Understanding Anxiety in Children: How Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy Can Help
Anxiety in children is more common than many people realize. From feeling nervous about school to worrying about friendships, childhood anxiety can show up in many ways. But when these worries start interfering with daily life, it’s time to seek support.
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with anxiety, you may have brought it up to your pediatrician. They would have recommended CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The good news is that there’s an approach specifically designed to help kids manage their feelings in a way that makes sense to them: Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT). Let’s explore what this therapy is, how anxiety shows up in children, and why research shows that CBPT is the most effective tool for helping young ones navigate their anxious feelings.
What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children?
Anxiety doesn’t always look the way you’d expect in kids. While some children might openly express their worries, others might exhibit symptoms in less obvious ways. Here are some common signs of anxiety in children:
- Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause.
- Sleep difficulties, including trouble falling asleep or nightmares.
- Avoidance behaviors, such as refusing to go to school or participate in activities.
- Irritability or mood swings, which may seem unrelated to any specific trigger.
- Excessive reassurance-seeking, like repeatedly asking if things will be okay.
Recognizing these signs early can help you support your child and find the right treatment.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and effective approaches to managing anxiety in children. It’s based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By helping children identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, CBT can empower them to face their fears and develop healthier coping skills.
However, traditional CBT can sometimes be challenging for younger children who may not yet have the vocabulary or emotional insight to discuss their thoughts and feelings. That’s where Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) steps in.
Why Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) Works So Well
CBPT takes the proven principles of CBT and adapts them for younger children by incorporating play—a child’s natural mode of communication. Instead of asking kids to talk about their anxiety directly, therapists use games, toys, and creative activities to help them express their thoughts and feelings in a safe, approachable way.
Here’s why CBPT is especially effective for treating childhood anxiety:
Play as a Gateway to Emotions: For young children, play feels natural and engaging. It allows them to process their emotions and experiences without feeling overwhelmed or judged.
Addressing Thought Patterns: During play, therapists can gently guide children to recognize unhelpful thought patterns—like “I’ll never do well at school”—and reframe them into more realistic and empowering thoughts.
Building Coping Skills: Through interactive activities, children learn concrete coping strategies, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk, that they can use outside of therapy.
Proven Effectiveness: Studies show that CBPT has a larger impact on reducing childhood anxiety than other methods. Its tailored, developmentally appropriate approach ensures children are fully engaged and open to learning new skills.
When to Seek Help for Childhood Anxiety
If your child’s worries are starting to impact their daily life—whether it’s avoiding social situations, struggling academically, or having frequent emotional outbursts—it’s worth considering therapy. Anxiety doesn’t just go away on its own; in fact, untreated anxiety can grow over time.
Anxiety in children can feel daunting, but with the right tools, kids can learn to thrive despite their worries. Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy offers a unique blend of proven strategies and playful connection, making it the ideal choice for younger children who need help managing anxiety.
If you’re ready to explore whether CBPT could be a good fit for your child, consider reaching out to us. Together, we can help your child find a path to calm and confidence—one playful step at a time.