Separation Anxiety Therapy in Los Angeles
Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a common, though impairing, disorder that negatively impacts the lives of millions of children and their parents.
SAD can be a major cause of stress for your child and impair their academic and social development. Thankfully, SAD can be treated.
1-2
The age when children typically begin to exhibit SAD traits.
1 in 25
The number of children that will be affected by separation anxiety in childhood.
High
Negative impact on quality of life for children and their families.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Many children have difficulty saying goodbye to their parents. In fact, this is a normal part of child development! In a small number of cases where separation anxiety is extreme and impacting your child or your family’s functioning, your family may be able to benefit from some support.
Separation Anxiety Disorder is characterized by extreme distress when needing to separate from parents or loved ones. They may feel a fear of danger when not with their loved ones and worry that something bad might happen to themselves or others when separated. From difficulty getting dropped off at school to being afraid of sleeping alone, separation anxiety disorder can manifest in many different ways with the common theme being an overwhelming fear of separating.
The symptoms of separation anxiety can start to show as early as 1, when toddlers become distressed when away from parents. In many cases for young children, separation anxiety is a typical part of development, and it resolves. When children continue to have significant separation anxiety, they may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder.
With separation anxiety disorder, a child may miss out on enjoying social and academic events. Nightmares can also impact a child's sleep quality.
Signs and Symptoms
The strongest sign of SAD is an extreme over-attachment to parents while also experiencing fears of something bad happening to themselves or a loved one. They may have trouble sleeping on their own, or even playing on their own in another room in your home.
Children can also manifest physical discomfort from SAD, such as headaches or an upset stomach.
Highly distressed when separating - or from the idea of separating - from parents
A fear that something bad will happen to their family or themselves if separated
Physical discomfort, like headaches or stomachaches, when separated
Separation Anxiety Treatment
Treatment starts with getting a diagnosis. Work with a psychologist or contact us to schedule an assessment for your child.
The most evidenced-based treatment practice for SAD is exposures, a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Your therapist will gradually work with you and your child to approach the situations that are difficult. By moving slowly and building your child's confidence one situation at a time, your child's brave behavior is positively reinforced.
Part of an evidence-based treatment plan is also giving you the skills to work with your child in real-life settings, so that once therapy is over you can continue practicing together.
How to Get Your Child Help
Get Diagnosis
Get your child assessed by a trained psychologist to determine whether or not he/she has SAD.
3. Exposures
Your child is gradually exposed to the situations that make them anxious. Over time, these situations become more normal and reduce the anxiety response.
2. Develop Treatment Plan
Your clinician will work with you to create a treatment plan that helps your child without pushing them too far.
4. Follow Up
You will learn the skills to continue helping your child after your treatment completes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is separation anxiety a mental disorder?
Separation anxiety is common and not a mental disorder. However, separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a more serious, clinical anxiety disorder diagnosed by mental health professionals.
Do kids grow out of SAD?
When children have typical levels of separation anxiety, they may grow out of it or go through “phases” of separation anxiety. Some kids may not grow out of separation anxiety disorder and require more support from a professional to feel brave.
What should I tell the school?
It is very important that your child's school understands the treatment plan. The first step should be talking to the school to make sure they know what SAD is and how the treatment will work. If possible, you can also give the school information on how to help your child cope with separation.