CHILDHOOD ANXIETY THERAPY

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America,

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

If your child has generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, he or she will worry excessively about a variety of things such as grades, family issues, relationships with peers, and performance in sports. Children with GAD tend to be very hard on themselves and strive for perfection. They may also seek constant approval or reassurance from others.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is diagnosed if your child suffers at least two unexpected panic or anxiety attacks—which means they come on suddenly and for no reason—followed by at least one month of concern over having another attack, losing control, or "going crazy."

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social and performance situations and activities such as being called on in class or starting a conversation with a peer. This can significantly impair your child’s school performance and attendance, as well as his or her ability to socialize with peers and develop and maintain relationships.

Specific Phobia

It is the intense, irrational fear of a specific object, such as a dog, or a situation, such as flying. Common childhood phobias include animals, storms, heights, water, blood, the dark, and medical procedures.

Children will avoid situations or things that they fear, or endure them with anxious feelings, which can manifest as crying, tantrums, clinging, avoidance, headaches, and stomachaches. Unlike adults, they do not usually recognize that their fear is irrational.

My Treatment Approach 

I provide individual therapy that utilizes Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. Therapy will be tailored to your child age. Depending on the child's age, parental involvement will also be included. I stand by the belief that everyone has an important part to play in helping a child grow. Overall, I hope to help your child change their relationship with anxiety. This approach can help your child understand the nature of anxiety, to be less afraid of the presence of it, and help them make choices that promote wellbeing. Together I will teach them practical tools to effectively deal with their worries and fears. Anxiety doesn't need to run your child life.