Separation anxiety, characterised by a child’s distress when separated from primary caregivers, is a common experience for preschool-aged children. In this crucial period of emotional development, understanding the signs and knowing how to support children through these moments is essential. Here at Bridges Therapy Centre in Hendon, Canary Wharf and Central London, our team offers expert guidance and tailored interventions to navigate separation anxiety in children with compassion and effectiveness.
Preschool aged children (between the ages of 2 and 5) can often exhibit signs of separation anxiety when they are first separated from their primary caregivers. Common indicators include:
- Clinginess to parents or caregivers
- Tearfulness before separation
- A reluctance to engage in activities independently
- A fear of abandonment and distress
These behaviours can manifest during drop-offs at nursery, before bedtime, or when faced with unfamiliar situations.
Help Your Child to Overcome Separation Anxiety
As part of our expert team here at Bridges Therapy Centre, our child psychotherapists offer support for children and families facing separation anxiety challenges. Utilising a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we aim to create a secure and nurturing environment to address these concerns. By identifying underlying causes, our interventions are then tailored to meet the specific needs of each child.
How We Can Help
Through structured and gradual exposure exercises, we help children acclimate to separation scenarios. This process builds confidence, fostering independence and reducing anxiety over time. We also use therapeutic techniques such as play therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies, to help preschool aged children develop coping mechanisms. These techniques empower children to express their emotions and build resilience in the face of separation. In addition to this, guidance and resources are provided to parents, offering strategies to ease transitions and strengthen the parent-child bond.
Contact Us
If your child is struggling with separation anxiety, speak to our team today to arrange a free 15 minute informal consultation with one of our child counsellors in London and Cambridge.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Preschool aged children (between the ages of 2 and 5) can often exhibit signs of separation anxiety when they are first separated from their primary caregivers. Common indicators include:
- Clinginess to parents or caregivers
- Tearfulness before separation
- A reluctance to engage in activities independently
- A fear of abandonment and distress
These behaviours can manifest during drop-offs at nursery, before bedtime, or when faced with unfamiliar situations.
Help Your Child to Overcome Separation Anxiety
As part of our expert team here at Bridges Therapy Centre, Shira Barkan-Tal offers support for children and families facing separation anxiety challenges. Utilising a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we aim to create a secure and nurturing environment to address these concerns. By identifying underlying causes, our interventions are then tailored to meet the specific needs of each child.
How We Can Help
Through structured and gradual exposure exercises, we help children acclimate to separation scenarios. This process builds confidence, fostering independence and reducing anxiety over time. We also use therapeutic techniques such as play therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies, to help preschool aged children develop coping mechanisms. These techniques empower children to express their emotions and build resilience in the face of separation. In addition to this, guidance and resources are provided to parents, offering strategies to ease transitions and strengthen the parent-child bond.
If your child is struggling with separation anxiety, speak to our team about an initial consultation today.
Bridges Therapy Centre
18a Heriot Road,
London, NW4 2DG
Bridges Therapy Centre - Hendon, London, NW4 - English & Hebrew Counselling & Therapy Services
The contents on this site is for information only, and is not meant to substitute the advice of your own physician or other medical professional