Services · For parents
The SPACE program
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, developed by the Yale Child Study Center, empowers parents to create a home where anxious kids become resilient.
SPACE is a Yale-developed, parent-based treatment for childhood anxiety and OCD, offered by SPACE-trained therapists at Touchstone in Vernon Hills, IL.
Who it’s for
Parents of anxious kids
The child
Benefits without attending
Format
With a trained therapist
First step
A short intake call
What it is
A program for parents, with results for children
SPACE addresses childhood anxiety through changes in parental responses and behaviors. Instead of focusing directly on the child, it equips parents with the tools to help their children face anxiety-provoking situations while fostering a supportive, empathetic family dynamic.
Principles and process
How it works
Key principles
- Reducing accommodation: the behaviors that inadvertently reinforce anxiety, like avoiding triggers or excessive reassurance
- Building supportive responses that foster resilience and independence
- Encouraging confidence: children learn to face fears and build coping skills
What happens in sessions
- Parents work closely with a trained therapist to identify accommodations and set realistic goals
- Sessions focus on implementing strategies at home, with ongoing guidance
- The child is not directly involved, but benefits from the changes parents make
Benefits
What families gain
Reduced anxiety
Children manage and reduce anxiety over time and gain confidence in hard situations.
Empowered parenting
Actionable tools, and less helplessness and frustration.
Better family dynamics
Stronger parent-child relationships and a calmer home.
Evidence-based
Backed by extensive research from the Yale Child Study Center.
Who it helps
Who can benefit from SPACE?
The program is ideal for families of children and adolescents who experience:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Specific phobias or fears
Why Touchstone
Why choose Touchstone for SPACE?
We are proud to offer SPACE as part of our commitment to supporting families. Our trained therapists:
- Guide parents through every step with empathy and expertise
- Tailor the program to each family’s needs and goals
- Provide ongoing support for lasting progress
Your care team
Clinicians who specialize in the SPACE program
VideoGet started
Ready to get started?
Touchstone Therapy Center is here to help. Fill out this form to schedule an appointment, or call (847) 996-6666 and our care coordinator will call you back.
Call (847) 996-6666
Hours Mon–Thu 8:30–7 · Fri 8:30–5 · Sat 9–1
Request a call back
"*" indicates required fields