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When Anxiety Runs the House:
A New Way to Help Your Anxious Child
You’re NOT alone if you’re a parent or guardian who:
Many loving, well-intentioned parents of anxious children end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering: Am I helping… or accidentally making this worse?
This is where SPACE comes in.
What is SPACE?
Nope, not outer space! SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. It’s an evidence-based, parent-focused treatment developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz to support children and teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, and related concerns.
Unlike some traditional approaches, SPACE works with parents, not the child. Research shows that when parents change how they respond to anxiety, children often become less anxious and more confident on their own.
Yes, it can work without your child having to attend a therapy session.
Wait… My Anxious Child Doesn’t Have to Be in Therapy?
In SPACE, parents and guardians are the ones who participate in treatment. This can be a huge relief for families whose child:
When SPACE is successful, children feel less anxious and function better in daily life, even though the work happens through the adults who care for them.
Who is SPACE for?
SPACE is designed for parents whose children and teens experience:
If anxiety is running the household (dictating schedules, meals, sleep, school drop-offs, or family plans), SPACE may be a great fit!
What Actually Happens in SPACE Treatment?
SPACE is practical, supportive, and empowering for parents. Rather than asking you to force your child to change, SPACE focuses on changes YOU can make in your own behavior (because that’s where you have the most control).
Parents learn tools and skills to help their child move through anxiety more confidently by focusing on two key shifts:
Supportive responses communicate:
Accommodations are the things parents naturally do to reduce their child’s distress:
In SPACE, parents learn how to gradually and compassionately reduce these accommodations, helping anxiety shrink instead of grow. Importantly: this is done thoughtfully, collaboratively, and without punishment or pressure.
Why Parents Often Feel So Seen in SPACE
Parents have shared with SPACE providers:
SPACE gives language, structure, and relief to these experiences WITHOUT blaming parents or expecting perfection.
SPACE at B Well Counseling Center
We’re excited to share that two of our therapists, Dr. Melanie Gregg and Marisa Gonzalez are SPACE-trained and ready to work with parents who are navigating childhood anxiety, OCD, and related challenges.
Whether your child is resistant to therapy or you’re simply looking for a parent-centered, research-backed approach, SPACE offers a powerful way to support your child while also reducing stress in your family.
Curious if SPACE Might Be Right for Your Family?
If you’re ever thought:
SPACE may be a meaningful next step! We’d love to talk with you about whether this approach fits your family’s needs and how our SPACE-trained therapists can support you.
Call (713) 364-9317 or email hello@bwellcounselingcenter.com to learn more and schedule a free consultation call!
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