Several questions arise when working with childhood anxiety. Is it more optimal to work with the child individually, the parents, or both? How do we help the child if there are obstacles to compliance or availability of the child? How can we empower parents to be the best resource for their children?
Dr. Lebowitz joins Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C, in NSAC’s series of researcher interviews to discuss the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders, and the genesis and research of his treatment protocol called SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. Shmuel is a Board member of NSAC, representing NSAC Baltimore (CBT Baltimore), of which he is the Director.
Dr. Eli Lebowitz, PhD, is the Director of Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. He has long been involved in researching family accommodation and its influence on childhood anxiety. Dr. Lebowitz and his team at the Yale Child Study Center have since developed the SPACE program (spacetreatment.net).
SPACE is a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems. His recently published book, Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents, is geared towards helping parents learn how to implement the SPACE program and become a valuable resource for their children