Children
We work with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, teens, and young adults. When working with children, parents are an integral part of the treatment and are often included in sessions. Parents can feel anxious, exhausted and confused about how to respond to their anxious child. Dr. Rockwell-Evans provides you with strategies and guidance so you can best support your child. Sometimes children with anxiety engage in behavior that is stressful for their siblings as well. Family therapy can help the entire family understand how anxiety can affect your loved one and impact the entire family.
Adults
In many situations, family members and loved ones are involved in some aspects of treatment and taught how to support their loved one. Often, individuals with anxiety or OCD may ask for reassurance repeatedly, and insist that family members participate in rituals or avoidant behavior. Family members can feel frustrated and exhausted dealing with the impact of their loved one’s behavior. We provide education on the treatment procedures and recommend helpful strategies for family members. The extent of family involvement is individualized based on the client’s needs.
Families of Reluctant Patients or Treatment Refusers
Often, when the person with anxiety or OCD is unwilling to participate in therapy, it can have a serious impact on the family. Helping you encourage your family member to seek treatment is not the only focus when helping family members. We can help you understand their condition and teach you to respond in a helpful way. Families are often frustrated and exhausted, so we provide tools to minimize stress, and engage in behaviors that help you with your own self-care. When your family member refuses help, we can work with you to gradually disengage from any behavior that unintentionally helps your loved one maintain problematic behaviors associated with anxiety or OCD. It is important for family members of treatment refusers to restore normal living, even while the individual continues to refuse help. We will help you develop a systematic plan to set appropriate boundaries with your loved one so you can start living a life that is meaningful to you.