SPACE Treatment: Helping Children Overcome Anxiety Through Parent-Based Counselling

Anxiety isn’t just tough on kids; it impacts the whole family. Sometimes families adjust routines and behaviours to help their child avoid things that make them anxious, and while this is done with the best intentions, it can actually cause anxiety to worsen for the child. 

Thankfully, there is a better way to help children and parents manage child anxiety. SPACE treatment, which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, offers an innovative approach that focuses not just on the kids dealing with anxiety but on the parents, too. The idea is simple yet powerful: we can make a big difference by changing how parents respond to their child’s anxiety. 

How Does SPACE Work?

The SPACE treatment approach teaches parents to spot when they’re making adjustments to ease their child’s anxiety and how to gently reduce these behaviours. It’s all about striking a balance—reducing adjustments that might intensify anxiety while still providing love and support for the child. The program also offers strategies to help parents work better together, handle upset feelings from changing their parenting methods, and gain the support of friends and family throughout the process. 

Research, including clinical trials with kids who have anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), shows that the SPACE program is an effective tool for managing child anxiety. It helps reduce the adjustments families feel they need to make for anxiety, and most importantly, it helps kids feel better. The successes of the program have been shared widely, proving that parent-based counselling can be a game-changer for families. 

What Parents Learn in SPACE Treatment

By participating in the SPACE program, parents can better understand how family behaviours impact child anxiety. They gain a clear understanding of the science behind the SPACE approach and learn practical ways to apply these techniques at home.

This program encompasses six to eight one-on-one sessions, giving parents the time to fully explore its benefits and adjust their approach as needed. 

The Takeaway

For parents in Calgary looking for child anxiety counselling, the SPACE treatment offers a new and promising path forward. It empowers parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their anxious child in a way that promotes lasting change. This parent-based counselling approach isn’t just about tackling anxiety; it’s also about strengthening the family bond and fostering resilience in kids. 

If you’re looking for support for your child’s anxiety, you’re not alone. Programs like SPACE show that with the right understanding, you can make a positive difference in your child’s life.

For more information about SPACE treatment and parent-based counselling in Calgary, contact The Family Psychology Place today to schedule an appointment.