Overcoming childhood anxiety: Lynn Lyons, LICSW - Concord, NH

The Impact of Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety in children is on the rise and sadly, when left untreated, is one of the strongest predictors of anxiety and depression later in life. Childhood fears and worries are normal, but excessive worrying and the cycle of behaviors that follow adversely influence a child’s learning, social development, and family life. For some, the impact can be severe.

Children who worry excessively or have phobias may also be fearful about their health and safety. Others may be averse to beneficial medical procedures (e.g. shots and operations). Some have difficulty separating from parents, falling asleep, participating in competitive activities (sports, academic tests, artistic auditions), or simply attending and learning in school. At a time when a child’s world should be happy, full of wonder and excited exploration, anxious children are mired in behaviors of avoidance and withdrawal.

Ending the Cycle of Worry and Fear

Children with anxieties are controlled by their fear. My seminars teach parents and school personnel, and through you the child, how to reverse this process so the child comes to control his or her fears. I will provide you with concrete information and equip you with skills that interrupt the “worrying cycle” — all based on the latest cognitive and strategic research.

After working with me, you will know how to help your anxious child:

accept and manage “normal” worries
calm and control the physical symptoms of anxiety
choose exploration of the world over avoidance
recognize and change the most common thought patterns of anxious thinkers

During the seminars, ample time is provided for questions and answers, with specific ideas and solutions given to help with many common fears and anxieties.

While interactive seminars are beneficial in addressing the most common forms of childhood anxiety, sometimes individual counseling is the preferred approach. If you would prefer an individual session, please contact me directly to schedule a private appointment.

Anxious child - fighting childhood anxiety

At a time when a child’s world should be happy, full of wonder and excited exploration, anxious children are mired in behaviors of avoidance and withdrawal.

In December of 2010, Lynn will be an invited faculty member at the Eighth Brief Therapy Conference in Orlando, Florida, speaking on the treatment of anxious children and the use of hypnosis with children.