I receive many inquiries from parents about how to support their child who’s struggling with anxiety, excessive fears, worry, or overthinking. What I find most effective is for these children to work with two types of therapists – one who focuses on mental patterns and one who focuses on the body and the nervous system. I recommend that parents interview several practitioners to determine the right fit for their family and for their child. Body-Based Therapies for Anxiety When children experience anxiety, fear, and worry, their nervous systems get caught in a sympathetic or “fight or flight” state. This natural response to stress creates a series of physical changes in the body including increased heart rate and breathing, decreased blood flow to the digestive system, muscle tension, and sweating. When repeated anxiety is present, your child may get stuck in “fight or flight” state and have trouble resetting to a “rest and digest” state which includes a normal heart rate and breathing pattern and plentiful blood flow to the digestive system. Acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese herbal medicine all support returning the body to a state of “rest and digest.” After an acupuncture treatment, most people feel calm, relaxed, and even slightly tired. The treatment enables hormonal and other physical changes that allow the body to return to a proper state of digestion, heart function, and lung function. Herbal medicine can also be used to continue to relax the body in between acupuncture appointments and can address any specific concerns such as heart palpitations, indigestion, constipation, cold hands and feet, and other anxiety- and stress-related symptoms. Children can also receive great benefit from other somatic treatments including massage, craniosacral therapy, and osteopathy. Behavior and Mindset Therapies for Anxiety The teens and tweens I work with have benefited from hypnotherapy, mindset coaching, and cognitive behavioral therapy to redirect the mental patterns related to anxiety. These therapists can help teens and tweens identify their specific triggers for anxieties and fears and develop healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety-provoking thoughts and situations. It can be difficult for the whole family when anxiety is present. However, using home-based calming techniques and seeking professional help from somatic and psychology-based practitioners can be a game-changer for your child’s ability to adapt and be resilient as he or she ages. Change is possible – enabling healthier and happier families and easier parenting.