CBT FOR CHILD ANXIETY

Why Is My Child So Anxious?

Most childhood anxiety is caused by a nervous system that has learned to react too strongly to uncertainty, change, or perceived threat - even when a child is safe. Over time, avoidance, reassurance, and adult support meant to help can unintentionally keep anxiety active.

Parents often notice worry, emotional outbursts, school avoidance, or physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches. These behaviors are not signs of defiance or weakness; they are anxiety-driven responses.

At Abridged Psychology, we provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for child anxiety. CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps children learn coping skills while helping parents respond in ways that reduce anxiety rather than reinforce it.

How Anxiety Shows Up in Children

Childhood anxiety commonly appears as patterns such as:

• Avoiding school, activities, or transitions

• Difficulty separating from parents or caregivers
  
  
• Emotional meltdowns or shutdowns when demands are placed
  
  
• Frequent reassurance-seeking that does not seem to help long-term
  
  
• Physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or nausea
  
  
• Trouble sleeping or increased clinginess
  
  

CBT focuses on helping children and parents recognize these patterns and respond differently so anxiety no longer controls daily routines or development.

How CBT Helps Child Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for anxiety in children.

CBT helps children learn:

• What anxiety is and why it shows up
  
  
• How anxious thoughts influence feelings and behavior
  
  
• How avoidance can make anxiety stronger over time
  
  
• How to face fears gradually and safely
  
  
• How to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty
  
  

Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety completely, CBT teaches children that they can handle anxiety without letting it control their choices. These skills support confidence, independence, and resilience as children grow.

Anxiety Concerns We Commonly Treat in Children

Our clinicians use CBT to treat a wide range of childhood anxiety concerns, including:

• Generalized anxiety
  
  
• Separation anxiety
  
  
• School avoidance
  
  
• Social anxiety
  
  
• Performance anxiety
  
  
• Specific fears and phobias
  
  

Treatment is always tailored to your child’s age, developmental level, and individual needs.

What Child Anxiety Therapy Looks Like at Abridged Psychology

While every child is different, CBT for child anxiety typically includes:

Assessment and goal setting

We begin by understanding how anxiety shows up for your child at home, school, and in daily routines.

Understanding the anxiety cycle

Children learn age-appropriate explanations of anxiety, while parents learn how certain responses can unintentionally maintain it.

Skill development

Children learn coping, thinking, and behavioral skills through developmentally appropriate methods, including visuals, play-based strategies, and guided practice.

Gradual exposure and practice

With support, children practice facing feared situations in manageable steps, building confidence over time.

Parent coaching and check-ins

Parents receive guidance on how to support skill practice without reinforcing anxiety.

Progress monitoring

We regularly review progress and adjust treatment to keep therapy focused and effective.

How Can I Help My Anxious Child?

Parents play a key role in anxiety treatment. CBT helps parents learn how to:

• Respond supportively without increasing anxiety
  
  
• Reduce unintentional accommodations
  
  
• Encourage independence without pushing too hard
  
  
• Lower family stress and power struggles
  
  

Our approach is collaborative and practical. We focus on small, realistic changes that fit your family and are sustainable over time.

Is CBT a Good Fit for My Child?

CBT may be a good fit if your child:

• Avoids situations due to fear or worry
  
  
• Seeks reassurance frequently
  
  
• Becomes overwhelmed by everyday demands
  
  
• Is experiencing anxiety that interferes with school, friendships, or family life
  
  

CBT may not be the best fit if you are looking for an unstructured or purely exploratory therapy approach.

Our Clinical Approach

At Abridged Psychology, child anxiety treatment is provided by clinicians trained in evidence-based CBT, with experience working with children and families.

We emphasize:

• Thoughtful assessment
  
  
• Developmentally appropriate interventions
  
  
• Parent involvement without blame
  
  
• Measurement-informed care
  
  
• A balance of compassion and accountability
  
  

Our goal is not to eliminate anxiety entirely, but to help children function confidently even when anxiety shows up—and to help parents feel clearer and more effective in supporting them
.

Getting Started

If anxiety is limiting your child’s confidence, independence, or daily functioning, CBT may help.

We offer child anxiety therapy in person, via telehealth, or through a hybrid model, depending on clinical fit and availability.

The first step is a consultation, where we’ll discuss concerns, answer questions, and determine whether CBT is the right approach for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does therapy take for child anxiety?

CBT is typically more time-limited than other therapy approaches. Many families see meaningful improvement within several months, depending on severity and consistency of practice.

Does CBT really work for children

Yes. CBT is considered a first-line treatment for childhood anxiety, especially when parents are involved appropriately.

Will my child always have anxiety?

Most children learn how to manage anxiety effectively. The goal is not to eliminate anxiety completely, but to prevent it from controlling behavior or development.

Do parents attend sessions?

Parent involvement is often an important part of treatment and is discussed during the intake process.