Exam Anxieties

May IGCSE Exams

IGCSE exams are often a period of immense pressure for our young people, a time when the weight of expectation can feel heavy and inescapable. As a parent, observing your child navigate this season can be distressing. The familiar spark in their eyes may dim, replaced by restless nights, a sudden struggle to concentrate, or a pervasive sense of worry that seems to follow them from the classroom to the dinner table

At Talking Therapy, I regularly sit  one to one with adolescents who are feeling this burden acutely. It is important to remember that anxiety is a natural, human response to high-stakes situations. Yet, it should not become all-consuming, nor should it be the defining feature of their teenage years.

Professional support is not an admission of failure; rather, it is a tool for resilience. I offer coping mechanisms and strategies to help support our youngsters

Therapy offers a secure, confidential space where the noise of academic pressure can be quietened, allowing young people the room to process their stressors without judgement. Whether we are working within the comfort of my face to face practice or engaging in a walk-and-talk session, the objective is deeply practical: helping them to regulate their nervous systems.

There is a profound, scientifically-backed connection between our environment and our emotional state. As Carl Rogers famously emphasised, providing an environment of unconditional positive regard and congruence allows individuals to tap into their own capacity for growth. Sometimes, the most effective therapeutic intervention is stepping outside. Movement in nature—what I call walk-and-talk therapy—is invaluable. It physically helps to lower cortisol levels and provides a necessary perspective shift that four walls simply cannot offer. When we walk, we are not just moving our bodies; we are moving through stuck emotions and finding clarity in the fresh air.

If you notice your child is struggling to cope, or if the rhythm of your home life has become dictated by the looming exam schedule, please know that support is available here at Vila Sol. You do not have to navigate this period alone, and neither does your child. It takes courage to reach out, and that first step is often the most important one.

Please send me a private message to schedule a confidential appointment. Let us work together to ensure your child has the tools they need to face these challenges with a grounded sense of self.

How do you support your children during exam seasons? I would be interested to hear what strategies work best for your family.
[email protected]

Sharon O’Neill Ryan ,
MBACP,MBPsS,PGCHE,
BSc(Hons) Psychology & Counselling.