Therapy for Anxiety in Cary, NC.

Therapy for Anxiety Includes:

Postpartum Anxiety- See New Moms Page

Parenting a Child with Anxiety

The only thing more challenging than having anxiety is parenting a child with anxiety.  You feel overwhelmed, unsure, and worried about their future.  I understand the complexities of raising an anxious child.  I have parented anxious children myself, and I saw children and their parents together for years in my practice.  I am here to provide you with the guidance, support, and tools you need to navigate this journey with confidence and compassion.

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You might know your child is anxious because they worry excessively.  They might fear situations (like school or sleepovers) or they might have physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches. It’s normal for children to experience anxiety sometimes, but when it interferes with their daily life and happiness, it’s time to address it. Understanding your child’s signs of anxiety and their triggers is the first step in helping your child feel safe and secure.

Knowing their triggers doesn’t mean you should help them avoid things they fear. But I don’t want you to “throw them in the pool” either.  You need to support facing their fear in a way they can take ownership of successfully overcoming it, and without overwhelming them.  In therapy, we call this keeping someone in their window of tolerance.  If done right, facing these fears and having success will empower them to be better able to do it again in other areas of their life. 

Avoidance makes sense to anyone (and everyone) when they are afraid, but in the long run, it makes anxiety worse.  It too easily becomes a cycle where the relief of avoiding something leads to more and more avoidance.  This leads to feelings of isolation, helplessness, and depression because your world becomes smaller each time you avoid something that could have made your life bigger and better.

Every anxious child is unique, and so are the strategies that work best for them. Together, we will develop personalized parenting techniques that align with your child’s specific needs and strengths. This includes creating a supportive and structured environment, teaching relaxation techniques (if they are open to using them), and using positive reinforcement to build your child’s confidence. I will guide you in implementing these strategies effectively, making your home a safe haven for your child.

Raising an anxious child also takes an emotional toll on you. You are probably feeling frustrated, guilty, and helpless. With me, you can have a safe space to express your feelings and work through them without judgment. We will explore ways to build your emotional resilience, helping you to stay calm and patient even during the hardest of times.

Effective communication is crucial in fostering a positive relationship with your anxious child. Children with anxiety often need extra reassurance and understanding and often they make it hard to provide it to them. I will help you develop clear and empathetic communication techniques that will help your child feel heard and understood. These skills will not only ease your child’s anxiety, but it will also strengthen your relationship with them.

Your child’s education and social interactions are vital parts of their development. Working closely with teachers, school counselors, and other professionals will ensure that your child receives the support they need both at home and in school. I can help you in navigating these relationships, advocating for your child’s needs, and creating a consistent approach across school, camp, and hopefully even grandma’s house.

Caring for an anxious child requires significant energy and dedication. It’s essential to also take care of yourself. We will explore practical self-care strategies that fit into your busy life, ensuring you have the physical and emotional resources to support your child effectively. I will also help you work through your issues that are keeping you from showing up for your child in the way that you want.  Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s a necessity for both you and your child.  If you don’t take care of yourself emotionally, it will be  harder to take care of your child

Connecting with other mothers who are having similar experiences can be incredibly empowering. I can help you find communities where you can share your journey, gain insights, and feel understood. These connections can provide you with additional resources and a sense of solidarity.

Therapy for Anxiety Includes:

Anxiety about your Relationships (Attachment-related anxiety)

Attachment anxiety is a type of anxiety that centers around relationships and the fear of losing those close to you. As a mother, you might experience this anxiety in various ways, affecting your relationships with your partner, children, family, and friends.

Common Worries When You Have Attachment Anxiety:

Relationship with Your Partner:   You might worry that your partner doesn’t love you as much as you love them or fear that they might leave you. You could find yourself needing constant reassurance and feeling insecure about your relationship.

Relationship with Your Children:   As a mother, you might worry excessively about whether you’re a good enough parent. You may feel anxious about your children’s well-being and whether they feel loved and secure. These worries might make you overly protective or fearful of being away from them.  Children can sense these feelings and it can make them feel anxious too or feel like they need to take care of you.

Relationships with Family and Friends:   You might feel anxious about your relationships with other family members and friends. This can include fears of being misunderstood, rejected, or not valued. You could worry that people you care about will abandon you or not support you when you need them.

Symptoms of Attachment Anxiety:

Constant Need for Reassurance:   You might frequently seek validation from your loved ones, asking if everything is okay or if they still care about you.

Fear of Rejection:   You could be highly sensitive to any signs of disinterest or rejection from others, even if these signs are minor or imagined.

Overthinking Relationships:   You might spend a lot of time analyzing your interactions with others, trying to figure out if you’ve done something wrong or if someone is upset with you.

Difficulty Trusting:  Trusting others might be hard for you, and you might fear being let down or betrayed.

What You Can Do:

Seek Professional Help (AHEM – See Me!): A therapist can help you understand and manage your anxiety. Therapy can provide strategies to feel more secure and trusting in your relationships.

Self-Care:  Take time for yourself to relax and engage in activities that make you feel good. This can help reduce overall anxiety.

Build Trust Gradually:  Work on trusting your loved ones slowly. Recognize and challenge negative thoughts that contribute to your anxiety.

Remember, attachment anxiety is a common issue and CAN be managed with the right support and strategies. You’re not alone, and seeking help is a positive step toward improving your relationships and your overall well-being.