SPACE
For Parents of Children and Teens with Anxiety
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to assist families with children who experience excessive anxiety. Developed by Eli R. Lebowitz, PhD, SPACE Treatment offers an innovative and highly effective way to address anxiety disorders in children, while strengthening the parent-child relationship.
What is SPACE?
SPACE Treatment is rooted in the understanding that parental involvement plays a pivotal role in helping anxious children overcome their fears and anxieties. It acknowledges that parents can either inadvertently reinforce and exacerbate anxiety, or become a powerful source of comfort and support for their children. SPACE is typically delivered through individual therapy sessions and sometimes also includes participation in a parent training group.
Here's a breakdown of some of the key principles of SPACE Treatment for Parents:
What's Involved in SPACE treatment?
SPACE Treatment helps parents navigate the challenges of their child's anxiety disorder, while fostering a supportive and nurturing parent-child relationship. By empowering parents to play a central role in their child's journey to overcome anxiety, SPACE Treatment provides families with a path toward lasting emotional well-being and resilience. The therapy process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the child's anxiety and the family dynamics. This helps therapists tailor the treatment plan to the family's unique needs. The following components are a part of every treatment plan:
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Psychoeducation: Caregivers receive education about anxiety disorders and how parental involvement can influence the child's anxiety.
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Parental Training: Parents undergo training in SPACE principles, which includes learning to validate their child's feelings, reduce accommodating behaviors, and support exposure to anxiety triggers.
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Behavior Plan for Gradual Exposure: Therapists guide parents in creating a structured plan for gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, ensuring that the child feels safe and supported throughout the process.
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Ongoing Support: The therapist offers ongoing support and monitoring to track progress, make adjustments to the exposure plan, and provide parents with guidance and reassurance.
At CWML, we're dedicated to providing compassionate and effective SPACE treatment by specially trained therapists. Our team of licensed and highly experienced therapists are here to support you and your child on your journey to improved mental health and well-being. We tailor each treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals, ensuring that you receive personalized care every step of the way. Our goal is to empower you to lead a life that is balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful, an approach to life we call Wise Mind Living.