7 years old: From Anxiety to Confidence – How Behaviour Therapy Empowered Sophie

Sophie (Name changed for privacy) is a bright and imaginative girl who loves reading and drawing. She lives with her parents and older brother. While academically gifted, Sophie has always been described as "shy" and "sensitive."

Presenting Issues:

• Separation Anxiety: Extreme distress when dropped off at school, often clinging to her mother and crying.
• Social Withdrawal: Refusal to participate in group activities or speak to peers, leading to isolation.
• Perfectionism: Intense frustration and meltdowns when she made a mistake in her schoolwork or drawings.

The Challenge

Sophie’s parents were increasingly worried. What started as "first-day jitters" had evolved into a daily struggle. The morning drop-off was a tearful ordeal for everyone involved.

Impact at Home & School:

• At School: Sophie’s teacher reported that she would often sit alone during recess and refuse to answer questions in class, even when she knew the answer. Her fear of making a mistake was hindering her learning.
• At Home: Sophie’s anxiety was bleeding into family life. She would become distressed on Sunday nights, worrying about the week ahead. Her parents felt helpless, unsure of how to comfort her without reinforcing her fears.
• Development: Sophie was missing out on crucial social interactions and the joy of childhood play.

We didn't realize that our attempts to comfort Sophie were actually making her anxiety worse. Learning to step back and let her face her fears—with support—was the hardest but best thing we ever did. She’s like a different child now.

daar Therapy Approach

Sophie’s family sought help from daar. We introduced a comprehensive behaviour therapy plan tailored to address her anxiety and build her resilience.

Key Interventions Implemented:

• Graded Exposure: We created a "bravery ladder" for school drop-offs. We started with small steps (e.g., saying goodbye at the gate with a teacher present) and gradually increased the challenge as Sophie’s confidence grew.
• Cognitive Restructuring: We used simple, child-friendly techniques to help Sophie challenge her "worry thoughts." She learned to replace "I can't do it" with "I can try my best."
• Socialised Behaviour Therapy: In sessions, we used role-playing to practice social interactions, such as asking a friend to play or raising her hand in class.
• Positive Reinforcement: We implemented a "Bravery Chart" where Sophie earned stickers for facing her fears (e.g., walking into class independently). These stickers led to a special reward at the end of the week.
• Parent Training: We coached Sophie’s parents on how to validate her feelings without "feeding" the anxiety. They learned to praise her brave behaviour rather than reassuring her excessively.

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Results and Progress

Over four months of consistent behaviour therapy for children, Sophie transformed from a fearful observer to an active participant in her life.

Measurable Improvements:

• School Drop-Offs: Sophie now walks into class independently every day with a smile, a complete turnaround from the daily tears.
• Social Participation: She has joined the school art club and has made two close friends. Teacher reports indicate she now raises her hand to answer questions.
• Resilience: When she makes a mistake in her drawing, Sophie now says, "Oops, I can fix that," instead of tearing up the paper.
• Reduced Anxiety: Sunday night distress has disappeared. Sophie looks forward to school and her extracurricular activities.

Key Outcomes

Sophie’s journey demonstrates the power of positive behaviour support in helping children navigate emotional challenges.

• Emotional Regulation: Sophie has the tools to manage her anxiety. She knows that feeling scared doesn't mean she can't be brave.
• Social Confidence: By facing her fears in a safe environment, Sophie learned that social interaction can be fun and rewarding.
• Parental Empowerment: Her parents now have a clear strategy for supporting her. They feel confident in their ability to guide her through future challenges.

100 %

success rate in independent school drop-offs

2

new close friendships formed at school

0

meltdowns related to mistakes in the last month

Conclusion

Anxiety and behavioural challenges can feel overwhelming, but they are treatable. Sophie’s story is a reminder that with the right support, children can learn to manage their emotions and thrive. Behaviour therapy isn't just about fixing problems; it's about unlocking a child's potential.

If your child is struggling with anxiety, social withdrawal, or behavioural issues, daar is here to help. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach can give your child the skills they need to soar.

Ready to help your child build confidence?
Contact daar today to schedule a consultation and discover how behaviour therapy can support your family.