Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common and often distressing experience for children, especially during early developmental years or during significant life transitions. It manifests when a child experiences excessive fear or worry about being apart from a primary caregiver, which can lead to emotional outbursts, physical symptoms, or avoidance behaviors. Shiva Movafaghian, a highly experienced psychotherapist, certified play therapist, and certified life coach, specializes in helping children and their families navigate separation anxiety with compassion and expertise. Her in-depth understanding of child and youth mental health, combined with over 15 years of experience, enables her to provide tailored and effective therapeutic interventions.

Shiva’s approach to addressing separation anxiety begins with creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel understood and validated. She uses play therapy as a core element of her treatment, as it allows children to express their fears and emotions in a non-verbal, age-appropriate way. Play therapy provides children with the opportunity to communicate through toys, stories, and art, which can be less intimidating than direct conversation. By observing the child’s play patterns and behaviors, Shiva gains valuable insights into the underlying causes of their anxiety and can tailor her therapeutic interventions accordingly.

A crucial aspect of treating separation anxiety is helping children build emotional regulation skills. Shiva uses mindfulness-based techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation, to teach children how to calm their bodies and minds when they feel anxious. These strategies are introduced in a playful and engaging way, ensuring that children enjoy the process and are more likely to practice these skills on their own. By incorporating elements of mindfulness, Shiva empowers children to become more aware of their anxiety and learn how to manage it effectively, rather than being overwhelmed by it.

In addition to play therapy and mindfulness, Shiva employs cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help children understand and challenge their anxious thoughts. Many children with separation anxiety have exaggerated fears, such as believing that something bad will happen to their caregiver while they are apart. Shiva gently helps children identify these unhelpful thought patterns and guides them in reframing their beliefs in a more realistic and positive way. For example, she might use role-playing or storytelling to illustrate that their caregiver will return safely and that they are secure even when apart. By making CBT techniques accessible and relatable for children, Shiva fosters a sense of safety and reassurance.

Shiva also places a strong emphasis on gradual exposure therapy, which involves helping children face their fears in small, manageable steps. For example, a child who struggles with going to school might start by spending a few minutes in the school environment with their parent present and gradually work up to staying for a full day on their own. Shiva uses this approach to desensitize the child to the anxiety-inducing situation, while simultaneously building their confidence and sense of independence. She ensures that these exposure experiences are paced appropriately, based on the child’s comfort level and progress, to prevent feelings of overwhelm.

Parental involvement is a fundamental component of Shiva’s treatment for separation anxiety. She provides parent coaching and guidance to help caregivers support their child’s emotional needs. Shiva works collaboratively with parents to develop consistent routines and strategies that reinforce the child’s sense of security. For instance, she might suggest creating a predictable goodbye ritual, such as a special handshake or a reassuring phrase, to make separations feel less daunting. Parents are also coached on how to manage their own emotions during separations, as children are often highly attuned to their caregiver’s feelings. By modeling calm and confident behavior, parents can provide a strong foundation for their child’s emotional well-being.

Shiva’s parent workshops offer additional support and education on how to handle difficult moments and reinforce the progress made in therapy. These workshops cover topics like understanding the developmental aspects of separation anxiety, setting appropriate boundaries, and encouraging the child’s independence in a gentle and loving way. Shiva believes in empowering parents with the tools they need to create a stable and supportive home environment, which is crucial for long-term success.

In cases where separation anxiety significantly impacts a child’s daily functioning, such as refusing to go to school or attend activities, Shiva collaborates with educators and school staff to ensure a consistent and supportive approach. She provides teachers with practical strategies to help the child feel more comfortable in the school setting and addresses any challenges that may arise during transitions. By creating a cohesive support network, Shiva ensures that the child receives consistent care and reinforcement across all areas of their life.

Shiva Movafaghian’s comprehensive and compassionate approach to separation anxiety has transformed the lives of many children and families. By combining play therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and parental support, she helps children overcome their fears and develop the resilience needed to navigate separations with confidence and ease. Her dedication to fostering lasting emotional growth and creating a safe, nurturing environment for healing has made a profound impact on the well-being of countless young clients and their families.