SPACE Therapy in Houston, TX
SPACE therapy helps parents become the most powerful tool in their child's anxiety treatment — no child therapy required. Developed at Yale and backed by decades of research.
In-person & virtual SPACE therapy sessions available
Support your child through anxiety — starting with your own responses
Evidence-based treatment for reliable results
Is SPACE therapy right for you?
Most anxiety treatments for kids involve your child sitting across from a therapist. But what if your child refuses to go? Or what if the anxiety is most visible at home, in the moments you navigate together every day?
SPACE — Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions — therapy for parents is a research-backed treatment developed at Yale that works differently. Instead of focusing on your child, it focuses on you. You’ll learn how to shift the way you respond to your child’s anxiety in ways that gradually reduce it — without your child ever setting foot in a therapy room.
It’s a powerful approach, but it’s not the right fit for every family.
SPACE may not be best for you if…
- Your child is dealing with trauma or other serious mental health concerns
- You'd prefer your child to have their own therapist
- You're not open to adjusting your own parenting responses
SPACE might be a great option if…
- Your child struggles with anxiety, OCD, or phobias
- Your child is reluctant to go to therapy — or refuses entirely
- You want to take an active role in helping your child get better
- You're open to shifting some of your own responses to support them
What is SPACE therapy?
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)is an evidence-based treatment developed at Yale School of Medicine. It’s designed specifically for parents of children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, or related conditions.
The Core Idea
When children are anxious, parents naturally want to help — but some of the most instinctive responses (reassuring, accommodating, avoiding triggers) can unintentionally reinforce anxiety over time. SPACE teaches you to recognize those patterns and replace them witht responses that support your child in facing their fears.
SPACE can be used on its own or alongside your child’s individual therapy. At Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, we've found it particularly effective when children are reluctant or resistant to attending therapy themselves.
What is SPACE therapy used for?
Our skilled therapists use SPACE treatment techniques to address a wide range of anxiety-related challenges for children:
- Generalized anxiety
- Social anxiety
- OCD
- Separation anxiety
- Specific phobias and fears
- School refusal
- Selective mutism
- And more
How does SPACE therapy work?
Every client is different, but here's what to expect when starting SPACE therapy.
Identify unhelpful behaviors
We'll help you recognize ways you might be unknowingly reinforcing your child's anxiety. This could include things like providing excessive reassurance or allowing them to avoid anxiety-triggering situations.
Develop supportive responses
We'll create and practice new, supportive ways to respond to your child's anxiety. Using SPACE therapy techniques, the goal is to show empathy while also encouraging your child to face their fears.
Implement changes gradually
You'll start applying these new supportive responses at home, beginning with less challenging situations. We'll problem-solve any difficulties and celebrate your progress as a parent!
Convenient Appointment Options
In-Person Appointments
Our Montrose office provides a warm, welcoming space for anxiety, OCD, and eating disorder treatment. Convenient on-site parking available.
Telehealth Appointments
Therapy from wherever you’re most comfortable. Our psychologists are PsyPact certified and can see clients in 42 states.
Personalized Care Without Restrictions
We’re a private pay, out-of-network practice — which means your care is guided by your needs, not insurance rules. We provide superbills so you can seek reimbursement directly from your provider.
Learn more about our fees and approachBook your first session with a therapist trained in SPACE therapy
SPACE therapy sessions can be in-person at our Houston office
or virtual in most of the USA.
Click the button below to fill out our inquiry form. We’ll match you with a therapist trained in SPACE therapy.
