a parent-based therapy proven to reduce child anxiety
SPACE Treatment
in Tampa, FL
offered in Tampa and virtually throughout Florida and Vermont
What is SPACE Treament?
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is a research-backed, parent-focused treatment that helps reduce child and teen anxiety, school refusal, avoidance, OCD-related behaviors, and emotional overwhelm by supporting parents, not by treating the child directly. Instead of relying on parent behaviors that accidentally strengthen anxiety, SPACE helps you respond in ways that build your child’s confidence, coping skills, and independence.
SPACE treatment is ideal for families in Tampa and across Florida and Vermont looking for an effective, compassionate approach to childhood anxiety—especially when children are unwilling, unable, or not yet ready to participate in therapy (Yup - your kiddo does not need to physically be in sessions with us for you to help create change).
How SPACE Treatment Helps Children (and Parents) With Anxiety
Many parents naturally try to protect their anxious child by offering extra reassurance, avoiding triggers, or adjusting routines. While this is completely understandable (and comes from a place of care), these behaviors can reinforce fear and increase anxiety over time.
SPACE teaches parents how to:
Reduce parent behaviors that keep anxiety cycles going
Respond with warmth, confidence, and supportive language
Help children gradually face situations that feel difficult
Break patterns around school refusal, worry, perfectionism, or avoidance
Improve emotional regulation within the family
Build stronger parent–child communication and trust
Parents in Tampa who use SPACE treatment often see significant improvements in their child’s functioning, confidence, and daily independence.
Who space treatment is for
Children and teens with anxiety, worry, panic, OCD symptoms, or school refusal
Families where the child resists or refuses therapy
Highly sensitive parents who feel stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to respond
Parents who feel “stuck” in reassurance or negotiating loops
Families experiencing bedtime struggles, avoidance behaviors, or emotional meltdowns
Parents seeking a non-blaming, evidence-based approach that truly works
*SPACE treatment can be done in-person in Tampa or virtually anywhere in Florida or Vermont
FAQ about space treatment for parents
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SPACE sessions are supportive, structured, and focused on creating real change at home. During treatment, we will:
Identify your child’s specific anxiety triggers and avoidance patterns
Explore parent behaviors that have developed (often unintentionally)
Choose one realistic behavior to tweak at a time
Develop supportive statements that promote safety and confidence
Create a step-by-step plan for reducing anxiety-driven behaviors
Adjust your plan as things shift at home
You leave each session with actionable tools—not more overwhelm.
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As a therapist in Tampa who specializes in highly sensitive adults, I understand how parenting an anxious child can stir up your own fear, self-doubt, or internalized messages about doing everything “right.”
SPACE aligns beautifully with sensitive nervous systems because it is:
Non-punitive and non-blaming
Rooted in emotional attunement
Focused on calm, supportive communication
Designed to reduce overwhelm for both parent and child
Flexible and adaptable for families with sensitive kids
SPACE doesn’t require you to be a “perfect” parent—just one willing to show up (as you are!).
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Parents I work with often report:
Less daily tension, arguing, and anxiety-driven routines
Reduced school refusal or avoidance
A calmer, more confident child
Greater independence around fears and transitions
A stronger, more trusting parent–child relationship
More confidence responding to big emotions
A more peaceful home environment
SPACE treatment helps create lasting change because it shifts the system—not just the child.
Hey, I’m Keri!
My Approach to SPACE (Tampa + Online for All of Florida & Vermont)
I bring warmth, validation, and a deeply compassionate lens to this work. As someone who consistently supports highly sensitive adults and overwhelmed parents, I help you navigate both your child’s anxiety and your own emotional responses with gentleness, clarity, and support.
My SPACE work is:
Tailored for sensitive, thoughtful parents
Grounded in nervous-system awareness
Emotionally supportive and shame-free
Focused on sustainable changes
Designed to reduce overwhelm, not add to it
You don’t have to navigate your child’s anxiety alone.
You can support your child’s independence, reduce anxiety-driven patterns, and bring more calm into your home
If your child’s anxiety is affecting their daily life - or your family’s well being - SPACE offers a proven, compassionate, path forward.
Questions?
More FAQs
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Yes. SPACE was specifically designed for situations where a child refuses, avoids, or is not ready for therapy. Because SPACE focuses on changing the parent’s responses—not the child’s participation—your child never needs to attend sessions for the treatment to be effective.
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Most families begin seeing real changes within a few weeks. A full SPACE treatment plan typically lasts between 8–12 sessions, depending on your child’s symptoms and the pace that feels right for your family.
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SPACE works even if only one parent or caregiver participates. It’s ideal when both are involved, but it’s absolutely not required. Some families in Tampa start with one parent, and the other often joins later once they see the positive shifts at home.
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Yes. SPACE is designed to be supportive, non-blaming, and emotionally validating—especially for highly sensitive parents. The goal is not to make you tougher or harsher; it’s to help you respond in ways that reduce anxiety and strengthen connection without increasing overwhelm.
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No. SPACE avoids pressure-based strategies. Instead, it helps you use warm, supportive language while reducing behaviors gently and gradually. Most children actually feel safer and more confident as their parents shift into this approach.
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SPACE can be used alongside your child’s therapy. In fact, many Tampa parents use SPACE to reinforce the skills their child is learning in their own sessions. You’ll be supporting the home environment while their therapist focuses on individual skill-building.
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Yes. SPACE is highly effective for preteens and teens, especially those who resist therapy, struggle with independence, avoid school, or become easily overwhelmed. Teen anxiety often decreases significantly when parents make needed shifts.
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Yes. I offer SPACE treatment online for parents throughout Florida and Vermont as well as in-person sessions for families in Tampa (Carrollwood area). Virtual SPACE support is just as effective and works well for busy or overwhelmed parents.
SPACE Treament in Tampa, FL
Services are also offered virtually throughout Florida and Vermont