5 Signs Your Family Might Benefit from SPACE Therapy for Child Anxiety

As a parent, it can be hard to know when your child’s anxiety has gone beyond “normal worries.” One effective treatment option for families is SPACE therapy (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).

How do you know if SPACE Therapy for child anxiety might be the right fit?

5 Signs Your Family Could Benefit from SPACE Therapy for Child Anxiety:

1. Your child or adolescent avoids school or activities due to fear or anxiety.

2. Bedtime has become a struggle, and your child needs you to stay nearby to fall asleep.

3. Family routines revolve around avoiding triggers, like loud places, social gatherings, or being alone.

4. Your child resists going to therapy, shuts down during sessions, or cannot attend due to schedule conflicts or another reason.

5. You feel stuck as a parent, unsure how to support your child without reinforcing anxiety.
   

Childhood anxiety is common—and it’s important for parents to know it’s not their fault. Anxiety can develop for many reasons, including genetics, temperament, life experiences, or simply how a child’s brain responds to stress. While parents are not to blame, they are in a powerful position to help. As children’s primary caregivers and teachers, parents can learn evidence-based strategies to guide their child in facing fears. With the right support, families can encourage children to take healthy risks and approach—rather than avoid—the situations that make them anxious. This step-by-step approach helps kids build resilience, confidence, and lasting coping skills.

SPACE therapy works by teaching parents how to understand the cycle of anxiety and how to make a plan for gradually reducing accommodations in a supportive, step-by-step way. Research shows that when parents change their responses, children’s anxiety decreases.

If these signs sound familiar, you don’t have to manage it alone. Dr. Sonya Bhatia at Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy offers SPACE therapy in Naples, FL to help children and families break free from the cycle of anxiety. Call Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy at 239-922-1440 or visit www.napleschildpsychology.com to learn more and schedule.