FAQ About Anxiety Therapy in San Jose for Kids
Are you watching your child struggle with anxiety and feeling unsure how to help?
You're not alone.
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child overwhelmed by worry, stress, or fear, and even more challenging when you’re uncertain about the best way to support them. Anxiety in children can feel like a heavy weight—for both them and you. If you've been considering therapy for your child but feel unsure about the process, we understand how confusing it can be to take the first step. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive FAQ to answer the most common questions parents have about anxiety therapy for kids in San Jose.
I’m Hannah Ly, an anxiety therapist in San Jose who specializes in working with children. Over the years, I’ve helped countless kids and their families navigate the challenges of anxiety, building tools and strategies to foster confidence and resilience. I’m here to provide the support and guidance you need as you take this important step for your child.
Our goal? To provide clarity and reassurance so you can feel confident about seeking support for your child.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What Are the Signs of Anxiety in Children?
It’s natural for children to experience worry or fear occasionally, but persistent and intense anxiety may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Common signs include:
Excessive worry or fear about everyday activities.
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares.
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches without a medical cause.
Avoidance of specific situations or places (e.g., school or social events).
Tantrums, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
If these signs feel familiar, anxiety therapy could help your child better cope with their emotions and regain a sense of control.
How Can Therapy Help My Child's Anxiety?
Therapy offers children a safe and supportive space where they can:
Explore and express their feelings without fear of judgment, helping them better understand and manage their emotions.
Learn coping skills tailored to their unique challenges, providing them with practical tools to handle stress, frustration, or overwhelming situations.
Build confidence and resilience, enabling them to face anxiety-inducing situations with a sense of self-assurance and control.
Therapeutic methods, such as play therapy or brainspotting therapy are specifically designed to meet children on their level, empowering them to process emotions in ways that feel natural and comfortable. Play therapy might involve using toys or creative activities to help children articulate feelings they may not yet have the words for, while brainspotting focuses on helping them process deeper emotional challenges through mindful techniques.
The skills and tools children gain in therapy often extend into their daily lives, offering benefits that go beyond the therapy session. These techniques not only help kids navigate personal challenges but also contribute to improved family dynamics and relationships, equipping parents and caregivers with better ways to support their children. Over time, therapy fosters emotional growth, helping children and their families face life’s ups and downs more effectively.
What Types of Therapy Do You Offer for Children With Anxiety?
At my San Jose therapy practice, I specialize in two proven methods for helping children overcome anxiety:
Play Therapy: Play is a child’s natural language! Through activities like games, storytelling, and creative arts, children can explore their emotions and develop effective strategies to manage anxiety in a way that feels fun and approachable.
Brainspotting Therapy: This transformative approach helps children uncover and release deep-seated emotions tied to anxiety, all within a safe and nurturing environment. It’s particularly effective for reducing stress and fostering emotional clarity.
I also offer parent coaching, equipping you with practical tools and strategies to support your child's growth and progress at home. Together, we can create a path toward greater emotional well-being for your child.
How Long Does Therapy Typically Last?
Every child is unique, so the duration of therapy depends on their specific needs, goals, and progress. On average, children attend therapy for several months, with sessions often scheduled weekly.
While some children may show significant improvement within just a few weeks or months, others may require longer-term support to address more complex challenges, such as navigating major life transitions or working through trauma.
These situations can naturally extend the therapy timeline, as they require additional care and time to ensure meaningful progress.
It’s important to remember that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all journey.
We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your child’s strengths and needs. Regular progress assessments will help us ensure the approach is effective and make adjustments if necessary to ensure the best outcomes for your child and your family.
For more significant challenges, like trauma or major changes in a child’s life, we’ll take extra steps to provide the support and tools needed for long-term healing and growth.
What Is the Role of Parents in the Anxiety Therapy Process?
Parents play a crucial role in a child’s healing process. While therapy sessions focus on your child, I work closely with parents to:
Share techniques to manage challenging behaviors and situations.
Provide guidance through collaborative parent coaching.
Strengthen the parent-child bond, which builds a foundation of trust and security.
A strong bond between a parent and child creates a safe environment where children feel valued and understood. This sense of safety is vital for their emotional and developmental growth, enabling them to thrive both in and outside of therapy. Together, we’ll create a supportive environment that helps your child apply what they’ve learned in therapy to their day-to-day life while fostering confidence and resilience for their future.
How Do I Talk to My Child About Going to Anxiety Therapy?
Starting therapy can be daunting for kids, but having an open, honest, and positive conversation can help ease their concerns and make the process feel less intimidating.
Begin by explaining that therapy is a safe, supportive, and even fun space where they can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment. Let them know it’s a place where they can learn new tools to navigate challenges and feel better.
Reassure them that the child therapist is there to help, similar to how a coach helps athletes practice and improve their skills. You can emphasize that the therapist will work with them step by step to make things easier.
Use age-appropriate language to make the idea of therapy relatable. For younger kids, you might compare therapy to a playdate where they’ll work on understanding and managing their "big feelings." For older kids, you can frame it as a way to get guidance and support when things feel hard.
Encourage them to ask questions or share any worries they might have about starting therapy, and validate their feelings to build trust and openness.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to start this conversation, I also offer parental coaching to help you feel confident and prepared to guide your child through this important step.
How Do You Create a Safe and Supportive Environment for Kids in Therapy?
Creating a welcoming and judgment-free zone is at the heart of my practice. I use:
Child-Friendly Spaces: My San Jose therapy office is filled with tools for play, creativity, and exploration. It’s a space where children can feel at ease and have fun while expressing themselves.
Emphasis on Play and Fun: Play isn’t just an activity—it’s a powerful tool in therapy. By incorporating games, art, and imaginative activities, I create a joyful and engaging experience that helps children open up, process emotions, and build new skills. Enjoying the therapy process is essential for progress, and I strive to make every session something the child looks forward to.
Compassionate Approach: I take the time to build trust with your child, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Individualized Care: Each child’s therapy plan is tailored to meet their unique needs, preferences, and personalities.
My goal is to empower kids in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and fun, helping them thrive emotionally.
What Does Anxiety Therapy Cost, and Do You Accept Insurance?
The cost of anxiety therapy depends on the service plan we design together. I understand affordability is a concern, so I offer flexible options to meet your budget. While I do not accept insurance directly, I can provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
It’s important to note that highly specialized therapy, such as working with children, often costs between $200-$300 per session. This reflects the expertise and training required, as not everyone is equipped to work effectively with kids.
Final Thoughts: Work with an Anxiety Therapist in San Jose – Schedule Your Appointment Today
I’m Hannah Ly, a child therapist based in San Jose, specializing in helping kids overcome anxiety. Through techniques like parent coaching and play therapy, I work to support children and their families in building confidence and resilience.
Watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this alone. Therapy is a powerful resource that can help your child navigate their challenges and thrive.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule an appointment today, and let’s work together to support your child’s healing and growth. I’m here for your family every step of the way.
About Hannah Ly Anxiety Therapist in San Jose for Kids
Hannah Ly is a trusted anxiety therapist in San Jose, specializing in helping kids and teens navigate challenges through personalized care. As a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s in counseling from Western Seminary, Hannah provides expert support for young individuals to thrive. She is a child therapist, teen therapist, and play therapist, offering a supportive environment tailored to each client. Additionally, Hannah works as a parent coach, empowering families to build stronger connections and address their children’s needs effectively. If you’re seeking professional support for your child or teen, Hannah Ly is here to help.
