Coping with Anxiety in Kids (Ages 9–12)
In-Person Group Therapy
Anxiety can make everyday life feel overwhelming for kids—and for their families. This 8-week in-person group therapy program is designed to help children face their fears using research-backed, hands-on techniques.
Led by Dr. Zia Lakdawalla and Simren Kanwal, our group uses exposure-based strategies rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help children learn how to manage anxiety through direct experience and repetition.
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A quick word from Dr. Zia
Why In-Person Therapy Matters
Children learn best through doing, not just talking. That’s why this group takes place in person: so kids can practice coping skills in real time, with expert guidance and peer support. We focus on helping children realize that anxiety is uncomfortable—but not dangerous—and that they are capable of getting through tough moments.
This program is ideal for children ages 9 to 12 who struggle with fear, worry, or avoidance in day-to-day situations. It’s designed to build confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation.
What You’ll Learn
- How to recognize and name anxiety symptoms
- Skills for managing anxious thoughts and physical sensations
- Exposure-based techniques to face fears gradually and safely
- Tools to increase independence and build resilience
Each session includes:
- Interactive activities and challenges
- Peer support in a safe, supervised space
- In-the-moment coaching from our experienced team
- A mid-point parent check-in with Dr. Zia for guidance and feedback
Is The Coping with Anxiety in Kids Program Right for You?
This is for you if:
- Frequently avoids things due to fear or worry
- Has trouble calming down once upset
- Struggles with transitions, social situations, or school anxiety
- Is open to learning and practicing new coping strategies in a group
This may not be right if:
- Your child is currently in crisis or requires one-on-one therapeutic support
- Your child is not yet comfortable in small group settings
- You’re looking for a parent-only intervention
Note: Parents must also participate in our “Parenting Children with Anxiety” group to support the success of the program.
Upcoming Group Schedule
Program Details
- Dates: TBD
- Time: Weekly 1-hour sessions
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Format: In-person at our Toronto clinic
- Facilitator: Dr. Zia Lakdawalla & Simren Kanwal
- Group Size: Maximum 6 participants
Spots are limited. Start with a free consultation to see if this program is right for your child.
Book a Free Consultation
About Dr. Tamara Meixner & the FFEW Team
Dr. Tamara Meixner specializes in helping families navigate the complexities of parenting children with mental health challenges, using evidence-based approaches to strengthen parent-child relationships and create optimal environments for growth. With her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University and extensive training in DBT, she works collaboratively with both parents and youth to reduce suffering, increase fulfillment, and build resilience in facing life’s inevitable challenges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions parents ask about this service—so you can feel more confident about what to expect.
Does my child need a diagnosis to participate?
No diagnosis is required. If your child struggles with fear, worry, or avoidance, this group can help.
Will parents attend the group sessions with children?
No. The child attends this group, and parents attend our parallel “Parenting Children with Anxiety” group.
How do you decide if this group is a good fit for my child?
Each child and caregiver will have a brief consultation prior to joining. This helps us assess fit and tailor the experience.
What if my child is shy or hesitant to join a group?
That’s totally normal. We create a supportive, low-pressure environment to help children ease into the process.
Is this group covered by insurance?
Yes. Many extended health plans cover group therapy under a licensed psychologist. We can provide a receipt for insurance purposes.