What is SPACE?

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SPACE, or Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, is a parent-focused treatment program designed to help children and adolescents with anxiety and related challenges. Unlike traditional therapies that involve the child directly, SPACE equips the parent/ parents or caregiver with the tools to help their child manage and reduce anxiety. Developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center, SPACE has been rigorously tested and shown to be effective through clinical trials.

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Who is SPACE for?

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SPACE is designed for children and adolescents struggling with anxiety disorders other related emotional challenges. Even though the child does not attend therapy sessions, they are the patient in this approach. The goal of SPACE is to reduce the child’s anxiety and improve their ability to function. As parents apply the techniques learned in SPACE, children often experience decreased anxiety and an improved sense of well-being.

Some common anxiety-related issues addressed in SPACE include:

• Separation anxiety

• Social anxiety

• Generalized anxiety

• Fears and phobias

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

 

Who participates in SPACE treatment?

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SPACE treatment involves parents or caregivers as the primary participants. While the child or adolescent may benefit from the changes, they do not  attend the sessions. Instead, the focus is on helping parents adjust their responses to their child’s anxiety.

 

What happens in SPACE treatment?

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During SPACE sessions, parents learn specific skills to support their child in managing anxiety. The program teaches parents how to respond supportively to their child’s anxiety, focusing on offering empathy and understanding while avoiding reinforcement of anxious behaviours. Additionally, parents are guided in gradually reducing the accommodations they may have been making to protect their child from anxiety triggers. These accommodations, though well-meaning, can sometimes inadvertently maintain or worsen the child’s anxiety.

By shifting their own behaviour, parents can help their child build resilience and reduce anxiety, leading to better overall functioning and improved quality of life for both the child and the family.​​

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Find more information on the SPACE program and research by Dr Lebowitz here https://www.spacetreatment.net/

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Before beginning SPACE a  free 15-minute initial appointment offers a relaxed opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit. It allows you to ask any questions, understand how I work and discuss your needs and goals. This meeting helps you feel comfortable and ensures you feel safe and supported in starting your  journey. There’s no pressure or obligation — it’s simply a space for you to decide if SPACE feels right for you and to take that first step with confidence.