Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
Support Starts With You
SPACE helps parents respond with confidence—so anxious kids can thrive.
When a child or teen is dealing with anxiety, OCD, or related challenges, parents often find themselves walking on eggshells—unsure how to help without making things worse. SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is a parent-based treatment that shifts the focus from trying to “fix” the child to changing how parents respond.
Developed at the Yale Child Study Center by Dr. Eli Lebowitz, SPACE gives parents a concrete, compassionate way to reduce accommodations, increase calm, and build connection. As someone trained directly by Dr. Lebowitz, I work with you to understand your child’s needs, shift stuck patterns, and feel more confident in your role.
This approach doesn’t require your child to attend therapy—just your willingness to show up and try something different. Whether you’re dealing with severe avoidance, separation anxiety, school refusal, or compulsive behaviors, SPACE offers a path forward grounded in warmth, clarity, and meaningful change.
FAQs
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Nope! One of the unique things about SPACE is that it’s designed for parents. You’ll learn how to support your child’s anxiety or OCD through changes in your own responses—no need to drag a resistant teen to therapy or wait until they’re “ready.”
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SPACE is especially effective for issues like separation anxiety, social anxiety, school refusal, panic, OCD, and rigid or avoidant behaviors. If anxiety is disrupting your child’s life—and yours—this approach offers a clear, research-backed path forward.
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Most families begin to see meaningful shifts in 8–12 sessions. The work is structured, collaborative, and practical—we focus on real-life situations and changes that feel doable, not overwhelming.
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SPACE can still be effective even if just one parent participates. Of course, it’s ideal when both caregivers are aligned—but meaningful change can still happen with just one consistent, supported adult in the lead.
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Many parents come to SPACE after years of trying to help in ways that haven’t worked. This approach doesn’t blame you or your child—it gives you a new framework grounded in science and compassion. You’ll learn how to respond with confidence instead of fear, and create an environment where your child can grow.
Curious whether SPACE is the right fit for your family?
Reach Out
Have questions or want to see if we’re a good fit? I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're ready to get started or just need more information, you're welcome to reach out. I respond personally to every message.
Let’s take the next step—together.