Parent Support for Childhood Anxiety and OCD in Wyckoff, NJ
The Way Parents Respond Can Shape How Well Children Learn to Manage Anxiety and OCD
Parent behavior doesn’t cause anxiety or OCD — but how parents respond can either reduce or reinforce symptoms. With the right guidance, parents can become one of the most powerful supports in their child’s progress.
When Worry Starts to Take Over Family Life
When a child struggles with anxiety or OCD, it often feels like worry begins to run the household. Days become shaped around fears, routines, and reassurance, and parents find themselves constantly adjusting to avoid meltdowns or distress.
What starts as trying to help can slowly turn into feeling stuck — unsure what to say, what to do, or whether your responses are actually making things better or worse.
Does your life looks like this?
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Bedtime feels exhausting — your child crawls into your bed at night, asks you to stay in their room, or needs long routines before they can finally fall asleep.
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You spend a lot of time answering the same anxious questions, even though reassurance only seems to help for a moment.
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You receive multiple texts or calls when you’re out, with your child repeatedly asking when you’ll be home — or you avoid going out altogether because you know they’ll be worried.
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You find yourself being followed from room to room, being asked to come along when your child needs to leave a space, or calling out, “I’m just going upstairs — I’ll be right back!” to reassure them.
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You struggle with school drop-offs because your child has a hard time saying goodbye, and after-school activities feel difficult unless you stay close or remain nearby.
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You’re pulled into checking, rechecking, or fixing things alongside your child to help them feel certain they didn’t make a mistake — and things fall apart when it still doesn’t feel “just right.”
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Your days feel organized around avoiding your child’s distress — changing plans, adjusting routines, or stepping in to prevent meltdowns.
If This Feels Familiar, You’re Not Alone
Many parents worry they’re doing something wrong — or that they should just “know” how to handle their child’s anxiety. The truth is, no one hands parents a manual for navigating anxiety or OCD, and most parents are doing the best they can with the information they have.
Anxiety and OCD are powerful. They pull parents into patterns that feel helpful in the moment, even when they unintentionally keep the cycle going.
What Can Change With Parent Support
When parents have clear guidance and support, daily life no longer has to revolve around managing anxiety or OCD moment to moment.
With parent-based work, many parents notice that:
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You no longer feel like you’re walking on eggshells, constantly trying to predict what might trigger distress.
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You feel more confident responding without automatically accommodating fears or routines just to get through the day.
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You’re no longer stuck between wanting to comfort your child and worrying that you might be making things worse — instead, you have a clear, supportive plan.
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Your child begins to tolerate discomfort more effectively, and anxiety takes up less space in family life.
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Home feels calmer, more predictable, and less controlled by worry or rituals.
Parent support isn’t about doing more or being stricter — it’s about responding differently, in ways that help anxiety and OCD loosen their grip over time.
Introducing SPACE:
Parent-Based Support That Works
I’ve helped many frustrated and overwhelmed parents — just like you — feel more confident and supported through the SPACE treatment approach. Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is an evidence-based, parent-focused program designed to treat childhood anxiety and OCD.
SPACE focuses on helping parents change how they respond to anxiety and OCD. As parents feel less stressed and more confident in their responses, children gradually build the skills they need to manage anxiety more independently.
Choose the SPACE Format That Fits Your Family
I offer SPACE in two formats so families can choose the level of support that best matches their needs, schedules, and goals.
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1:1 SPACE Program
The traditional version of SPACE treatment takes about eight sessions to complete at $190/session. You can participate in this personalized experience in person, in my Wyckoff office, or via Telehealth (NJ or MA).
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Self-paced SPACE Program
This version is a more convenient option for those who like to go at their own pace. You will receive video content, accompanying materials, weekly email check-ins, and two 1:1 sessions for $600
(2 payments of $300)
What You’ll Learn in SPACE
No matter which format you choose, SPACE follows a clear, step-by-step process. I’ll teach you practical strategies you can use right away — so you feel more confident responding to anxiety or OCD, and your child can begin tolerating discomfort and building independence over time.
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How anxiety can lead parents to do things that unintentionally keep Anxiety or OCD going
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How parents often get pulled into Anxiety or OCD's cycles without realizing it
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What to say and how to respond when your child is experiencing Anxiety or OCD
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How to create a clear plan to gradually change parental behaviors, so your child can learn they can handle Anxiety and OCD on their own
In Our Work Together, You'll Learn:
Still not sure if SPACE is right for your family? Take a look at some frequently asked questions:
Shouldn't my child be in treatment instead of me? Research shows that SPACE is just as effective as individual therapy for children. Sometimes our well-intentioned reactions to their anxiety can actually make things harder for them to cope. SPACE teaches you how to support your child in managing their fears long-term.
We’ve tried therapy before, why will this work? SPACE isn’t traditional therapy. It empowers parents with life long skills that work even when previous therapy didn’t, or if your child is too young or resistant to their own therapy.
Is this time consuming? While SPACE requires some commitment, the tools you’ll learn will benefit your child throughout their life. The time you invest now can save years of stress and worry about your child’s anxiety.
Does my child need an official diagnosis to benefit? No. SPACE is effective for any child dealing with anxiety, even without a formal diagnosis. It can prevent anxiety from escalating into a larger issue.
Do both parents need to attend SPACE sessions? While it is beneficial for both parents to learn these skills, it’s not mandatory. I work with your family's needs.
Why I Love Working With Parents
I’m Cheryl Habersaat, LCSW, a therapist who specializes in pediatric anxiety and OCD. While much of my work focuses on helping kids and teens directly, I’m especially passionate about working with parents — because I’ve seen how powerful parent support can be in a child’s progress.
As a mom myself, I understand the deep desire to not see your child struggle — while also feeling unsure where to start or what will actually help. Parent-based work, including the SPACE approach, allows us to focus on what parents can control: how they respond in moments when anxiety or OCD is loud. With clear, evidence-based guidance, parents can help anxiety loosen its grip and bring a greater sense of calm and peace back into the home.
Clear Guidance for Parents Who Want Things to Feel Easier at Home
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to learn how parent-based support can help reduce anxiety and OCD and bring more calm to your home. I offer parent support for families in Wyckoff, NJ, with in-person sessions available locally and telehealth options across New Jersey and Massachusetts.
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