Anxiety Disorders

child psychologist calgary

Anxiety is a common experience among children and teenagers, that can present in may forms and intensities.

In general, anxiety involves excessive worry, where our brains are overestimating the danger or risk involved in a situation or event. Often, anxiety results in a change in a child’s behavior, such as with an avoidance or refusal, or an increase in emotional dysregulation. Anxieties are persistent, and when not treated, can grow and becoming interfering with daily life.

  • By far, anxiety related concerns comprise a large number of referrals to Westside Child Psychology, especially as of late since the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it be perfectionism, specific phobias, social anxiety, separation anxiety, or generalized feelings of anxiety and worry, it is important that the child or teen buy into the treatment approach. This is why the trusting relationship between the child and the psychologist is so crucial. With the support from parents at home (as directed by the psychologist), children and teens can learn to take charge of anxiety and take the control back, which is both empowering and effective.