Anxiety

All children feel nervous at some time or another. This is a normal part of life. The many transitions kids go through as they grow can cause experiences of excessive worry and anxiety.  It can be difficult for children to manage changing family dynamics, increasing homework loads, challenging social situations, and pressure to perform academically or athletically. (Often, all at the same time!).

Adolescents learning more about the realities of the world and figuring out how they fit in can feel overwhelmed. We teach children and adolescents to understand their anxiety and we provide tools to the reduce worry and associated physical symptoms. We also work with parents to teach them how to best support their children when they are distressed.

Characteristics

• Children appear excessively worried and may seem more quiet or withdrawn
• Physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches
• Children appear more irritable and can seem oppositional at times
• Children may become more attached and clingy to parents. They may have trouble sleeping alone or have nightmares
• Excessive need for reassurance
• Parent frustration when unable to say anything that seems to help or soothe

Effective Tools for Anxiety Reduction

Located in midtown Manhattan next to Grand Central Station, Behavior Therapy of New York provides psychological tools to help children become more adept at managing their anxiety by combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, and biofeedback approaches.

• Psychoeducation teaches children about how anxiety works. It helps them improve awareness and remove their fear of those symptoms
• Relaxation exercises, breathing training, and progressive muscle relaxation help children learn how to relax their bodies. Biofeedback games are fun and effective ways for children to improve their ability to change their bodily reactions to anxiety
• Mindfulness training can help children improve their ability to focus and control the amount of time they spend worrying. They can learn to refocus on problem-solving or more enjoyable activities
• Cognitive therapy helps children notice and change negative thought patterns that make anxiety worse. Behavioral interventions such as scheduling activities, engaging in challenges, and giving rewards can help children practice new healthy behaviors and coping skills
• Parent training/Family therapy helps families work together to help maintain the child’s progress. Parents can get support from therapists and are taught evidence-based skills for coaching their children at home

Contact Behavior Therapy of New York to help your child reduce stress and anxiety.