SPACE Treatment
Empowering Parents to Help Anxious Children & Teens
Raising a child or teen who struggles with anxiety or OCD can often feel like walking on eggshells. You hate seeing them distressed, so naturally, you do whatever you can to help, such as constant reassurance, changing family routines, or avoiding triggers just to keep the peace. You are doing it out of love, but you might feel exhausted, helpless, or stuck in a cycle that doesn't seem to be getting better.
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We are excited to offer SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), an evidence-based treatment dedicated to breaking that cycle.
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Unlike traditional therapy that requires the child to lead the change, SPACE empowers you—the parent/caregiver. Developed at the Yale Child Study Center by Dr. Eli Leibowitz, this program gives you the tools to support your child’s distress without participating in their avoidance or rituals.
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Who is this for? SPACE is designed for parents of children and adolescents ages 4–17. It is especially effective for families where a child refuses traditional therapy, or past had not been sufficiently effective, or for parents who are ready to take the lead in changing the family dynamic.
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Does my child need to be in therapy? One of the greatest benefits of SPACE is its flexibility.
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Standalone: Your child does not need to be in their own therapy for this program to work.
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Alongside: If your child is already seeing an individual therapist, SPACE acts as a powerful complement to their work, but it is not required.
Program Details:
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Our Team: This program is delivered by Megan Davis and Allie Farris, Virginia licensed clinicians who have completed intensive SPACE training to expertly implement this treatment.
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Format: We offer this specialized training in an individualized format to ensure personalized care.
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Availability: Sessions are available In-Person and Virtually to best suit your family's schedule.
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Timeline: While the total number of sessions varies based on your specific situation, SPACE is a structured, short-term treatment. Most parents should expect to see real, meaningful change within 1–3 months of regular sessions.
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Commitment: This program relies on your dedication. Success requires consistent attendance and completing weekly "missions" to practice new strategies at home.
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What to Expect with
SPACE Treatment
1
Intake Process
Building the Foundation
Our work begins with a comprehensive intake session primarily for parents. Before we can make changes, we need to fully understand the landscape of your child’s anxiety. During this time, we will explore your child’s specific history, identify the "anxiety loop" currently happening at home, and pinpoint the specific accommodations that are maintaining the anxiety. This assessment ensures that SPACE is the appropriate clinical fit for your family and sets the stage for a successful treatment plan.
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Involving Your Child
Optional Participation
While we may recommend a session to help your child understand the "Anxiety Cycle," please know that their participation or willingness is not required. SPACE is designed to be effective even if your child refuses to attend appointments or is resistant to the idea of treatment. If they are open to it, we can use a session to explain that your new strategies come from a place of love. If not, we simply proceed with the parent sessions—you can still create meaningful change without their direct involvement.
3
Weekly Parent Session
Coaching, Strategy, & Support
Think of these weekly appointments as active strategy meetings rather than traditional talk therapy. Importantly, this process is not about blame, guilt, or looking backward at past parenting choices. Our focus is entirely forward-looking and solution-oriented: building your child’s resiliency by systematically decreasing parental accommodation. Together, we will troubleshoot specific challenges, practice supportive statements, and plan your upcoming "missions." These sessions provide the essential coaching and emotional backing you need to feel confident in your new approach, ensuring you have the support to help your child overcome their fears and grow stronger.