- Clinical THERAPY
Child Anxiety Therapy
Child anxiety support in Brisbane and online across Australia. Our experienced psychologists help children and families understand anxiety, develop healthy coping skills, build confidence, and improve emotional wellbeing.
Through evidence-based therapy and family-focused support, we help young people manage worries, overcome challenges, and thrive at home, school, and in everyday life.
Clinically informed Support
Michelle Barratt Psychology provides a neutral, professional hub that connects you with the right clinician — so therapy can stay focused on you.
Table of Contents
Child Anxiety Therapy
Child Anxiety Therapy helps children learn to recognise, express, and manage worry and their anxiety so they can feel safer and more confident in social, school, and family settings. Therapy focuses on age‑appropriate strategies: emotional literacy, gradual exposure, coping skills, and parent‑led support that reduce avoidance and build resilience.
Michelle Barratt Psychology (MBP) provides in-person therapy across Brisbane, and flexible online therapy options for children and teenagers Australia-wide, ensuring easy access to care for all ages.
How does MBP offer a soft, child-centred start to therapy?
Michelle Barratt Psychology Administrative Services (MBP) offers a gentle, child-centred intake designed to reduce stress for both children and parents before therapy begins.
Our “soft‑entry” approach includes calm, clear communications, developmentally appropriate explanations, and practical guidance so families feel safe and understood from the first contact.
What support does MBP provide?
Clinically informed intake
Helping families access appropriate support through sensitive and professionally managed intake processes.
Family-Focused Support
Supporting parents and caregivers throughout the referral and appointment process.
Timely Access to Care
Helping children begin therapy without unnecessary delays.
Coordinated care
Liaison with schools, health providers, and other professionals when appropriate.
Practical referral support
Assistance with referrals, Medicare paperwork, and appointment coordination.
Flexible Access
In-person Brisbane appointments and telehealth services available Australia-wide.
How do I get started?
If you are seeking a respectful and professionally managed pathway to treatment, please complete your details on our Contact Form >
We will respond within 24 to 48 hours, and help you find a Brisbane psychologist or allied health practitioner who specialises in borderline personality disorder and long-term recovery.
You may also view our Practitioner Page and select the clinician of your choice.
If in crisis, please call 000.
Email Us on the Form Below
*Your personal information will be handled in the strictest confidence in accordance with the Allied Health Privacy ACT, 1988.
Important safety note
If you are in immediate danger, experiencing severe distress, or having thoughts of harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis service right away. If you are concerned but not in immediate danger, please mention this when you contact us so we can prioritise an appropriate, timely response.
What is Child Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural emotional response that helps us recognise and respond to potential threats or challenges. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to a situation, it can interfere with a child’s ability to learn, socialise, and enjoy everyday experiences.
Children may experience anxiety for many reasons, including significant life changes, school transitions, friendship difficulties, bullying, family stress, health concerns, traumatic experiences, or uncertainty about new situations. While anxiety can feel overwhelming, early support can help children develop confidence, resilience, and effective coping skills.
Common Symptoms of Child Anxiety
Anxiety can affect children emotionally, physically, and behaviourally. Common signs may include excessive worry, nervousness, irritability, clinginess, fearfulness, difficulty concentrating, avoidance of certain situations, and ongoing reassurance-seeking. Some children may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, sleep difficulties, muscle tension, rapid breathing, sweating, or feelings of panic.
Every child experiences anxiety differently, and symptoms may vary depending on their age, personality, and circumstances.
How Anxiety Can Affect Children
When left unaddressed, anxiety can affect a child’s confidence, social development, academic engagement, and emotional wellbeing. Children may avoid activities they enjoy, struggle to make or maintain friendships, become increasingly dependent on parents or caregivers, or withdraw from opportunities that support healthy development.
Early intervention can help children build emotional resilience, strengthen self-esteem, improve coping skills, and participate more confidently in school, family, and social environments.
Child anxiety can present itself through a range of emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms, including:
- Excessive worry or fear about everyday situations or events
- Restlessness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
- Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep or frequent nightmares.
- Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue
- Avoidance of certain situations or places
- Excessive need for reassurance or seeking constant approval.
- Fear of separation from parents or caregivers
- Difficulty with social interactions or performance anxiety
- Overthinking and constant anticipation of worst-case scenarios
Supporting a child with anxiety can sometimes feel overwhelming, but families do not have to navigate these challenges alone. With the right support and practical strategies, children can develop confidence, build resilience, and learn healthy ways to manage anxiety. If you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing, we encourage you to contact Michelle Barratt Psychology to explore available support options.
Supporting a Child with Anxiety
When a child experiences anxiety, the effects are often felt throughout the family. Parents and caregivers may find themselves navigating school concerns, emotional outbursts, avoidance behaviours, reassurance-seeking, or a loss of confidence in their child. It can be difficult to know when to step in, when to encourage independence, and how best to provide support.
At Michelle Barratt Psychology, we understand that supporting an anxious child can be both rewarding and challenging. We provide guidance and support to help families better understand anxiety, strengthen communication, build resilience, and create a supportive environment that encourages confidence and emotional growth.
1 Understanding Anxiety
Helping parents and caregivers recognise the signs, triggers, and impacts of anxiety in children.
2 Open Communication
Building supportive communication strategies that encourage children to express their fears and worries without judgement. Active listening and empathy can help children feel understood and supported.
3 Emotional Regulation Setting
Teaching practical techniques that help children manage worries, fears, and overwhelming emotions.
4 Building Confidence
Supporting children to develop resilience, independence, and confidence in challenging situations.
5 Family Support Strategies
Providing parents and caregivers with practical tools to create a calm, supportive, and consistent home environment.
Contact Us
Please complete the email form below – we will respond within 24 to 48 hours.
If in crisis, please call 000.
*Your personal information will be handled in the strictest confidence in accordance with the Allied Health Privacy ACT, 1988.