top of page
watercolor-4116932_1280.png

SPACE Therapy for Child Anxiety in Naples, Florida (and online PSYPACT states)

Watching your child struggle with anxiety can be heartbreaking. You may wonder if you did something wrong, or if your parenting somehow caused your child’s worries. The truth is: parents are not to blame for childhood anxiety.


Anxiety can arise from many factors—genetics, brain chemistry, temperament, life experiences, or developmental stage. Some children are naturally more cautious, while others have faced changes that heighten stress. None of these mean you’ve failed as a parent.

 

Parents don’t cause anxiety and they are in the best position to help.

Why Parents Are the Key to Helping Children with Anxiety

When a child is anxious, it doesn’t just affect them. It affects the whole family. Anxiety is interpersonal, meaning it shows up in the back-and-forth between children and parents.

 

Here’s how the Anxiety Accommodation Cycle often works:

  • Child feels distress related to anxiety → looks to parent for comfort or help

  • Parent steps in to protect or reassure (Family Accommodation)

  • Child feels better in the moment (short-term reduction in distress) → but learns they “need” their parent to cope (Continued Dependence on Parents for Regulation) → Symptoms continue (Maintenace of Symptoms)
     

This cycle is natural. It comes from love. But over time, it can actually make anxiety stronger.

Anxiety Accommodation Cycle

Why Parents Matter in Treating Anxiety

Parents are children’s primary caregivers and role models. With the right support, parents can learn evidence-based strategies that help children:

  • Take healthy risks

  • Approach rather than avoid anxiety triggers

  • Build independence and resilience
     

Avoidance may bring short-term relief, but it strengthens anxiety over time. For example, staying home from school may calm worries for a day, but the anxiety grows stronger each day attendance is avoided. Parents can break this cycle by learning supportive, step-by-step strategies through SPACE Therapy. 

What is SPACE Therapy for Child Anxiety?

SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) therapy is an evidence-based, parent-focused treatment developed at Yale University. Unlike traditional child therapy, SPACE works by teaching parents practical tools to help their children reduce anxiety—without requiring the child to attend sessions.

Research shows SPACE is as effective as child-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in reducing anxiety and OCD symptoms.

How SPACE Therapy Helps

In SPACE therapy, parents are the main focus of treatment. Instead of asking children to fight their anxiety alone, we give parents the tools to:

  • Respond with warmth and confidence

  • Step out of unhelpful “rescue” patterns

  • Send the powerful message: “I know you’re anxious, and I believe you can handle this.”

When parents shift their responses, children build strength, independence, and resilience.

Conditions SPACE Therapy Can Help

  • SPACE therapy is effective for children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with:

  • Separation anxiety

  • Social anxiety

  • Generalized anxiety

  • School refusal/avoidance

  • Phobias

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Why Choose SPACE Therapy at NAPLES Behavioral Pediatric Therapy ? 

  • Evidence-based: Backed by extensive clinical research.

  • Parent-focused: Works even when children are reluctant to attend therapy.

  • Flexible: Can be used alone or alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT; which involves the child directly) and medication. 

  • Effective: Shown to reduce child anxiety, increase independence, strengthen family relationships,  and improve family functioning.

Benefits of SPACE Therapy 

  • Empowers parents with concrete skills to help manage child anxiety

  • Reduces child and adolescent anxiety

  • Increases independence and builds confidence and resilience

  • Improves parent-child relationships

  • Provides a time-limited, focused treatment approach

  • Provides support when a child or adolescent cannot or will not participate in therapy (e.g., due to their own scheduling restraints, therapy refusal, et cetera). For some children, SPACE is the only way they will receive the evidence-based support they need to manage anxiety.

  • SPACE Therapy be done with parents in-person in Naples, Florida or online in PSYPACT states via a secure telehealth connection

SPACE Therapy is ideal for families seeking a parent-focused, evidence-based solution for childhood and adolescent anxiety. Parents learn skills to empower their child while reducing stress at home.

Frequently Asked Questions about SPACE Therapy for Child Anxiety

  • Is Space therapy the right fit for my child?

    • SPACE Therapy may be the right fit if:​

      • Your child struggles with anxiety, OCD, or phobias

      • Your child is resistant to attending therapy sessions or cannot attend for another reason (e.g., scheduling, other parent will not allow child to participate directly in cases of high conflict divorce).

      • Family life is significantly impacted by accommodations (like avoiding social activities, school refusal, or bedtime struggles)

      • You want an active role in treatment that empowers you as a parent

  • What age is SPACE Therapy best for?

    • ​SPACE is effective for children, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with anxiety or OCD.

  • Does my child need to attend sessions?​

    • No. SPACE is designed for parents. The strategies you learn will directly help your child.​

  • How long does SPACE therapy take?

    • Treatment typically lasts 12 sessions, though length may vary depending on your child’s needs.

  • Can SPACE be combined with other therapies?

  • What if my child refuses therapy? ​

    • SPACE is ideal for children who cannot or will not attend therapy—parents can still create meaningful change.​

  • I am divorced or separated from my child's other parent. Can I still participate in SPACE Therapy?​

    • Yes, absolutely! SPACE Therapy can be effective even if it is implemented in only one home or with one parent. ​​

Get Started with SPACE Therapy in Naples, Florida or online in PsyPACT States

At Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy, you’ll work directly with Dr. Sonya Bhatia, a child psychologist trained in the SPACE Therapy model. Sessions are available in person in Naples, Florida or online across PSYPACT states via secure telehealth.

Call Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy today at 239-922-1440 or complete the contact form to request an appointment or learn more about SPACE Therapy. 

Together, we can help your child feel less anxious, more independent, and more confident—while strengthening your family’s resilience.

bottom of page