Many children and teens experience anxiety and fears that are common, such as anxiety about a presentation or fears about scary things (both imaginary and real). But when these fears don't abate or start to impact daily life, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.
Childhood and adolescent anxiety may look different from anxiety in adulthood, but often share the same core features. Avoidance of anxiety provoking situations, safety behaviors to reduce anxiety, and requesting accommodations or reassurance from parents or caregivers are common features of childhood anxiety.
OCD in children and teens often presents at a young age and may appear developmentally typical...until it isn't. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and development of OCD over the lifespan.
Children and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and difficulties with life adjustments can greatly benefit from therapy to provide a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings and learn strategies to manage anxiety throughout their life.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children to identify harmful thought patterns. Once a child recognizes that their thoughts create their feelings and moods, they can learn to control themselves and their behavior. Research has shown that CBT is highly effective at treating depression and anxiety as well as helping individuals, including children, deal with traumatic experiences.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps children and adolescents process their inner emotions. ACT provides context and understanding to emotions that can seem overwhelming. This allows kids to work through emotions and move forward.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP helps children and adolescents identify their core fears and learn to challenge them through action, thereby learning that they can tolerate the sensations of anxiety and that their anxiety brain was not accurate in its prediction of danger. Using creativity and play, we can learn to face our fears in fun and unique ways that leave children and adolescents feeling empowered and confident in the face of their anxiety.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is great for helping families improve communication so they can resolve issues. Sessions can include the entire family, including children, siblings, parents, and grandparents, or just one or two individuals. When anxiety and OCD present in young children and teens, family involvement in treatment is necessary to best support reducing accommodations and completing homework.
Who is Therapy Right for?
I work with children and teens who are motivated to engage in therapy, can commit to weekly sessions, and are ready to challenge their fears. Specialized treatment is also available for preschoolers (3-6) who present with OCD and phobias. Treatment for this age requires family involvement and in-person sessions and may involve more parent sessions than child sessions.
If you would like to explore treatment options for your child, please reach out.