Anxiety in Children & Teens: Compassionate Therapy in Toronto & Ontario
Anxiety can make everyday life feel overwhelming—for kids, teens, and the families who love them. Whether your child is facing school refusal, social anxiety, or daily worries that don’t seem to go away, you’re not alone. At FFEW, we specialise in anxiety in children & teens, helping families understand how to develop healthy coping skills, and build more calm, connected family dynamics.
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Recognizing Anxiety in Children and Teens
It’s normal for kids to worry sometimes. But when anxiety gets in the way of school, friendships, or daily life, it may be time for support.
Does your child…
- Frequently worry about everyday events?
- Avoid situations due to fear or nervousness?
- Complain of stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause?
- Get easily overwhelmed by social situations or transitions?
- Seem irritable, withdrawn, or experience meltdowns when stressed?
If you’re seeing these signs, your child may be struggling with anxiety. The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable, especially with early support.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in children and teens. But with the right tools and guidance, your child can learn to manage anxiety and feel more confident.
Why Early Support Matters
Anxiety tends to grow when left unaddressed. Kids start avoiding the things that make them nervous—school, birthday parties, new experiences. Unfortunately, this can shrink their world and make their fears feel even bigger.
With the right support, children and teens can:
- Learn to understand and manage their anxious thoughts
- Face their fears step-by-step in a safe and supported way
- Build confidence, resilience, and independence
- Strengthen relationships at home and school
Early intervention can prevent long-term emotional struggles and help your child thrive.
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How We Help Children & Teens with Anxiety
At FFEW, we provide evidence-based therapy for childhood and teen anxiety. Our team of psychologists and therapists use proven strategies tailored to your child’s age and needs.
We support children and families through:
One-on-One Therapy for Children & Teens
Children work directly with a therapist to:
- Identify and challenge anxious thinking
- Learn emotion regulation and calming strategies
- Use exposure techniques to gradually face fears
- Rebuild confidence and coping skills
We use approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) where appropriate.
Learn more about individual therapy for children
Learn more about individual therapy for teens
Parent Coaching & Support
Childhood anxiety is interpersonal—meaning parents often adapt around their child’s distress. Our SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) teaches you how to respond in ways that reduce anxiety long-term.
We offer:
- Individual Parent Coaching – work one-on-one with a therapist to understand your child’s anxiety and learn effective parenting responses
- Parent Group Therapy – connect with other caregivers in our CBT + SPACE-informed group to share experiences and gain tools
When parents feel more confident, kids do too.
Learn more about Parent Coaching
Group Therapy for Kids (Ages 9–12)
Our in-person Coping with Anxiety group helps children practice new skills in real-life situations. Led by child therapists, this exposure-based program uses games, challenges, and peer support to:
- Teach calming strategies
- Practice facing fears safely
- Build peer connection and emotional resilience
Parent participation in our parent anxiety group is required to maximize outcomes.
Learn more about Group Therapy for Kids
Why Families Choose FFEW
We know that seeking help for your child can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a warm, supportive approach backed by clinical expertise.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Evidence-Based Care – We use therapies that work, including CBT, SPACE, and ERP.
- Family-Centered Approach – We involve parents at every step, because change happens faster when the whole family is supported.
- Child & Teen Specialists – Our therapists understand youth development and tailor treatment accordingly.
Flexible Options – We offer therapy in-person in Toronto and virtually across Ontario
Meet Our Team of Anxiety Specialists
Our compassionate team of child psychologists and therapists is here to support your family:
- Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, Ph.D., C.Psych – Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Director
- Dr. Lana Zinck, Ph.D., C. Psych – Registered Psychologist
- Dr. Tamara Meixner, Ph.D., C.Psych. – Registered Psychologist
- Cassandra Harmsen, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate – Clinical Therapist
- Ola Obaro, MA, RP, CCC – Registered Psychotherapist
- Charlotte Johnston, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Registered Social Worker
- Jaydon Frid, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Registered Social Worker
Each member brings deep expertise in child development, anxiety treatment, and parent coaching.
View Our Full Team
How Can We Help?
At FFEW, we understand how heavy it can feel to watch your child struggle. That’s why we’ve created a space where families feel truly seen, heard, and supported. From your first contact with us, you’ll find care that’s warm, trauma-informed, and focused on helping your child thrive.
Let’s help your child build confidence, face fears, and feel more like themselves again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions parents ask about this service—so you can feel more confident about what to expect.
How do I know if my child’s anxiety needs therapy?
If your child’s worry is interfering with school, friendships, sleep, or their happiness—it’s time to seek support. Anxiety that persists for weeks or months often benefits from therapy, and early help leads to better outcomes.
What is the SPACE treatment for parents?
SPACE is a parent-based program developed at Yale that teaches caregivers how to support an anxious child without reinforcing avoidance. It’s research-backed and shown to be as effective as direct therapy in many cases.
Can younger children (ages 9–10) benefit from therapy?
Yes. We tailor therapy to your child’s developmental stage. For younger children, therapy may involve play-based techniques and stronger parent involvement to teach regulation and coping.
How long does it take to see results?
It varies, but many families see progress within 6–12 sessions. Change happens fastest when parents are actively involved. We’ll monitor progress together and adjust as needed.
Do you treat OCD or school refusal?
Yes. OCD, separation anxiety, school refusal, and panic symptoms are common presentations of anxiety. We’ll create a personalized plan to help your child face these challenges.