The Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) virtual group is a 10-session program designed to help parents reduce family accommodations that may be reinforcing their child’s anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Conducted via Zoom, this evidence-based program empowers parents to address their child’s anxiety without the child attending sessions. By making strategic changes in their own behavior, parents can help their child build independence and resilience in the face of anxiety.
The SPACE approach has been rigorously tested in clinical trials and proven to be effective as a standalone treatment. Accommodations are well-intended actions that parents take to reduce their child’s distress (e.g., sleeping near a child who fears nighttime, providing constant reassurance, or avoiding certain social situations). This program teaches parents how to identify and gradually reduce these accommodations, helping their child develop coping skills and confidence.
If you’re interested in learning more or would like to register for the next session of the SPACE Parent Training Group, contact our team. Let’s work together to create a supportive environment that promotes your child’s growth and resilience.
Group Topics Include:
- How to effectively support your child’s emotional needs
- Identifying and understanding family accommodations
- Choosing which accommodations to target for change
- Communicating upcoming changes to your child
- Creating a step-by-step plan for reducing accommodations
- Handling your child’s emotional reactions to these changes
- Engaging additional family or community supporters for long-term success
Parents will learn practical strategies to implement after each session, helping their child gain greater emotional independence. The program fosters a supportive and confidence-building environment for lasting change.
Details
When: Wednesdays, 12:15-1:15 pm (Virtual via Zoom)
What: 10-session group therapy for parents of children with anxiety or OCD
Intake: Families new to the practice must complete a virtual or in-person intake with both parent(s) and child prior to starting the group.
Helpful Links:
- What is the SPACE program? (11 min video)
- How to reduce accommodations (20 min video)
- Introduction to the SPACE model (2 min video)
For more information about the SPACE program, visit SPACE Treatment.
