SPACE

Developed by the Yale Child Study Center, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is an evidence-based, parent-focused treatment for childhood anxiety and OCD that does not require the child to attend sessions. Instead of forcing exposure or placing blame, the program guides caregivers through two key changes they can control: increasing supportive communication and gradually reducing anxious accommodations. Parents learn to validate their child's distress while expressing confidence in their ability to handle difficult feelings. The ultimate goal is to help children rely less on avoidance and build independence by learning to tolerate discomfort over time.