.PDF version:
Total Behaviour
STORY #1: DEALING WITH ANXIETY
Benjamin (not his real name), 10 years old, enjoyed playing soccer during his free time. He was passionate about it that he decided to join soccer as his CCA (Co-Curriculum Activity). After 6 months, he was selected to be part of the school team. His first inter-school competition would take place in 2 months. Nearing the competition day, he was very anxious and felt like backing out. Guess what happened to Benjamin? Did he take part in the competition? Let’s use the “Total Behaviour” to find out!
Benjamin was worried when he found out that the severe panic attacks would prevent him from taking part in the inter-school competition. Most of the time, he was not being able to control the ball properly as he was trembling non-stop. On his mind, he was thinking negatively about his abilities and the future. He felt very fearful which naturally caused his palms to be sweaty. Mr Chew (not his real name), the soccer coach noticed that Benjamin has been underperforming and decided to speak to him about it.
Mr Chew affirmed Benjamin that he was not the only one who felt nervous.”The component we have the most control over is our acting (doing). The next most easily controlled component is our thinking,” said Mr Chew. Benjamin followed his advice and it worked – he felt confident and decided to take part in the tournament.
STORY #2: DEALING WITH HARDSHIPS
Diana (not her real name), 12 years old, lived in a 2-room rental flat together with her mother and 2 younger siblings (6 y/o and 8 y/o). Diana’s mother, Ms Nur (not her real name), is both the caregiver and breadwinner of the family. Six months ago, Ms Nur was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. Since then, the family received financial and emotional support from the Family Service Centre (FSC).
Diana has been going for counselling sessions as she was emotionally unstable upon learning her beloved mother’s condition. This year, Diana will be seating for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) but she has not done any preparations.
As Diana has been stressed about her mother’s condition, she has been extremely tired to start revising for PSLE. She also decided not to consult her friends when she does not understand concepts. Most of the time, she kept thinking about how she is not able to cope with taking care of her mother and revision, which led her to feel distressed.
During the counselling session, the Social Worker used the “Total Behaviour” concept to explain about her current situation.
At the beginning of the session, her Social Worker got her to write down some methods that will help her to relax, such as yoga. Her Social Worker also got her to have a more positive mind and got her to write down the people and things that matter to her. The whole session was beneficial to Diana as she realised how important it was to talk to her friends and family.
As the situation improved, Diana learned to be thankful for the support of her Social Worker and friends.
.PDF version:
TOTAL BEHAVIOUR
References:
Total Behavior in Choice Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2016, from
http://www.brucedavenport.com/total-behavior.html
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