Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

Anxiety can take over a child’s life and make everyday activities feel overwhelming. As parents, we want to help. However, our instincts often lead us to accommodate their fears instead of supporting them in facing them.

That’s when Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) can make a difference. SPACE is a proven, parent-focused approach developed at the Yale Child Study Center. It helps reduce childhood anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors without requiring children to attend therapy sessions.

Understanding Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

SPACE shifts the focus from changing the child’s behavior to changing the way parents respond to their child’s anxiety. Instead of reassuring, avoiding triggers, or modifying family routines to prevent distress, parents learn how to offer support that nurtures resilience.

This treatment is especially effective for children struggling with separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, selective mutism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Parents learn to gradually reduce accommodations, like avoiding places or situations that provoke anxiety. At the same time, they continue to validate their child’s feelings. The result? Less anxiety, more independence, and more substantial emotional growth.

How Lukin Center for Psychotherapy Can Help

We specialize in SPACE therapy because we understand the power of parental support. It plays a significant role in breaking the cycle of childhood anxiety. Our therapists guide you through practical strategies to help your child gain confidence without unnecessary distress. You’ll work with us to:

• Identify accommodations that may be reinforcing your child’s anxiety.
• Develop supportive responses that empower rather than enable.
• Create a structured plan to help your child healthily manage anxiety.

Unlike traditional therapy, SPACE puts you in the driver’s seat. You don’t have to convince your child to attend sessions. Instead, we equip you with the tools to make lasting changes at home.

Helping your child overcome anxiety starts with you. Schedule a consultation today—let’s work together to give your child the confidence they deserve.