Anxiety Treatment for Children & Teens in Wyckoff, NJ
When Worry Starts Taking Over
Every child feels anxious sometimes — but when worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or starts to interfere with daily life, it may be time for extra support.
Whether your child seems anxious about everything or struggles with specific fears or phobias, therapy can help. I provide anxiety treatment for children and teens in Wyckoff, NJ, helping kids learn to manage their worries, build confidence, and enjoy being kids again.
Take the first step toward relief — Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
What Anxiety Can Look Like At Home
Anxiety can look different for every child. Parents often notice:
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Constant “what if” worries about school, friends, or safety.
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Physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping before stressful situations.
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Difficulty separating from parents, especially at school or bedtime.
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Avoiding activities they used to enjoy — sleepovers, sports, or social events.
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Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes, leading to tears or frustration over small details.
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Needing reassurance (“Will I be okay?” “What if I mess up?” “Do you still love me?”).
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Irritability or emotional outbursts when faced with uncertainty or change.
It’s hard watching your child struggle — seeing them cry, freeze up, or avoid things they once loved. Parents often feel torn between comforting their child and not wanting to feed into the anxiety.
Common Types of Anxiety I Treat
While every child’s experience is unique, here are some of the most common forms of anxiety I help with:
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Social Anxiety: Fear of embarrassment, being judged, or making mistakes in front of others.
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Panic Attacks: Sudden, intense feelings of fear accompanied by racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
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Separation Anxiety: Difficulty being apart from parents or caregivers, even for short periods.
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Specific Phobias: Intense fear of certain situations, objects, or animals (e.g., fire alarms, dogs, the dark, or throwing up).
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Generalized Anxiety: Constant “what if” worries that make it hard to relax or enjoy daily life.
Why I Specialize in Treating Anxiety
I’m Cheryl Habersaat, LCSW, and I help children, teens, and families in Wyckoff, NJ find relief from anxiety. Many parents come to me feeling stuck after trying everything — reassurance, coping tips, or other therapies — but their child’s anxiety still seems to take over.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), both evidence-based approaches proven to help children understand their fears, build coping skills, and face anxiety in manageable steps. My goal is to help your child feel capable and confident while helping your family regain a sense of calm and balance.
How Therapy Helps Children, Teens, and Families
Therapy helps children understand how anxiety works — and that it doesn’t have to control them. Together, we teach practical tools to manage worries, tolerate uncertainty, and build emotional resilience. Parents are also supported every step of the way.
Through treatment, your family can expect to see:
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Children gain confidence by learning to face fears and handle uncertainty.
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Parents feel more equipped to respond to anxiety calmly and effectively.
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Mornings, transitions, and bedtime routines become smoother and less stressful.
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School and social confidence increase as avoidance decreases.
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Family stress eases as anxiety takes up less space in daily life.
What to Expect: Next Steps in Anxiety Treatment
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so I make the process clear and collaborative from the start.
Treatment includes:
1. Intake & Assessment
We’ll begin with a thorough assessment to understand your child’s symptoms, triggers, and family dynamics, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
2. Psychoeducation
I’ll help you and your child understand how anxiety works in the brain and body — why worry feels so powerful, and how we can calm it down.
3. Active Treatment
Using CBT and ERP techniques, we’ll gradually face fears, challenge anxious thoughts, and build coping strategies that work in real life.
4. Progress & Support
We’ll track progress, celebrate successes, and adjust strategies to keep moving forward — helping your child feel more confident and independent over time.
Ready to help your child feel calmer and more confident?
What Life Can Look Like After Treatment
As therapy progresses, families begin to see meaningful changes:
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Children start handling worries without panic or tears.
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Parents stop feeling like they’re “walking on eggshells.”
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Mornings, school drop-offs, and bedtime become easier.
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Family life feels calmer, lighter, and more connected.
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your child or your family. With the right tools and support, your child can face fears with confidence — and your home can feel peaceful again.
How We Can Work Together
Weekly
Weekly 45-minute standing appointments, for steady, consistent progress.
Intensive
Multiple sessions per week, for families seeking faster change or when anxiety is significantly interfering with daily life.
Parent-based
For families with a child who’s too young, resistant, or in addition to individual treatment — focused on coaching parents to support progress at home. (Learn more about SPACE)
