Parents
You Know Your Child Best. We Know Anxiety.
At The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago we are well known for our successful work with children of all ages, from two years old through college. Our staff is highly trained to diagnose and treat anxiety in children and teens. We offer parents a roadmap for how to purposefully approach their child’s anxiety, providing guidance and support for the entire family; we are dedicated to helping patients and their families improve their lives.
One in Eight
Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. While temporary fears are a normal part of childhood, excessive worry, fear, or avoidance may be a sign of something more. Effective intervention during childhood and adolescence is important in preventing anxiety problems from extending into adulthood — here’s what to look for, and how we can help.
Signs to look for
Chronic worry and reassurance seeking
Separation
anxiety
Difficulty sleeping or playing independently
Avoiding new experiences or challenges out of fear
Perfectionism that causes distress or avoidance
Persistent shyness or avoidance of social acts
Difficulty making or keeping friends
School refusal
or avoidance
Test-taking
anxiety
Performance
anxiety
Struggling to attend or engage in college classes or assignments
Frequent headaches & stomachaches
Compulsive hair pulling, nail biting, & skin picking
Why Early Treatment Matters
We have many years of experience teaching anxious children how to face and overcome their fears. Effective intervention during childhood and adolescence is important in preventing anxiety problems from extending into adulthood. By treating children early, we can prevent future problems and empower your child to confidently face their fears and face the difficulties of growing up with grit and good humor.
How Treatment Works at Each Age
Children ages 3-12 work together with their parents and the therapist. Treatment emphasizes parent training to decrease the child’s avoidance of feared situations and to improve the child’s independent functioning.
Older children work independently with the therapist to learn anxiety management skills and to overcome avoidance of feared situations. Parents often join in at the end of a session and are taught how to assist the child in achieving their goals.
The Role of Parents in Treatment
Parental participation in a child’s therapy is invaluable and can significantly improve the outcome and speed of progress. We will teach you the best methods for responding to your child’s anxiety by explaining and role-modeling the skills you will need. Home assignments are provided each week so you and your child can practice difficult situations.
Sometimes parents want to schedule sessions alone with the therapist prior to bringing in their child. Typically we like to first meet with both parent and child, but are happy to accommodate your needs when you feel this is appropriate.
Real-World Practice
When normal participation in school, day care, or community activities is disrupted, staff can accompany the child and parent into these settings to help them overcome their fear. In older children, staff can discreetly accompany them into avoided situations to help them complete exposure practice.
If Your Child Doesn't Want to Come
We recognize that many children and teens do not want to come into treatment. We strongly encourage you to bring them in despite their protests. When normal participation in school, day care, or community activities is a challenge, we can start by working with your child at home, and then progress to accompanying you and your child into these settings to help them overcome their fear.
We Work With Your Child's World
Anxiety Treatment Center psychologists have long-term relationships with many area schools and counselors, and are often called upon to participate in conferences or IEP sessions. We also collaborate with other professionals who are involved in your child’s care.
At the Anxiety Treatment Center, our strategies result in stronger, self-confident children who learn to manage their own anxiety. These skills can be used throughout their lives, and by learning to cope at a young age they reduce their risks of ongoing difficulties.
Ready to take the first step?
Learn about the intake process, rates, and what to expect: