Separation Anxiety Therapy and Counselling
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

Separation anxiety can make everyday situations such as school drop-offs, bedtime, sleepovers or time away from a parent or caregiver difficult for children and families. A child may become very distressed when separation is expected, worry about something happening to someone they love, or avoid situations where they need to be apart.

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For some children, separation anxiety is short-lived and occurs during particular stages or transitions. For others, the anxiety becomes more persistent and begins affecting school attendance, friendships, family routines or their ability to spend time away from parents or caregivers.

Many parents seek separation anxiety counselling when reassurance and other strategies are no longer helping, or when anxiety around separation is becoming harder for their child or family to manage.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our psychologists and counsellors provide separation anxiety therapy and counselling for children and adolescents across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person and online.

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Signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in children

 

Separation anxiety in children can present differently depending on their age, developmental stage and individual circumstances. While distress when separating from a parent or caregiver is one of the most recognised signs, children may also experience ongoing worry, physical symptoms or avoidance.

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Children experiencing separation anxiety may:

• Become distressed at school or childcare drop-offs

• Worry about something happening to a parent, caregiver or loved one

• Find it difficult to sleep alone or stay in their own bed

• Frequently seek reassurance or check where a parent or caregiver is

• Experience headaches, stomach aches, nausea or other physical symptoms

• Avoid school, sleepovers, activities or other situations involving separation

• Become increasingly reliant on a parent or caregiver to feel safe

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These difficulties can vary in intensity and change over time. When separation anxiety begins affecting school, relationships, family routines or everyday activities, seeking support may help you better understand what your child is experiencing and how to respond.

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Separation anxiety can affect children differently

 

Separation anxiety does not look the same for every child. For some children, difficulties are most noticeable at school drop-off or bedtime. For others, anxiety may arise around sleepovers, staying with relatives, attending activities independently or being away from a particular parent or caregiver.

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Separation anxiety may also occur alongside ADHD, autism, sensory differences or other forms of anxiety. For some children, difficulties with transitions, uncertainty or previous experiences may also contribute to how they respond to separation.

 

How does separation anxiety counselling help?

 

Separation anxiety counselling and therapy can help children and families better understand what is contributing to the anxiety and develop practical strategies for managing separation. Therapy is adapted to the child's age, developmental stage and individual needs.

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Therapy may involve:

• Helping children understand anxiety and recognise how it affects them

• Developing strategies for managing worry and physical symptoms of anxiety

• Gradually building confidence with age-appropriate separation

• Reducing patterns of avoidance and reassurance-seeking

• Supporting parents and caregivers to respond consistently to anxiety

• Addressing school-related difficulties where separation anxiety is affecting attendance

• Exploring other factors that may be contributing to the child's anxiety where appropriate

 

Our psychologists and counsellors draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exposure-based strategies, attachment-informed and trauma-informed approaches, and play and art therapy, depending on the child's age and individual circumstances.

 

Some families may also benefit from family counselling or support focused on school refusal where separation anxiety is affecting school attendance.

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Separation anxiety therapy in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

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If you have been searching for a separation anxiety therapist, separation anxiety therapy or help with separation anxiety in children near you, our psychologists, counsellors and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers work with children and families across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

 

We welcome families from throughout the region, including Sutherland, Miranda, Caringbah, Cronulla, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor and Illawong, as well as the neighbouring St George area. Appointments are available in person at our Sutherland Shire practice and online where appropriate.

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If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or click the button below to request an appointment.