Understanding the

SPACE Program

Supporting Parents of Anxious Childhood Emotions
The SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) program, developed by the Yale Child Study Center, is a research-based approach to helping parents support children with anxiety. Instead of focusing directly on the child, SPACE empowers parents to create an environment that fosters resilience and reduces anxiety.

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What is the SPACE Program?

The SPACE program is designed to address childhood anxiety through changes in parental responses and behaviors. It equips parents with the tools to help their children face anxiety-provoking situations while fostering a supportive and empathetic family dynamic.

Key Principles of the SPACE Program

  • Reducing Accommodation: Parents learn to minimize behaviors that inadvertently reinforce their child’s anxiety, such as avoiding triggers or providing excessive reassurance.
  • Building Supportive Responses: Parents develop strategies to respond to their child’s anxiety in ways that foster resilience and independence.
  • Encouraging Confidence: Through structured guidance, children learn to face their fears and gradually build coping skills.

How SPACE Works

  • Parents work closely with a trained therapist to identify accommodations and set realistic goals for change.
  • Sessions focus on helping parents implement strategies at home, with ongoing guidance and support.
  • The child is not directly involved in therapy, but benefits from the changes made by parents.

Benefits of the SPACE Program

The SPACE program is a highly effective intervention for families navigating childhood anxiety. Its benefits include:

Reduced Anxiety Symptoms

  • Helps children manage and reduce anxiety over time.
  • Builds the child’s confidence and resilience in challenging situations.

Empowered Parenting

  • Provides parents with actionable tools to address anxiety effectively.
  • Reduces feelings of helplessness and frustration in managing a child’s anxiety.

Improved Family Dynamics

  • Strengthens parent-child relationships through supportive and empathetic communication.
  • Creates a calmer, more understanding home environment.

Evidence-Based Results

  • Backed by extensive research from the Yale Child Study Center.
  • Proven to reduce anxiety in children through parental behavior change.

Who Can Benefit from the SPACE Program?

The SPACE program is ideal for families of children and adolescents who experience:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Specific phobias or fears

Why Choose Touchstone Therapy Center for SPACE?

At Touchstone Therapy Center, we are proud to offer the SPACE program as part of our commitment to supporting families. Our trained therapists:

  • Guide parents through every step of the SPACE process with empathy and expertise.
  • Tailor the program to each family’s unique needs and goals.
  • Provide ongoing support to ensure lasting progress and positive outcomes.

Touchstone Clinicians who Specialize in the SPACE Program

Start Your Journey with SPACE

The SPACE program offers parents a powerful way to support their children’s emotional well-being and foster a more confident, resilient future. By focusing on supportive parenting techniques, families can create a foundation for lasting change.

Contact Touchstone Therapy Center today to learn more about the SPACE program and how it can support your family’s journey toward healing and growth.