Supportive Parenting For Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
WHAT IS SPACE?
SPACE therapy, or Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, is an evidence-based intervention designed to help parents and caregivers effectively support children and adolescents dealing with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Unlike traditional therapeutic approaches that work directly with the child, SPACE focuses on empowering parents to create an environment that fosters resilience and reduces anxiety-related behaviors.
The core of SPACE therapy involves teaching parents strategies to reduce "accommodations"—specific actions or adjustments made to shield children from distressing situations. While these accommodations often stem from a desire to protect and comfort the child, they can inadvertently reinforce anxiety over time.
Through SPACE, parents learn how to shift from accommodating behaviors to providing supportive responses that validate their child’s feelings while encouraging independence and gradual exposure to challenges.
This program is highly structured, collaborative, and backed by clinical research. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly reducing childhood anxiety without requiring direct participation from the child in therapy sessions. By equipping parents with these skills, SPACE aims to promote long-term emotional growth and confidence in children.
Who Benefits from SPACE Therapy?
SPACE helps children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of anxiety-related conditions, including:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
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Social Anxiety Disorder
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Separation Anxiety
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Specific Phobias
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
