Understanding Separation Anxiety in NJ Children
Watching your child become distressed every time you leave is both heartbreaking and exhausting. If tearful goodbyes and clingy behavior have become daily challenges in your family, you’re not alone – separation anxiety is the most common form of anxiety in children under 12. And when it happens, it can take hold of your life.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- Your child throws tantrums or cries inconsolably when you try to leave
- When you’re apart, your child is intensely afraid of something happening to you
- Sleepovers at friends’ houses feel impossible for them
- The thought of school makes your child physically ill
You’ve tried everything to help your child feel secure and brave, but nothing helps ease their panic about being away from you
If this resonates with you, your child might be experiencing separation anxiety – a struggle that’s both completely treatable and really common.
Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety In Children
While everyone experiences separation anxiety a bit differently, some common signs of separation anxiety are:
- Emotional meltdowns or tantrums when separation is approaching
- Panic or extreme stress
- Excessive worry about safety when you’re apart
- Physical illness (stomach aches, headaches)
- Nightmares
- Difficulty calming down after you leave, regardless of how long it’s been
- Avoidance of school and social activities
- Clinging behavior that seems excessive for their age
- Trouble sleeping alone
- Resistance to bedtime
Why Don’t All Children Have Separation Anxiety?
There are several reasons why children develop separation anxiety. You may be wondering why your child is experiencing this as opposed to other children you know. Many parents’ first thought is “what am I doing wrong?” Let us try to ease your mind – separation anxiety is typically the result of some form of change in their normal routine. It is rarely due to any wrongdoing on their caregiver’s part. Some common causes can be:
- Changes in the family, like separation/divorce, birth, and death.
- New or changing caregivers
- Change in daily environment, such as moving to a new house, town, or school
- Pet loss
- Family history of anxiety (yes, there can be a genetic component!)
- Traumatic events, such as disasters, abuse, and loss
- Any life change, even if it is positive!
Counseling Can Help the Fear of Being Alone in NJ
Parenting is the most demanding job someone could have. We want to acknowledge the frustration, stress, and possible guilt you may be feeling as a parent of a child who may be suffering from separation anxiety.
Here are the facts you should know about separation anxiety:
- It is extremely common for children to experience separation anxiety.
- It most commonly presents any time from 18 months to 12 years old.
- Compared to other kinds of anxiety (like social anxiety or phobias), separation anxiety is the most common form of anxiety experienced by children
We want you to know that separation anxiety does not mean you are doing something wrong as a parent. In fact, you are already doing everything you can – advocating for your child and trying your best to help them.
Mindful Connections Counseling Approach to Separation Anxiety Disorder
Play therapy is the number one form of treatment for separation anxiety seen in children. When working with your child, our goals are to help your child::
- Feel safe in their environment, with or without their caregiver
- Trust (safe) people who aren’t caregivers
- And trust that you will return!
Here at Mindful Connections Counseling we provide you and your child(ren) that safe space where we can support you by:
- Creating an alliance with both you and your child, separately and together
- Using play therapy to assist in coping skills
- Strengthening your child’s ability to be away from, but still connected to you
- Collaborating on ways to support your child outside of therapy
- Providing parent coaching as well as individual therapy for your own mental health care
There is no one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach, therefore we integrate multiple approaches such as:
- Child Play Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Parent Coaching
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring
- Mindfulness
- EMDR for kids
Therapy For Separation Anxiety in NJ
In treating separation anxiety, sessions will typically involve activities like:
- Sandplay
- Puppet play
- Art therapy
We incorporate various forms of play therapy that allow children to feel comfortable and safe, while simultaneously allowing the therapist to gain information and insight into how the child thinks. Parents are encouraged to be involved in treatment. Family sessions, feedback from caregivers, and progress check-ins are all part of what we do. For your child’s therapist, sessions with your child as well as sessions without your child present are extremely helpful!
Our goal is to find ways for you to support your child outside of therapy, work as a team toward our goals, and celebrate at each step along the way!
Secure Attachment Is Possible: Begin Counseling For Separation Anxiety In NJ
You don’t have to endure the anxiety forever. Counseling can help your child gain confidence and help you reclaim your independence and mental well–being. Our Metuchen location as well as our virtual services in NJ have caring therapists who specialize in separation anxiety in children. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Contact Mindful Connections Counseling
- Meet with one of the therapists on our amazing team
- Watch your child develop confidence and your family thrive!
Other Counseling Services at Mindful Connections Counseling
Separation anxiety counseling is not the only service we offer at Mindful Connections Counseling in NJ. Other mental health services Mindful Connections Counseling offers includes couples therapy, trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, grief counseling, eating disorders treatment, race-related stress counseling, new parent counseling, and more. Contact us today, to learn more about Attachment Anxiety, and other services we provide that may be helpful to you!