SPACE Therapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Anxiety: What’s the Difference?

When a child struggles with anxiety, most parents think of sending them to therapy. Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for child anxiety can be very effective. However, some children resist treatment or cannot attend for other reasons—or severe anxiety prevents them from fully participating. That’s where SPACE Therapy for child anxiety comes in.

Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Child Anxiety

• Focuses directly on the child or adolescent (often through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

• Involves identifying thinking patterns, and practicing coping skills, exposures, and relaxation strategies.

• Requires the child to attend sessions regularly.
  

SPACE Therapy for Child Anxiety

• Focuses on empowering parents to help their child using evidence-based strategies for child anxiety.

• Teaches parents to reduce accommodations and respond differently to anxiety.

• Works even if the child never attends a session.
  

Space Therapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Anxiety— Which Is Right for My Family?

Both approaches can be effective. In fact, SPACE and CBT are often equally successful in reducing child anxiety. Some families even use them together for the best results. Additionally, both can be done in person and via telehealth, giving your busy family flexibility in treatment options.

Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy, offers SPACE Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower parents and help children overcome anxiety in a supportive, research-backed way. Call Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy at 239-922-1440 or visit www.napleschildpsychology.com to learn more about these treatment options to determine the best approach for your child and family.