Separation anxiety therapy explained
Separation anxiety is a fear of losing, or being away from a person or attachment figure. It is most common amongst babies and small children, and considered to be a normal part of a child’s development; one they grow out of. But separation anxiety isn’t just limited to children, adults can also experience it.
Separation anxiety in children
Separation anxiety in babies and children starts when the child realised how dependent they are on the person or persons who can for them. It makes sense really, they rely on that person to provide all their basic needs as well as comfort and love.
As children become more aware they develop stronger relationships with these primary care-givers and, in turn, they don’t feel safe without them. Usually as a child develops and becomes older they ‘grow out’ of this stage. However, for some children it continues and can impact their daily lives as well as their emotional development and wellbeing. If you feel your child is struggling, we can help.
Our approach to separation anxiety family therapy
Our trained therapies will work with you and the child using a combination of treatments and therapies. If your child doesn’t yet have the words to describe how they are feeling then we can use a combination of treatments and therapies such as play and art therapy as well as talking therapies, depending on what’s age appropriate.
Separation anxiety in adults
Separation anxiety in adults can be so intense that it affects every area of their lives, from homelife to work. The idea of being separated from that person or persons can feel overwhelming. This is where we can help.
Adult separation anxiety can be caused by a number of reasons. Life events such as the loss of an attachment figure, permanently or briefly can result in such feelings. Separation anxiety in adults is often linked to other underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress and past trauma .
We will work with you to identify the causes behind your separation anxiety using a combination of treatments and therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), hypnotherapy, and talking therapies such as psychotherapy and counselling.[LINK]
CBT therapy for separation anxiety in more detail
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is about looking at the relationship between your thoughts and feelings, and how they make you ‘default’ to certain behaviours.
It is a particularly effective treatment for separation anxiety as well as anxiety, stress and depression. CBT is used as a way to rewire the software of your brain, rehearsing troubling situations in your mind in order to create alternative ways of thinking when that situation arises again. In effect, you’re creating new mental circuitry by challenging and changing old responses that feel hardwired in, but aren’t.
What can you expect from a separation anxiety session?
We work with you to understand your specific needs and tailor the sessions to suit you. We always take a person-centred, or child-centred, approach to work with you to reach your goal.
Our sessions usually last from 30 minutes to an hour; we usually recommend a course of around 6 to 12 sessions.
