Therapy for Overcoming Childhood Anxiety and Fears

Therapeutic approaches for overcoming childhood anxiety and fears are vital in helping individuals develop resilience, manage distress, and establish lifelong coping mechanisms. Childhood anxiety can present as social anxiety, generalised anxiety, specific phobias, or separation anxiety, influencing an individual’s social and emotional growth. Addressing these anxieties through tailored therapeutic approaches can help individuals process and navigate their fears constructively.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy approaches

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is increasingly used with individuals to manage intense emotions and anxiety. Initially developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, helping individuals become more aware of their emotional responses and equipping them with strategies to handle anxious moments. DBT skills training, which includes modules on effective communication and self-soothing techniques, can be valuable for individuals experiencing intense anxiety, enabling them to build greater control over their emotional responses.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers another helpful approach, especially for individuals struggling with recurring worries or negative self-talk. ACT teaches individuals to accept rather than avoid uncomfortable emotions and to view these feelings as part of life rather than threats. By learning to take anxious thoughts without judgment, individuals can shift their focus toward actions that align with their values and goals, reducing the impact of their fears. Through ACT, individuals become more resilient, learning that while anxiety may surface, it does not have to prevent them from engaging with their interests or socialising.

Gestalt Therapy approaches

Gestalt Therapy provides individuals with tools for understanding and expressing their emotions in the present moment. By focusing on the “here and now,” individuals are encouraged to articulate their feelings and practice self-awareness, which can reduce anxiety’s power over them. Gestalt techniques, such as role-playing and guided visualisation, allow individuals to safely explore their fears, develop a more empowered sense of self, and learn how to process their anxieties as they arise.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based method that teaches individuals to recognise and modify anxious thoughts and behaviours. In CBT, individuals learn to identify their anxiety triggers and develop coping strategies to manage them. Techniques often include gradual exposure to feared situations or objects, relaxation exercises, and cognitive restructuring, which involves challenging negative thought patterns. By reframing how they interpret situations, individuals can reduce the intensity of their fears and build confidence in their ability to handle anxiety-provoking circumstances.

Applied Behavior Analysis approaches.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely used to help individuals, especially those with developmental disorders, overcome specific fears and anxiety triggers. ABA focuses on modifying behaviours through positive reinforcement, gradually desensitising individuals to anxiety-inducing situations. By breaking down anxiety-provoking tasks into manageable steps and rewarding successful engagement, individuals learn to approach rather than avoid fearful situations, fostering confidence.

Conclusion

In summary, effective therapy for anxiety and fears stemming from childhood may include DBT for emotional regulation, ACT for acceptance and mindfulness, Gestalt Therapy for self-awareness, and ABA for behaviour modification. Each approach provides unique tools, empowering individuals to face their fears and build emotional resilience.

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here. 

Charlot Cauchi is a Gestalt Psychotherapist at Willingness. He has experience working with adult clients with mental health difficulties, anxiety and depression, loss and grief, traumatic experiences, stress and relational issues.

References

Corsini, R. J., & Wedding, D. (Eds.). (2013). Current psychotherapies (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.