Childhood Anxiety and the Power of Relationship

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the group counseling experience, and the effectiveness of the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to control the signs and symptoms of anxiety. Third, Fourth and Fifth grade students (N=5) from a suburban Western New York school district, who have been identified as having a diagnosis of anxiety, were given a 10 week group experience facilitated by a Master’s candidate from a Northeastern University. The SCARED (Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Disorders) was given at the beginning and at the end of the study, to both the student as well as the parent/guardian. It has been postulated that students who experience anxiety would receive a reduction in their pre-recorded level of anxiety 10 sessions of group psychotherapy.