Parent-Led CBT for Child Anxiety: Helping Parents Help Their Kids

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, University Distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director, Child Study Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Director, Center for Child Anxiety Resilience Education and Support (CARES), University of California, Los Angeles

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, Professor of Psychology, 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