What was the challenge?

Life was tough for Isobel*. She often felt overwhelmed by her emotions but didn’t know how to cope with them. Things at school were difficult. She had fallen out with her friendship group and was struggling to find her place again. At home, it wasn’t much easier. Isobel felt frustrated and sad about her relationship with her Dad. She believed she was treated unfairly compared to her siblings, which left her feeling isolated and confused. These feelings built up and often came out as anger but Isobel didn’t understand where it was coming from or how to stop it.

What did Brathay do?

Isobel was referred to the Magic programme. She began meeting regularly with James, a mental health practitioner at Brathay, who helped her make sense of her emotions. They used visual tools to explore what she was feeling, laying cards with different emotions on the floor. Over time, Isobel started to recognise how sadness, rejection and frustration all linked to her anger.

She also used painting as a way of expressing herself. Combining her love of animals with creative activities helped her reflect on the traits she liked about herself and how her emotions affected her actions.

What was the impact?

As Isobel’s understanding of her emotions grew, she was able to pause and put the techniques she had learnt into practise, instead of feeling overwhelmed. Her confidence grew, both at home and in school and her relationship with Dad started to improve. She began visiting him more often and felt able to talk about how she was feeling.

Her Mum said she could “see a real difference” in Isobel, who finished the programme feeling more in control and excited about being closer with her family and friends

Isobel was great to work with and her story shows the impact Magic can have on young people’s lives. I also learnt a lot from Isobel, who’s ability to articulate herself encouraged me to use my resources in new ways.

James, Youth Worker

*Names have been changed.