5 Ways to Help a Child Manage Anxiety & OCD
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
When your child is anxious, it’s tempting to shield them from discomfort. This comes natural to us as parents! We want to help and protect our kids. Butwhen struggling with anxiety or OCD this can unintentionally worsen their symptoms . Instead, help them face their fears head-on. Encourage them to confront challenging situations. While you can’t guarantee nothing bad will happen, express confidence in their ability to cope. Remember, chronic anxiety in children can be inadvertently amplified by well-meaning parents. The key is teaching kids to manage anxiety as it arises, building resilience over time.
Proven Techniques to Help a Child Manage Anxiety & OCD
Helping your child manage anxiety can be challenging, but there are effective strategies you can use. Encourage them to face their fears gradually through exposure therapy. Cognitive restructuring can also help them challenge negative thoughts. Mindfulness techniques like guided imagery or meditation can also be beneficial. Here are some more effective methods you can try.
1. Avoid Reinforcing Your Child’s OCD Fears
When your child faces anxiety-inducing situations, it’s crucial not to inadvertently validate their fears. Your body language and tone of voice can speak volumes. For instance, if your child had a negative experience with a dog, resist the urge to tense up or show concern when you’re around dogs. Instead, model calm behavior and confidence. This approach helps your child understand that while their feelings are valid, the situation itself isn’t inherently dangerous.
2. Help the Child Learn to Manage Their Anxiety & OCD
Encouraging your child to face their fears is crucial. Let them know you’re proud of their efforts to tolerate anxiety while pursuing their goals. This approach helps them engage with life fully, allowing anxiety to follow its natural “habituation curve.” As they continue to confront stressors, their anxiety will gradually decrease over time. Praise their bravery and remind them that each small step forward is a significant achievement in managing their anxiety.
3. Think Anxiety Through With Them
When your child’s anxious, try walking them through their fears. Ask, “What if your worry came true? How would you handle it?” For instance, if they’re scared about being left at soccer practice, discuss the steps they’d take. “I’d tell the coach,” they might say. “And the coach would call you or wait with me.” This approach helps kids realize they can cope with unexpected situations. For separation anxiety, consider using a secret code word that only trusted adults would know, adding an extra layer of security.
4. Model Effective Anxiety & OCD Management Techniques
You’re your child’s first teacher, so show them how to handle anxiety like a pro. Instead of venting about stress, demonstrate healthy coping strategies. Take deep breaths, practice mindfulness, or go for a walk when you’re feeling overwhelmed. By modeling these techniques, you’re giving your child valuable tools to manage their own anxiety. Remember, kids are observant – they’ll pick up on your positive habits and learn to apply them in their own lives.
5. Encourage the Child to Face Their Fears
While it’s tempting to shield your child from anxiety-inducing situations, this can actually reinforce their fears. Instead, gently encourage them to face their anxieties. When your little one gets upset in an uncomfortable situation, resist the urge to whisk them away immediately. By staying calm and helping them work through their emotions, you’re teaching them valuable coping skills. Remember, short-term discomfort can lead to long-term resilience. Your support is key in helping them build confidence and overcome their fears.
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but you’ve got this! Take it one day at a time and celebrate the small wins. Your child may not overcome anxiety overnight, but with your love, support, and these tools, they’ll be better equipped to face their fears. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. A calm parent makes for a calmer kid.
OCD and Anxiety Treatment for Kids
At Resilience Counseling, we specialize in providing effective, evidence-based treatment for children struggling with OCD and anxiety. We understand that anxiety and OCD can be overwhelming for kids, making everyday activities like school, friendships, and family life feel stressful and exhausting. You too may feel overwhelmed unsure how to best help. Part of you wants to have them face fears and the other part wants to protect them. Our goal is to help you also so you know what to do and how to best support them. We help children and their families develop the tools they need to manage their fears, build confidence, and navigate life with greater ease.
How We Treat OCD and Anxiety in Children
Our approach is child-centered, engaging, and backed by science. We use:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold-standard treatment for OCD, helping kids gradually face their fears in a safe and supportive way without relying on compulsions. This is evidenced based treatment where we help children and their families learn how to beat their OCD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A highly effective approach that helps children understand and challenge anxious thoughts while learning healthy coping skills. This can help children learn to reevaluate and change their thinking patterns.
Play-Based Therapy: Incorporating art, storytelling, crafts, and dramatic play to help children express their emotions and build emotional regulation skills in a way that feels natural and fun.
Parent Involvement & Coaching: We provide guidance and strategies for parents to support their child’s progress at home, ensuring long-term success.
Why Early Intervention for Child OCD and Anxiety Matters
Anxiety and OCD symptoms often start in childhood or adolescence. When left untreated, they can worsen over time and impact self-esteem, academic performance, and social relationships. The good news is that early intervention can make a significant difference—teaching kids how to manage their anxiety and OCD now can set them up for a happier, more confident future.
Child OCD treatment San Diego, CA
At Resilience Counseling, we create a safe, supportive, and engaging space where kids can learn, grow, and develop healthy coping skills to manage their anxiety and OCD. Our specialized team of therapists are trained to work with children in a way that makes therapy accessible, effective, and even fun!
Where can I find OCD treatment for my child near me
If your child is struggling with OCD or anxiety, reach out today to learn how we can support them in gaining confidence, resilience, and a sense of control over their emotions.If you’re still feeling challenged with helping your child manage their anxiety, therapy can also help. You can encourage your child to attend a consultation with you. Contact us today to learn more about how therapy can empower your child to overcome anxiety.
Katherine Pica Child OCD Therapy - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica clinical director, and owner of Resilience Counseling. She supervises all the therapists at Resilience Counseling. She has been practicing since 2007 for over 18 years! Trained in ERP for OCD and EMDR for Trauma. Katherine brings years of experience to her team and your family! Resilience Counseling has appointments available in San Diego, CA for session in person and all over California for virtual therapy.
Child OCD treatment
In Person San Diego, CA based office
Disclaimer : The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and or medical advice, diagnosis, and or treatment. It is important to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health and/or medical condition. Never disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Resilience Counseling website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately.
