When a child is anxious, or behavior at home is hard to manage, parents often find that the more they try to help, the more stuck the family feels. SPACE and Parent Management Training are structured programs that work through parents, giving you specific tools to respond in ways that reduce symptoms and conflict. Sessions are available in person and online.
How Parent-Led Programs Work
Children spend most of their time at home, and the way a family responds to anxiety or difficult behavior can ease it or, without anyone meaning to, keep it going. SPACE and Parent Management Training give parents specific, research-based tools to change those patterns. You are not being blamed for your child’s difficulties. You are being given the skills and support to help.
Our Programs
SPACE
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a parent-based program for children and teens with anxiety or OCD. Parents learn to offer support and confidence while gradually reducing accommodation, the ways the family adapts to avoid or ease anxiety. Your child does not need to attend sessions.
Parent Management Training (PMT)
A skills-based program for challenging behavior, including ADHD-related behavior, defiance, and aggression. Parents learn to give clear instructions, use positive attention and rewards, and set consistent consequences, and practice these skills in session and at home.
Who These Programs Help
Anxiety and Avoidance
Children whose worries lead to avoidance, clinging, or frequent requests for reassurance.
OCD and Rituals
Children with OCD, where families are often drawn into rituals and reassurance.
Defiance and Outbursts
Frequent arguments, refusals, and angry outbursts that leave the household on edge.
ADHD-Related Behavior
Difficulty with routines, following directions, and homework that leads to daily conflict.
Children Who Will Not Attend Therapy
Children who are unwilling or unable to take part in therapy themselves.
Parents Who Feel Stuck
Parents who are tired, second-guessing themselves, and want a clear plan.
What to Expect
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you reach out.
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1
A Free Consultation
We talk briefly about what your child is experiencing and match your family with a clinician whose training fits your needs.
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2
Choosing a Program
Your clinician learns about your child and your family’s routines, then recommends the program that fits, SPACE, PMT, or a combination.
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3
Weekly Sessions
Parents attend sessions to learn and practice skills, try them at home, and review what worked at the next session. Progress is reviewed regularly.
Care That Connects Across Specialties
SPACE and PMT are often part of a larger plan. Our clinicians work across specialties, and with your consent your clinician can coordinate with colleagues across the practice.
- For more on how we treat worry and rituals, see anxiety and OCD therapy for children and teens.
- For more on attention and executive function, see neuro-affirming ADHD therapy for children and teens.
- Parents who want broader support can find it through parent-focused therapy.
- When a child is also in treatment, see child and adolescent therapy.
- When the strain affects the whole household, family therapy can help everyone work together.
- When a child’s difficulties are putting strain on the parents’ relationship, couples therapy can help improve communication.
- Parents going through a separation can find support in our separation and divorce support group.
