Abstract
This workshop delves into the critical influence of cross-generational behavioral and biological factors on childhood anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related disorders. With the prevalence and comorbidity of these issues in children rising, it is essential to understand how family dynamics can either contribute to or alleviate these challenges. One prevalent parental response to a child’s anxiety is family accommodation, which often inadvertently exacerbates the child’s symptoms rather than alleviating them.

The presentation highlights the significance of reducing such accommodating behaviors and introduces SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a treatment approach informed by Nonviolent Resistance (NVR) principles. SPACE emphasizes increasing parental support while simultaneously decreasing accommodating actions, thereby fostering a child’s independence, resilience, and confidence in managing their anxiety.

Participants will receive a comprehensive introduction to the rationale behind SPACE, the evidence supporting its effectiveness, and the key steps involved in its application for treating anxiety, OCD, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and chronic impairing somatic symptoms. There will be time for Q&A.