Helping Parents
Support Children
With Anxiety & OCD

Hands holding paper doll cutouts of a family

If your child or adolescent struggles with anxiety or OCD, you’ve probably tried everything to make things better: reassurance, avoiding triggers, changing routines — and yet the anxiety still calls the shots.

SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is a parent-focused evidence-based program developed by Eli Lebowitz, PhD, at Yale’s Child Study Center. SPACE guides parents in making key changes in their own behavior that lead to a reduction in their child’s anxiety—while supporting a healthier Family dynamic.

How SPACE Works

Instead of trying to “fix” your child’s anxiety or ocd directly, SPACE focuses on what’s in your control — your own responses. By changing the way you support your child with anxiety, you help them become more resilient and confident. It’s empowering, practical and effective.

With SPACE, you will:

  • Learn how anxiety takes hold in family dynamics

  • Identify accommodations that keep anxiety cycles spinning

  • Build new communication and response skills

  • Help your child face fears safely and independently

What to Expect WITH SPACE:

  • Typically 8–12 weekly sessions

  • One-on-one parent meetings (no child participation needed)

  • Worksheets, scripts and between-session support when needed

SPACE isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing differently. With the right tools, you can reduce anxiety’s control and build a calmer, more ADAPTIVE family life.

Get Started!