Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School - by Lisa Shetler (Paperback)

About the Book

In the age of social media and increased peer pressure, transitioning from elementary to middle school can be extremely challenging. Faced with this new environment--along with the very real changes occurring in both body and brain--young people may struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, stress, or low self-esteem. Drawing on a combination of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this just-for-tweens workbook offers evidence-based skills to build resilience, boost self-confidence, and thrive during the middle school years.

Book Synopsis

Your go-to guide for boosting confidence, improving mental health, and thriving in middle school--and beyond!

In the age of social media and increased peer pressure, transitioning to middle school can be extremely challenging. Faced with this new environment--as well as the very real changes you are experiencing in your body and brain--you may find yourself struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, stress, or low self-esteem. So, how can you successfully navigate this new landscape? Filled with powerful tips and tools, this book will supercharge your confidence, and teach you the skills needed to manage stress and be your best!

In Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School, psychologist Lisa Shetler draws on years of experience to guide you safely and smoothly through this turbulent transition. Based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this easy-to-follow guide offers evidence-based skills to help you build resilience, boost self-esteem, and survive and thrive in the middle school years. Using the tips and tools outlined in this friendly go-to guide, you'll feel fully prepared to weather the storm of physical, emotional, and mental changes that await.

Learning to juggle the demands of schoolwork, friends, and family life--all while shaping your own identity--can feel overwhelming. But it can also be incredibly exciting! This is your time, a time to grow and change. So, grab this book, and keep your head held high as you journey toward your unlimited potential.

In these increasingly challenging times, kids and teens need mental health resources more than ever. With more than 3 million copies sold worldwide and translated into 260 languages, Instant Help Books are easy to use, proven-effective, and recommended by therapists.

Review Quotes

"Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School is a wonderful workbook, packed full of important skills which are designed to empower preteens, help them navigate challenges, and cope with a wide range of feelings. If you are a parent/caregiver of a preteen, or a therapist working with preteens, I highly recommend this workbook for preteens."
--Tamar D. Black, PhD, educational and developmental psychologist, and author of ACT for Treating Children and The ACT Workbook for Kids--Tamar D. Black, PhD

"An informative, practical, easy-to-read guide on how to survive and thrive in middle school. Every kid would benefit from learning these skills and strategies--as would their parents. If you want to help your child face their fears, tackle their challenges, overcome their obstacles, build friendships, grow as a person, and generally get the most out of life--give them this book. You won't regret it."
--Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple--Russ Harris

"Lisa Shetler has written with warmth and wisdom, offering a nurturing space where young readers can slow down, reflect, and explore their inner world with compassion and curiosity. Her thoughtful guidance gently invites discovery, awareness, and self-acceptance, which can sometimes feel elusive during a time of such change and growth."
--Karen Young, (MGestTher), neurodevelopment consultant, director of Hey Sigmund, and author of Hey Warrior--Karen Young, (MGestTher)

"Lisa Shetler provides a wealth of tools to help preteens navigate the challenges of these years in a way that is fun and engaging--replete with drawings, games, and comics. What is particularly unique and refreshing in this book is the consistent inclusion of written-out, 'how-to' messages that preteens could take directly to the adults in their lives, rather than struggle to find the right words to ask for help. So needed! This is an absolute must-have book for any preteens in your life!"
--Karen Bluth, PhD, professor emerita at University of North Carolina; and author of The Self-Compassionate Workbook for Teens, The Self-Compassionate Teen, and Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens in Schools--Karen Bluth, PhD

"Lisa Shetler understands the whirlwind of emotions and challenges tweens face--and she's created the perfect guide to help them navigate it all. Full of engaging, practical activities, Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School gives kids a safe space to learn how to navigate friendships and manage their thoughts and feelings. Fun, insightful, and empowering, this workbook is a must-have tool for any middle schooler looking to build their resilience in these crucial years!"
--Phyllis L. Fagell, licensed therapist, school counselor, and author of Middle School Matters and Middle School Superpowers--Phyllis L. Fagell

"Lisa's expertise and creative approach to helping children build essential life skills is well demonstrated in her workbook. This beautifully crafted series of exercises promises to help young people develop insight and build tools that are fundamental to their self-care. These very tools can support children in learning from their mistakes, build resilience in a rapidly changing world, and connect more deeply to themselves. This workbook is a must for all preteens."
--Lorraine M. Hobbs, MA, founding director of youth and family programs at University of California, San Diego's Center for Mindfulness; and author of Teaching Self-Compassion to Teens and The Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids--Lorraine M. Hobbs, MA

"Read the book and learn to climb the Mount Everest that is adolescence! That's what is in this fun book for teens. Easy to read, fun images, language that is engaging, and exercises that can be used alone or with the support of adults. Parents and professionals will find this a fabulous resource to share."
--Louise Hayes, developer of the DNA-V model of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for youth, and author of Your Life Your Way and What Makes You Stronger--Louise Hayes

About the Author

Lisa Shetler, MPsych, is a child, adolescent, and family clinical psychologist based in Australia with over a decade of experience spent supporting the mental health of middle schoolers as they face the specific challenges of this developmental period. She works directly with young people, their families, and schools in her large group practice--Flow Psychology and Therapeutic Services--where she also provides training, supervision, assessment, and group programs. Flow's website and social media have a wide reach to both local and international audiences seeking information relating to child psychology. Find out more at www.flowpsych.com.au.