From Dysregulation and Struggle to Emotional Balance and Happiness
- Brainz Magazine
- Nov 6
- 4 min read
I'm an international holistic health practitioner, specialising in supporting individuals with ADHD, autism, allergies, sleep issues, and gut problems using natural medicine. I help people uncover and treat root causes so they can reclaim their health and thrive.
For you and your child, navigating ADHD, autism, PANDAS, and learning difficulties, everyday life can sometimes feel exhausting. A gentle, holistic approach that looks beyond surface emotions and behaviours can help you or your child flourish, leading to feelings of calmness, confidence, and a greater sense of well-being.
The case history
When a ten-year-old boy from Dubai first became my patient, his mother was exhausted and overwhelmed. Her son’s emotional regulation was a daily challenge, with frequent bursts of frustration and irritability. Mornings were particularly challenging, he often cried, resisted getting ready for school, and started the day in a grumpy mood.
Sleep had been difficult since infancy. He would wake frequently, crawl into the nanny’s or mother’s bed, and couldn’t fall asleep without someone beside him. He insisted on sleeping with his head covered, even though he was sweating under the blanket. He had sensory tics, such as smelling objects, jumping on one foot, and clenching his hands.
He was bright and often affectionate, but he struggled to sit still, follow instructions, and engage consistently in daily tasks. His learning was impacted by dyslexia and dysgraphia, and he had low self-confidence around writing or reading. While social and creative, he became self-conscious and easily embarrassed.
The boy was a fussy eater, and his diet was limited to mostly pizza, fried foods, and sweets, he refused to eat most vegetables. He had a history of recurrent ear infections, antibiotic use, and several years on steroid inhalers for asthma. I suspected that he may also have PANS or PANDAS, which is a sudden-onset (autoimmune) disorder typically after an infection.
Before treatment
Poor concentration and focus, frequently fidgets
Emotional outbursts, anxiety, crying, and controlling behaviours
Low confidence due to dyslexia and dysgraphia
Poor sleep and a fear of sleeping alone
Compulsive, impulsive, and sensory behaviours
After two plus years
Progress began early and unfolded in layers:
Within the first few months, sleep became more settled. The child started falling asleep alone and waking less frequently. The morning crying and grumpiness eased. He began the day calm and cooperative.
Around 6-10 months, sensory behaviours such as smelling objects, hand clenching, and jumping on one foot disappeared.
By the second year, emotional regulation had deepened. Frustration still occurred occasionally, but he recovered faster, apologised spontaneously, and showed empathy. His mother says he is a “funny and delightful person to be with.” Teachers noted improved attention and task completion. Confidence grew as schoolwork felt less overwhelming.
By the 3rd year, consultations are now infrequent. The boy now eats a wide variety of healthy foods. His dyslexia sessions have become more productive.
This child became a happier, more social, easy-going, and open person to new experiences. This evolution wasn’t linear, there were brief regressions, but each layer of support deepened his resilience and enhanced his well-being. Over time, the whole family has benefited from holistic care, as I’ve also supported the mother and siblings on their own wellness journeys.
Parent feedback within the first six months: “My son is in his second phase of detox and has already had amazing results. He is more engaged in school, happier, and less self-conscious and sensitive. It is such a relief to see my son being able to focus and more willing to receive his intervention program to help with his dyslexia. Thank you, Tina.”
My treatment approach to emotional dysregulation
A treatment program combining individualised homeopathic medicine, nutritional supplements, and medication detoxification was introduced, along with dietary and lifestyle support. Over two years, we addressed:
Detoxification of pharmaceutical products and toxins
Neurotransmitter balance and gut health to stabilise mood and focus
Nutritional optimisation, including magnesium, zinc, omega-3s, vitamin C, and folinic acid
Reduced overall body inflammation
Improved immune system function
Supporting neurodiverse individuals using natural medicine involves uncovering and treating the layers of physical, emotional, and environmental issues. With individualised care, persistence, and support for the body’s innate ability to heal, we can witness remarkable shifts in emotions, behaviours, and physical symptoms.
For over 25 years, I’ve specialised in helping children and adults with ADHD, ADD, autism, and related challenges find balance and confidence through natural medicine. Every case is unique, but time and again, I’ve witnessed the power of holistic care that addresses the underlying causes to create lasting change.
If you’d like to explore how a natural medicine approach can support you or a loved one, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Read more from Tina Horrell
Tina Horrell, Natural Health Care Practitioner
Tina Horrell is an integrative homeopath and naturopath with over 25 years of international experience. Tina supports individuals and families with a range of health concerns, specialising in autism, ADHD, allergies, gut issues, and sleep problems. She also offers targeted detox programs for heavy metals and environmental toxins. Her work blends homoeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, and detoxification to restore clients' balance and vitality, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Tina consults with clients worldwide via online video sessions and is a regular health writer for Brainz Magazine.
