Confident Kids Are Happy Kids

Is your child struggling with anxiety or a preoccupation with certain topics that is stealing their ability to just be a kid? Everyone faces the pressure of trying to fit in and navigating social situations, but some children have unique personalities and biological makeups that cause them to respond more intensely to scary thoughts, social anxiety, or fears of embarrassment. They may also struggle deeply with things they find disgusting or repulsive.

This is why we say, “It’s not you, it’s the anxiety.” The difference between a child who is preoccupied with these topics and one who moves on without a care isn't a lack of character or a result of trauma. The difference is that they are built in a way that makes them more sensitive to anxious thoughts and feelings. These children often have incredible strengths. They are empathetic and loving, but their anxiety makes their lives feel much smaller than they should be.

The good news is that early intervention for childhood anxiety disorders can save them from years of future struggle. Our goal is to help your anxious child or teen become brave and confident now, preventing long-term patterns of overestimating danger and underestimating their own ability. We teach them that anxiety and OCD are just a "worry trick" or a "false alarm" that can be overcome with courage and a strategic approach.

We don't do traditional play therapy, but we are very playful in how we treat anxiety. Fun and humor dispel fear. All of our therapists have extensive experience helping kids transition from fearful avoiders who seek constant reassurance to kids who take appropriate risks without constantly checking with their parents. Working with these families is one of the most rewarding things we do.

How Is This Different Than Talk Therapy?

“Trees that are exposed to strong winds early in life become trees that can withstand even stronger winds when full grown. Conversely, trees that are grown in a protected greenhouse sometimes fall over from their own weight before they reach maturity.” — Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation

All therapy involves talking, but therapy for anxiety disorders cannot be based solely on insight or "relating well" to a therapist. To learn that their fears aren't as scary as they think, children have to actually step toward them. The goal is to bring down their "feeling temperature" by changing how they think and act in the face of anxiety, not by avoiding the triggers. This leads to lasting strength.

Exposure therapies are more strategic than "just do it." We provide significant education and motivation for both the child and the parents. We teach kids that facing a fear is like jumping into a cold swimming pool; at first, it feels uncomfortable, but your body is designed to get used to it until the water feels "warmer."

Our job is to connect with your child and give them a vision for this process. By doing the opposite of what anxiety tells them to do, they learn they have power over their physical reactions. When a family starts facing fears in a consistent, fun way, the gains in confidence are amazing.

How Do I Know if My Kid Has an Anxiety Disorder?

Not all anxiety is a problem. In fact, a little bit of anxiety helps kids make good grades, show up on time, and perform well. Dr. Aureen Wagner describes the "Four D’s" of an anxiety disorder as follows:

1. Disproportion: The child has an exaggerated sense of threat in situations where most people would not be concerned.

2. Disruption: The anxiety interferes with daily routines like eating, getting dressed, school, or sleep.

3. Distress: The child is struggling so much that they are becoming unhappy or miserable.

4. Duration: This level of anxiety has been occurring for at least one month.

Signs and Symptoms to Look For

• Separation Anxiety: Extreme distress when away from loved ones or a refusal to leave home.

• Generalized Anxiety (GAD): Perfectionism and uncontrollable, unstoppable worry about routine events.

• Social Anxiety: Intense fear of humiliation, embarrassment, or performance situations.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Relentless thoughts (Obsessions) and repeated actions (Compulsions) used to relieve distress. This includes "Just Right" OCD, where a child feels something must happen a certain way.

• PANDAS/PANS: A sudden, dramatic onset of OCD or tics following an infection like Strep.

• Panic Disorder: Repeated, "out of the blue" panic attacks and the dread of the next one occurring.

Our Qualifications

Our clinicians have years of experience working with children in medical settings, community mental health, and private practice. We have specialized training from the Baylor College of Medicine via the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) in pediatric OCD and anxiety, as well as Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT).

We are raising our own families here in Mississippi and are invested in our local communities and churches. Effective therapy requires trust and relatability, not just expertise. You will find both here.

What to Expect at the First Visit

Depending on your child’s age, we prefer to have parents in the room as often as possible. We do this because anxiety often affects the whole family, not just the individual. When we are all on the same page, progress is faster and more sustained. We make the process engaging and look forward to helping your child find their courage and better understand their unique anxiety response so they can learn how to work with it from here forward.

Sources:

• Worried No More: Help and Hope for Anxious Children by Dr. Aureen Wagner

• Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation.