Training for parents could help anxious children
July 2006Skills workshops for parents of anxious young children could offer a breakthrough in addressing this difficult problem, according to the University’s Clinical Psychology group.
Providing psychological treatments for children under ten with anxiety disorders is problematic, as the approaches that are most successful with teenagers and adults are difficult to apply to the very young. According to researcher Dr Sam Cartwright-Hatton, “a treatment like cognitive behaviour therapy relies on the patient having highly developed verbal skills, and needs them to understand and reflect on the causes of their symptoms.
“This is very difficult for younger children,” she continues, “and there is not much evidence that it works with them.” The team is therefore investigating a new approach: a course which helps parents develop the skills to give their child the best chance of becoming a confident, mature adult.
Participants needed
The team is eager to hear from parents of children under ten who display symptoms of anxiety, such as extreme fears, phobias, frequent worry or distress at separating from their parents. If they participate in the study they will either undertake a weekly two-hour session for ten weeks (starting September) at the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility on Grafton Street in Manchester, or receive a thorough assessment and detailed advice on how to get the right help for their child.“Parents who have already completed the course say they have found it enjoyable and useful, and would recommend it to others,” Sam says. “The therapists are very easy to talk to and the course is designed to be fun, as people learn new skills best when they are relaxed.”
The course covers techniques for raising children’s self-esteem and dealing with fears and worries, as well as offering strategies for managing difficult behaviour such as tantrums calmly.
Further information
Parents interested in participating should contact the team on 0161 275 2599 orpacman@listserv.manchester.ac.uk
