Masterclass

Navigating Anxiety and OCD in Children: A Masterclass on the SPACE Treatment Approach

This Masterclass session offers an in-depth exploration of the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment approach, for addressing anxiety and OCD in children. Participants will gain insights into effective strategies for overcoming common challenges, particularly the difficulties that arise in cooperation between parents and their children. Led by the treatment developer and esteemed international expert SPACE providers, the session will feature dynamic role-playing scenarios and simulated treatment encounters.

Attendees will witness firsthand how to navigate difficult child reactions and empower parents to provide supportive environments conducive to overcoming these problems. Key focus areas will include fostering effective communication strategies, enhancing parental involvement, and utilizing practical techniques to manage anxiety-driven behaviors. The interactive format facilitates active learning and encourages participants to engage in discussion and share experiences. Through this session, participants will gain valuable tools and frameworks to enhance their practice and improve outcomes for families affected by anxiety and OCD.

Biography

Prof. Eli Lebowitz studies and treats childhood and adolescent anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center. His research focuses on the development, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, with special emphasis on family dynamics and the role of parents in these problems. Dr. Lebowitz is the lead investigator on multiple funded research projects, and is the author of over 100 research papers, books and chapters on childhood and adolescent anxiety. He is also the father of three great boys. 

Yaara Shimshoni, PhD is a clinical psychologist and an Community Faculty member, Clinical Assistant Professor, at Yale School of Medicine. She earned her PhD from Tel Aviv University under Prof. Haim Omer and collaborates closely with Prof. Eli Lebowitz, the co-director of the anxiety and moods disorders program at the Yale School of Medicine and the developer of SPACE, a parent-based treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety and OCD. Dr. Shimshoni has extensive experience in treating, supervising and teaching SPACE to clinicians and has published numerous peer-reviewed papers on the topic. Together with Prof. Eli Lebowitz, Dr. Shimshoni has co-led the adaptation of SPACE addressing clinical picky eating, also known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).