Lately, you’ve been noticing signs of anxiety in your child. Maybe you’ve noticed them worrying more, needing more reassurances, challenges with sleeping or having an upset stomach more, or separation anxiety. You wonder, how do I know if this is a phase or if it’s time to get professional help? Also, what does therapy look like for children?
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, but when it becomes constant and overwhelming, it may interfere with daily life. Understanding the signs of anxiety can help parents determine when professional support is needed.
Common Signs of Anxiety In Kids
Children express anxiety in various ways. Some common signs include:
Excessive worry or fear about everyday activities
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
Avoidance of certain places, people, or activities
Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling or staying asleep
Difficulty concentrating at school
Increased irritability or frequent meltdowns
When Is Anxiety In Kids A Concern?
While occasional anxiety is normal, it may be a concern if:
It interferes with school, friendships, or family life
It leads to avoidance of necessary activities (e.g., school, social events)
Your child frequently seeks reassurance but remains distressed
Their fears or worries seem disproportionate to the situation
How Can Therapy Help Anxious Children?
A therapist can help children develop coping strategies to manage anxiety. Therapy can:
Provide a safe space for kids to express fears and emotions
Teach relaxation techniques and coping skills
Help reframe anxious thoughts into more balanced perspectives
Support parents in understanding and assisting their child’s needs
Types of Therapy For Childhood Anxiety
Several evidence-based therapies can help children manage anxiety, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps kids identify and change anxious thought patterns.
Play Therapy, Parent Child-Interaction Therapy Or PCIT: Uses play as a way to express emotions and develop coping skills.
Exposure Therapy: Helps children gradually face fears in a safe and controlled way.
When To Seek Professional Help
Consider seeking therapy if:
Anxiety significantly impacts your child’s ability to function
This may look like trouble making friends, going to friends houses or sleepovers, or getting through a school day. It could be meltdowns before tests.
They experience ongoing distress despite parental reassurance (or you feel you are constantly reassuring them and it doesn’t help)
Their anxiety leads to panic attacks or severe physical symptoms
You feel overwhelmed trying to support them on your own
Next Steps For Parents
If you suspect your child may need therapy, start by consulting with a pediatrician, school counselor, or therapist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping children manage anxiety before it worsens.
Are you worried about your child’s anxiety?
I offer online therapy in Virginia and can provide support to help your child develop healthy coping skills. Reach out today to schedule a session!
If you are looking for family counseling, Mary Willoughby Prentiss is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia who provides online therapy for Willow Tree Healing Center. She enjoys transforming the lives of women, college students, kids, tweens/teens, and families through providing communication strategies, coping skills that work, allowing a safe space to be heard, and actively working towards helping you with your challenges. She is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (ages 2-7) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, counsels substance abuse in teens and adults, and practices Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
Please send an email to wthc@willowtreehealingcenter.org to explore working together.
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