellbeing approaches. The training is flexible and practical, designed to fit around your life and learning style.

👉 Find full details on our Coach Training page.

The STILL Model for Schools & Children’s Services

Schools and care settings play a vital role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing — yet staff often lack practical, trauma-informed frameworks that truly work day to day.

The STILL Model for Schools and Children’s Services bridges that gap. It helps educators and support staff introduce consistent, shared strategies that promote calm, confidence, and safety for all children, including those who are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma.

Through tailored training and resources, schools learn how to:

  • Create a shared language for emotional regulation.

  • Develop wellbeing and reflection tools for classrooms and care environments.

  • Improve communication between staff, children, and families.

  • Support compliance with OFSTED and inspection standards through evidence-based wellbeing approaches.

The result is a happier, calmer learning environment — for both children and the adults who care for them.

👉 Discover more about the model on the Schools and Settings page.

STILL for Workplaces and Teams

Anxiety and burnout are now leading causes of workplace stress, absenteeism, and turnover. The STILL Method brings a fresh, proactive approach to supporting emotional wellbeing at work.

Our Workplace Programs help organisations build emotionally intelligent teams through workshops, coaching, and bespoke training. These sessions teach staff and leaders practical tools for self-awareness, communication, and resilience — helping to reduce presenteeism and boost performance.

Organisations that adopt STILL principles report higher morale, stronger teamwork, and more open communication. By making emotional wellbeing part of workplace culture, companies create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and capable of their best work.

👉 Explore our Workplace Wellbeing programs to learn how STILL can support your team.

What Makes STILL Different From Other Approaches

Many anxiety and wellbeing programs offer short-term fixes or general stress management tools. The STILL Method goes deeper. It combines trauma-informed practice, neuroscience, and coaching to help individuals and teams achieve real, lasting change.

Unlike typical “stress management” workshops, STILL equips people with tools they can use in real time — at school, at work, or at home. It’s accessible, adaptable, and designed for long-term growth.

Where other approaches focus on temporary relief, STILL focuses on building emotional literacy, resilience, and measurable improvements in wellbeing. It’s not just about feeling calm in the moment — it’s about developing the confidence to stay calm in any situation.

How to Get Started With The STILL Method

There are several ways to begin your journey with The STILL Method, depending on your goals:

  • Looking for personal support? Book 1:1 coaching for yourself or your child.

  • Interested in becoming a coach? Explore the certified training and accreditation pathways.

  • Working in education, care, or business? Discover our models for schools and workplace wellbeing programs.

  • Want to learn more? Attend one of our upcoming workshops or taster events to experience the STILL approach firsthand.

Each path offers the same promise — practical, compassionate tools to help you or your community build calm, confidence, and connection.

👉 Visit The STILL Method to find your next step.

FAQs

1. What does the acronym STILL stand for?
STILL stands for Stop, Talk, Imagine, Listen, Learn — five practical steps to understanding and managing emotions.

2. Is The STILL Method only for children?
No. The STILL Method is suitable for children, teens, adults, and professionals in a wide range of settings.

3. Can I train as a STILL Coach without a professional background?
Yes. Many successful coaches come from non-therapeutic backgrounds such as teaching, parenting, or youth work.

4. How is The STILL Method trauma-informed?
It integrates neuroscience and trauma awareness to ensure all tools are safe, sensitive, and supportive for every individual.

5. What kind of results can clients expect?
Clients often experience improved self-awareness, reduced anxiety, better relationships, and greater confidence in daily life.

6. Is The STILL Method inclusive for neurodivergent individuals?
Absolutely. STILL is designed to be flexible, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming, meeting each person’s unique needs.

Conclusion

The STILL Method is more than just an approach — it’s a movement for emotional wellbeing. Through coaching, training, and trauma-informed frameworks, it empowers individuals, families, and professionals to live with confidence, calm, and connection.

Whether you’re seeking personal support, professional growth, or a wellbeing framework for your organisation, The STILL Method provides a clear, evidence-informed pathway to lasting change.

👉 Take your next step toward calm and confidence today. Visit The STILL Method to explore coaching, training, and workplace programs.

Previous
Previous

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Train as an Anxiety Coach (And How to Get Started Confidently)

Next
Next

Trauma-Informed Grief Coaching: Why It Matters in 2025