Parent-Led CBT for Child Anxiety

Cathy Creswell, DClinPsy, PhD, is Professor of Developmental Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. She is also Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Joint Director of the University of Reading Anxiety and Depression in Young People clinical research unit. Dr. Creswell’s research and clinical interests focus on the development and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. In addition to numerous academic publications, she is coauthor (with Lucy Willetts) of two self-help books for parents of children with anxiety disorders.Monika Parkinson, DClinPsy, is a clinical psychologist and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. She has worked clinically for the U.K. National Health Service and on several large treatment trials at the University of Reading, as well as running her own private practice. Dr. Parkinson’s interests focus on identifying effective components of treatments for youth and finding cost-effective ways of supporting families and parents of youth with mental health difficulties. She is coauthor (with Shirley Reynolds) of two self-help books on teenage depression.Kerstin Thirlwall, DClinPsy, PhD, is a chartered clinical psychologist and Honorary Fellow at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. She led a treatment trial funded by the U.K. Medical Research Council that assessed the effectiveness of a guided parent-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy approach for childhood anxiety disorders. Dr. Thirlwallcontinues to have a special interest in evidence-based treatments for childhood anxiety disorders, with a particular focus on parent-led approaches;delivers teaching and training to mental health professionals; and provides treatment for children and their families.Lucy Willetts, DClinPsy, PhD, is a chartered clinical psychologist and accredited cognitive-behavioral therapist. She worked as a clinical psychologist within the U.K. National Health Service for nearly 20 years and most recently was Clinical Director of the Berkshire Child Anxiety Clinic. Dr. Willetts now works in private practice and is Visiting Fellow at the University of Reading. She is coauthor of several books on childhood anxiety.

"Creswell et al. have harnessed their collective talent and considerable clinical experience in this eminently readable, highly useful guide. Unlike most treatments for anxious children--which are directed primarily, if not exclusively, to the children themselves--this approach is oriented toward the parents. By actively and collaboratively engaging the parents, the clinician can bypass many barriers to effective treatment with children. The approach is developmentally sensitive, contextually informed, evidence based, and low intensity (four of the eight sessions can be conducted by telephone). This is an impressive book with considerable potential."--Thomas H. Ollendick, PhD, ABPP, University Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech"This book fills an important gap by helping therapists to empower parents with the skills and confidence to help their anxious child. Creswell and her coauthors give us a science-based, engaging, extremely practical book that is underpinned by years of experience. Detailed exercises and case examples ensure that any therapist will deliver consistent results. The strategies in this book will change the lives of children with anxiety disorders and their families."--Ronald M. Rapee, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and founding director, Center for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Australia"Creswell and colleagues present an efficient and effective CBT-based program that enables parents to help their children overcome the distress and functional impairment associated with problematic anxiety. Clearly written and well organized, this book guides providers at all levels through each step of the treatment process, from the initial assessment through relapse prevention. It contains a multitude of useful charts, figures, and case examples."--John C. Piacentini, PhD, ABPP, Director, Childhood OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior"A succinct, incredibly practical, and well-written book. Therapists get knowledge and tools for working effectively with parents of children struggling with anxiety. I hope that many parents have the opportunity to experience this empowering approach."--Wendy K. Silverman, PhD, ABPP, Alfred A. Messer Professor of Child Psychiatry and Director, Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine"I can't wait to use this book in my practice with parents! The authors present a clear, step-by-step, evidence-based guide for therapists. With this book, practitioners can teach parents (who often believe erroneously that reassuring their anxious child will help) to foster their child’s independence, 'curiosity' about his or her worries, and testing of possible solutions. Parents will see their children gain perspective, mastery, and confidence as their fears decrease."--Cynthia G. Whitham, MSW, LCSW, private practice, Los Angeles, and Director, UCLA Parenting and Children's Friendship Program, University of California, Los Angeles -

• 1. Introduction2. Conducting a Comprehensive Assessment and Establishing Treatment Goals3. Psychoeducation and Individualizing the Treatment Model4. Promoting Independence in Day-to-Day Life5. Helping Parents to Promote Flexible Thinking and a “Have a Go” Attitude6. Helping Parents to Support Their Child in Facing Fears7. Helping Parents to Promote Independent Problem Solving8. Keeping Things Going9. Tackling Sleep Problems10. Tackling School Refusal11. Treating Child Anxiety within Challenging ContextsReferencesIndex