Childhood anxiety can appear in many ways, from excessive worry and fear to difficulty concentrating and physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches that may lead to school or activity refusal. Anxiety can interfere with a child’s academic performance, social relationships, relationships between a child and their siblings and parents, and their overall quality of life. The causes of anxiety are complex and can involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Why CBT?
CBT is a well-researched and highly effective psychological treatment for anxiety in children. It’s a short-term, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. CBT helps children and their families develop helpful coping strategies and build resilience in the face of adversity. Some benefits of CBT for treating anxiety in children include:
- Recognize and understand the connection between their thoughts, their feelings, and their behaviours. This increased self-awareness allows them to identify anxiety triggers and develop coping strategies.
- Identify the unhelpful thoughts that trigger anxiety and teaches them to challenge and reframe these thoughts into more balanced and positive perspectives.
- Practical skills for managing anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and how to face fears gradually in a safe and supportive way.
- Children learn to manage their emotions more effectively, reducing the intensity and duration of anxious episodes.
- Encourages children to approach challenges proactively, teaching them to identify potential solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
- As children develop greater self-awareness and coping skills, they often experience increased confidence and self-esteem, leading to improved social interactions and academic performance.
- Reduce avoidance behaviors, manage anxious thoughts, and improve their ability to function in daily situations like school, social activities, and family life.
How exactly does CBT work?
Every child, every situation and every session is unique. Sessions are individually tailored to your child’s needs, so no two sessions look exactly alike. However, parents can expect sessions to be engaging, practical, and goal-oriented. Throughout the process, parents are often involved in supporting their child both in session and at home by practicing the strategies learned in therapy. These might include helping with exposure tasks, encouraging relaxation techniques, or using thought records to challenge unhelpful thinking.
Together we will learn how to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, learn positive and helpful techniques to decrease feelings of anxiety, practice our strategies in the office and at home through role play and gradual exposures, and learn to be the boss of our worries!