When Worry Gets in the Way
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges children and teens face. It can show up as persistent worry, avoidance of situations, physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches, difficulty sleeping, meltdowns, or an intense need for reassurance.
When anxiety is getting in the way of a child or teen's daily life: school, friendships, family relationships, activities they used to enjoy: it is a sign that they could benefit from extra support.
Therapy at Little Waves helps children and teens understand what anxiety is and why it shows up, develop practical tools for managing worry and fear, and gradually build the courage to face situations that feel difficult. The goal is not to eliminate anxiety entirely: some anxiety is healthy and normal but to help young people respond to it in ways that don't hold them back.
- Understanding what anxiety is and how it affects them
- Recognizing anxious thoughts and challenging them
- Building a toolkit of calming and grounding strategies
- Gradually approaching feared or avoided situations
- Managing social anxiety and worry about what others think
- Separation anxiety and school avoidance
- Panic, perfectionism, and reassurance-seeking
- Helping parents respond in ways that reduce rather than reinforce anxiety
Anxiety responds well to the right support. Many children and teens who come in feeling overwhelmed by worry go on to handle challenging situations with much greater confidence and ease.
Approaches We Use for Anxiety
Every child is different. Tap an approach below to see how it fits into the work, Lianne combines these to build a plan that fits the individual.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
One of the most well-researched approaches for anxiety. CBT helps children and teens identify anxious thinking patterns and learn to challenge them, while gradually approaching feared situations rather than avoiding them.
Ready to help your child manage anxiety?
Every journey starts with a first step. Reach out and we'll find the right path forward for your child or teen, together.
66 Centre St, Thornhill, ON · In-person & virtual sessions available
FAQCommon Questions About Anxiety
What does anxiety look like in children and teens?
Anxiety can show up as constant worry, avoidance of situations, stomach aches before school, difficulty sleeping, clinginess, or meltdowns. It often looks different in children than adults, irritability and physical complaints are common signs.
What therapy works best for childhood anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most well-researched approach for childhood anxiety. At Little Waves, we also draw on ACT, mindfulness, and exposure-based techniques, always tailored to the individual child.
How long does anxiety therapy take for children?
Most children see meaningful improvement within 8–16 sessions, though this varies. Mild anxiety may respond in fewer sessions; more complex presentations or co-occurring conditions may take longer.
Can parents be involved in anxiety therapy?
Yes, parent involvement is often crucial. We provide guidance on how to respond to anxiety at home in ways that build courage rather than reinforcing avoidance.