Supporting An Anxious Child

Supporting An Anxious Child is an online intervention based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, built in conjunction with leading clinical and subject matter experts. The programme aims to help parents and carers of children (aged 4 – 11) who are dealing with worry and anxiety, as well as providing helpful strategies to deal with their own anxiety. 

It is estimated that 1 in 8 children (12%) in England is living with a mental health problem. Alongside depression, anxiety is the most prevalent psychiatric problem experienced in childhood and adolescence. (NHS, 2017.) The My World II Survey showed a sharp increase in adolescents experiencing anxiety. A large study of young people in 2019, found that the proportion of adolescents (12-18-year-olds) in Ireland reporting severe anxiety had doubled to 22% since the same survey in 2012. (Dooley et al., 2019). Childhood anxiety has an impact on family processes as well as children's functioning with peers, school and recreation. (Rapee et al., 2009.) 

CBT & Childhood Anxiety

Cognitive behavioural therapy is proven to be effective in helping with childhood anxiety. CBT incorporates psychoeducation, relaxation and gradual exposure, with the aim of enabling children to identify their anxiety, and to apply their skills to gradually face anxiety-provoking situations. Problem solving is another important component of CBT for anxiety (Rapee et al., 2009) and is a major area of focus in this programme. 

Relaxation & Mindfulness

The programme also includes relaxation exercises for both children and parents/guardians using the programme. Practicing relaxation and mindfulness strategies can facilitate the recognition of anxious feelings and maladaptive thoughts, as well enhance self-monitoring and coping strategies and minimize avoidant behaviours (Roemer & Orsillo, 2002). Mindfulness practices have been evidenced as significant components in the long-term effectiveness of treatments for childhood anxiety. (Perry, Parrish et al., 2016). 

Strengths-Based Approach

In addition, the programme also adopts a strengths-based approach to supporting children, whereby parents are encouraged to acknowledge and build upon their children’s and their own strengths (Sharry, 2004). 

Benefits of Parent Training

There is strong evidence for the benefits of parent training with families when children and adolescents have emotional/behavioural problems. For example, a meta-analysis of seventeen evaluation studies with over 1,000 families found that the Parents Plus Programmes (group-based parent training courses) have a significant impact on child behaviour problems, goal attainment, and parental satisfaction and stress. (Carr et al., 2017).  Creswell and Cartwright-Hatton (2007) found that a substantial number of studies comparing CBT to CBT + FAM (Family Anxiety Management Therapy) indicate a beneficial effect of including parents in treatment.

Programme Modules:

Parenting An Anxious Child	Normalising anxiety and its presentation in children Empowering parents to recognise and focus on the helpful sides of anxiety.
Parenting Positively	Supporting parents in acknowledging how their own response impacts their children Empowering parents to recognise their own strengths
Changing Anxiety	Furthering the parent’s understanding of how anxiety is affecting their child. Introducing key CBT skills for helping their child to make changes which will reduce anxiety.
Problem Solving	Supporting children to take action to address worries through effective problem solving Facilitating positive communication channels between parent and child
Changing Thoughts	Using cognitive restructuring strategies to promote more balanced thinking Promoting acceptance as a an alternative for managing worries.
Facing Fears	Recognising the importance of a child facing their fears, rather than avoiding them Encouraging parents to use graded exposure with their child
Creating A Plan	Supporting parents in ongoing anxiety management planning
Going Forward	Emphasising the importance of self-esteem and resilience in staying healthy.

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