
S.A.D.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
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Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is an anxiety condition where a child experiences excessive fear or worry about being separated from a parent, caregiver or loved one. Whilst some separation anxiety is a normal part of development, Separation Anxiety Disorder causes distress that interferes with everyday life.
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Many parents describe their child as becoming extremely upset when separated from them, refusing to attend school, struggling to sleep alone or constantly worrying that something bad might happen to a loved one. Separation anxiety can affect confidence, independence and family wellbeing.
How Can I Help...
I provide evidence-based support for children, young people and families experiencing separation anxiety and school-related anxiety.
Support may include:
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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
• Parent Coaching and Parenting Support Sessions
• Neurodiversity Coaching
• Post-Diagnostic Support and coping strategies
• Emotional Regulation Support
• Animal-Assisted Therapy where appropriate
What are the symptoms of seperation anxiety disorder?
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• Excessive worry when apart from family members
• Refusing to sleep alone
• Nightmares about separation
• Clinginess when separating from parents or carers
• Panic or distress during separation
• Reluctance to attend school
• Fear that something bad will happen to a loved one
• Frequent reassurance seeking
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches or nausea
• Difficulty being alone
• Anxiety about sleepovers, trips or time away from home
Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Galaxy Brain: Seperation Anxiety
Book Recommendations

