Group Sessions

What is Space?

(Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

SPACE is an evidence-based treatment approach developed to address anxious emotions and behaviors in children and adolescents. Family accommodation is the term used to describe the changes that parents make in their own behavior to help their children avoid or lessen feelings of anxiety. SPACE treatment focuses on modifying parenting strategies and enhancing family dynamics to support the child’s emotional and psychological growth and decrease these family accommodations.

Space Principles:

Supportive Parenting:

SPACE treatment emphasizes the role of parents in managing and mitigating anxiety symptoms in their children. The approach involves guiding parents to provide consistent, supportive, and non-reactive responses to their child's anxiety-provoking situations.

Behavioral Exposure:

The treatment integrates gradual exposure techniques to help children confront and manage their fears. Parents are trained to facilitate these exposures in a controlled and supportive manner, reducing avoidance behaviors.

Parental Involvement:

Parents are actively involved in the therapeutic process. They receive training and support to implement changes in their parenting practices that encourage the child's independence and resilience.

Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques:

SPACE incorporates cognitive-behavioral strategies to help children recognize and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs contributing to their anxiety. These techniques are often applied in conjunction with parental support strategies.

Skill Building:

The treatment focuses on building the child's coping skills and emotional regulation abilities. This includes teaching problem-solving skills, stress management, and positive self-talk.

Space Outcomes:

Reduced Anxiety Symptoms:

Anxiety Symptoms: SPACE treatment can lead to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms by addressing the underlying cognitive and behavioral factors contributing to the child's distress.

Improves Family Dynamics:

By involving parents and improving their response strategies, SPACE can enhance overall family functioning and reduce stress within the household by decreasing family accommodation.

Increased Child Resilience:

The treatment helps children develop coping skills and resilience, enabling them to manage anxiety more effectively and participate more fully in daily activities.

Empowered Parents:

Parents gain confidence and skills in managing their child's anxiety,
leading to more effective support and a more positive family environment.