Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

Is your child’s anxiety taking over your home life?

If everyday moments feel like walking on eggshells, or if your family is constantly adjusting to avoid triggering your child’s fears, you’re not alone. And most importantly — there’s help.

We offer SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a science-backed, parent-focused program that empowers you to support your child in breaking free from anxiety’s grip. Whether you’re facing separation anxiety, social fears, school refusal, OCD, or bedtime battles, SPACE gives you the tools to restore calm and confidence in your home.

SPACE also supports parents of young adults who are stuck in a pattern of avoidance and dependence — often referred to as “Failure to Launch.” If your teen or twenty-something child is struggling to take steps toward independence due to anxiety, SPACE can help you shift long-standing patterns and support their growth into adulthood.

Whether your child is 8 or 28, SPACE is an anxiety treatment protocol that equips you to make meaningful change — for them, and for your family.

What is SPACE?

SPACE is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz and his team at the Yale Child Study Center. Unlike traditional approaches that focus directly on the child, SPACE targets the parent-child dynamic, helping parents become more effective in responding to anxious behaviours — without increasing distress or conflict.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about giving you, the parent, a clear roadmap to reduce anxiety-driven avoidance and help your child thrive.

How Does SPACE Help Anxious Kids?

Anxiety often causes children to lean heavily on their parents for reassurance and escape. While this feels natural (and loving!), over time it can keep kids stuck in the anxiety cycle.

SPACE teaches you how to:

  • Respond supportively without reinforcing anxiety

  • Set healthy boundaries while still being compassionate

  • Break patterns of avoidance safely and gently

  • Build your child’s confidence and independence

  • Stay calm and grounded through challenging moments

With the right tools and support, you can be a powerful force in changing your child’s anxiety story — and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Why Focus on Parents?

You may be wondering — shouldn’t therapy be for my child?

Here’s the truth: You are your child’s safe place, and that means you’re also the most powerful agent for change. When children struggle with anxiety, they often rely on their parents to avoid discomfort. SPACE helps you shift that cycle — without punishment or pressure — and teaches your child how to face fears with confidence.

You didn’t cause your child’s anxiety — but you can be a big part of the solution.

This program is not about fault. It’s about equipping you with the tools you need to support your child’s emotional growth — right where they need it most: at home, in everyday life, and in the small, challenging moments that add up to big change.

What to Expect: How SPACE Works

We offer both individual and group formats for SPACE. Most families begin with our 8 week group, and continue with additional sessions afterwards or in addition for individualized support. 

Led by trained SPACE facilitators (we have many!) with experience in both parenting and clinical support

Interactive, supportive learning that includes:

    • Understanding the theory behind anxiety and avoidance

    • Learning the SPACE model step-by-step

    • Customizing strategies for your child’s specific needs

    • Ongoing feedback, fine-tuning, and encouragement

You’ll not only learn how to support your child more effectively — you’ll also discover ways to regulate your own stress, making space for a more peaceful, connected home.

Ready to Support Your Child in a New Way?

If you’re tired of walking on eggshells, adjusting your entire household to avoid meltdowns, or feeling helpless in the face of your child’s worry — SPACE is here to help.

You don’t need to go it alone. With the right support and guidance, your child can grow more confident, resilient, and independent — and you can feel empowered in your role as their guide.

Join SPACE: Start Your Journey Today

We offer:

1:1 SPACE Parent Support Sessions – Fill out our referral form and request a SPACE-trained therapist. We’ll help you get started with a personalized 8–12 session plan designed to reduce anxiety’s hold on your family and help you feel more confident, calm, and connected as a parent.

SPACE Parent Groups (small, supportive cohorts led by trained facilitators)

📅 Now enrolling new families!
📍 In-person & virtual options available
Summer Group begins Thursday July 3rd virtually
Fall 2025 Group currently has open spaces. Details to follow
Fill out our SPACE group form here.

SPACE Referral

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SPACE Treatment Format

Learn More on our Blog

Explore our blog for in-depth, parent-friendly resources on childhood and family anxiety. Here are a few articles we recommend:

You can also browse our full blog archive below, packed with practical information on childhood anxiety, OCD, parenting tools, and more.

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