Learn How To Support Your Anxious Child And Feel Like A Confident Parent Again
Learn How To Support Your Anxious Teen And Feel Like A Confident Parent Again
A 5-week online group programme for parents of primary-aged children who want to help their anxious child without feeling helpless, confused or alone
Learn How To Support Your Anxious Child And Feel Like A Confident Parent Again
Learn How To Support Your Anxious Child And Feel Like A Confident Parent Again
A 5-week online group programme for parents who want to help their anxious child without feeling helpless, confused or alone
Parenting an anxious child can feel like walking on eggshells
If your child is struggling with anxiety, you're probably doing everything you can to help them feel better.
Maybe you’re trying to talk them out of their fear, make things easier so they won’t panic or just trying to hold everything together. But despite your best efforts, the anxiety is still there.
Your child might be avoiding school, pulling away from friends, or refusing to do the things they used to enjoy.
And you? You’re exhausted, second-guessing every decision, and feeling increasingly isolated while your family life looks further and further from how you imagined it.
The truth is: parenting an anxious child requires a different approach from parenting a non-anxious child.
Your support makes a huge difference and you can help your child make meaningful changes by changing your own responses. It starts with learning how.
Gain tools that actually work - backed by research
This 5 week programme will give you a structured, evidence-based roadmap for supporting your anxious child that's been shown to be as effective as individual CBT.
By focusing on something you can control, which is what you do as parents, you'll gain confidence and give your child the opportunity to cope differently.
You’ll learn how to:
Respond to your child’s anxiety in a way that’s calm, clear, and supportive
Limit the cycle of accommodation (so anxiety isn't calling the shots)
Help your child become more confident and resilient over time
Feel more connected to your child and to yourself as a parent again
Respond to your child’s anxiety in a way that’s calm, clear, and supportive
Limit the cycle of accommodation (so anxiety isn't calling the shots)
Help your child become more confident and resilient over time
Feel more connected to your child and to yourself as a parent again
Even if your child is on the CAMHS waitlist or isn't willing or able to have therapy you can still support them
Individual Intake Session
Get personalised support from the beginning, so you can share your family's unique story and ask questions.
2 x 1-Hour Group Zoom Calls Per Week
We'll go through the complete SPACE process together. You'l learn the skills, practice them and get regular coaching so you can stay on track.
30-Minute Individual Coaching Call
A private check-in to troubleshoot challenges, get clarity on what’s working, and feel fully supported in applying the SPACE approach to your real-life parenting moments.
Don't do it alone - connect with others who get it
The next group is taking place from Monday 3rd November - Thursday 4th December 2025. Calls take place on Mondays and Thursdays at 12-1pm. There are 10 calls over the 5 week period.
Your individual intake session will take place between then and the start of the group and will be scheduled after you register. Your individual coaching call will happen during the 5 weeks of the programme.
The cost of the programme is £295 per family (up to 2 parents per family).
Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate and supportive.
The programme is led by experienced SPACE providers, Will Sessions and Demetra Brege.
This group is for parents of primary-aged children.
If you'd like to hear more about the programme, you can watch the replay of our introductory call by clicking below
If you're ready to jump into the programme, you can also click below and secure your spot now
FAQs
What is the SPACE programme?
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is a parent-based programme developed at Yale University. It helps parents support their child or teenager who is struggling with anxiety, OCD, or related difficulties, without requiring the child to participate directly in therapy.
Who is this online programme for?
The group programme is designed for parents or caregivers of children, teens and young adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, or related emotional challenges. It’s especially helpful if your child is unwilling or unable to engage in therapy themselves.
My child is in secondary school, can I join the programme?
This programme is only for primary aged children. Will is running a separate programme for parents of secondary aged children - it is not a SPACE programme but will give you the skills you need to effectively support your teen with anxiety. You can learn more about it here.
How does SPACE work?
The programme focuses on reducing family accommodation - the well-intended changes parents make to reduce a child’s distress (e.g., providing excessive reassurance or avoiding anxiety triggers). In SPACE, parents learn how to respond supportively while helping their child face fears more independently.
How does SPACE work in an online group format?
Delivered via Zoom, the online group follows a structured weekly format. You'll join a small group of fellow parents and caregivers, and together you’ll learn how to respond more effectively to your child’s anxiety by reducing accommodations.
Do children take part in the sessions?
No, SPACE is a parent-only programme. Research shows that working with parents alone can lead to significant improvements in a child’s anxiety symptoms.
What can I expect in each session?
Each session includes:
Live teaching from trained SPACE facilitators
Interactive discussions and Q&A
Practical tools and techniques
Group support and shared experiences
Homework to apply between sessions
You’ll receive digital handouts and worksheets to support your learning.
How many sessions are there and how long do they last?
The programme runs for 10 sessions, 2 each week for 5 weeks. Each session lasts around 60 minutes.
What if I can’t attend every session, will there be a replay?
It’s best to attend all sessions, but we understand that things come up. We do not record sessions for privacy reasons but f you miss one, you’ll receive a summary and materials from that week.
Will this help even if my child’s anxiety is severe or has been going on for a long time?
Yes. SPACE has shown strong results in helping families, even when a child’s anxiety has been persistent or severe. Parents often report greater confidence and reduced family stress after completing the programme.
Does this work for autistic children?
Yes. Some research has just come out about using SPACE with autistic children. Demetra, one of the programme coaches, has lots of experience working with this group and has facilitated SPACE with parents of autistic children within the NHS.
I've read the SPACE book. Do I really need to join a course about it?
You can absolutely use what you've learnt in the book and apply it without support. The benefit of joining the programme is you will get support and guidance on the doing of SPACE, prior to making changes, deciding where to start and what to do differently - and troubleshooting input when navigating through those changes. You'll be going through the SPACE process together with other parents at the same time and so have the support, pacing and accountability that provides. We will be there to encourage and guide you every step of the way.
Is this a substitute for therapy for my child?
Not necessarily. While SPACE can be effective on its own, it can also be used alongside a child’s individual therapy. It’s especially helpful when a child is not currently in therapy or is reluctant to engage.
Can this be used alongside my child’s therapy?
Absolutely. SPACE can complement your child’s therapy or serve as a standalone approach if your child isn’t in treatment. It focuses on empowering you with tools that can shift family dynamics in a supportive and effective way.
How is SPACE different from traditional parenting advice or support groups?
SPACE is a structured, evidence-based intervention developed by clinical psychologists. It focuses specifically on how parents can respond to anxiety-driven behaviours and promote emotional resilience, rather than general parenting strategies. It is not just a discussion group, it’s a research-backed intervention. You’ll receive structured guidance, proven tools, and professional facilitation based on clinical research into childhood anxiety and OCD.
Is this a good fit for my family?
SPACE could be a good fit if:
Your child experiences anxiety or OCD
You often find yourself adjusting daily life to reduce their distress
You’re looking for tools to help your child manage anxiety more independently
How do I join or learn more?
To register your interest for an upcoming group fill in the contact form above.