CBT by Condition

Guide

CBT for Separation Anxiety Disorder

Educational content only. Pediatric evaluation and school collaboration help. See our Medical Disclaimer.

Overview

Separation anxiety involves excessive fear about being apart from caregivers, leading to school refusal, sleep difficulties, or physical symptoms.

Why CBT helps

  • Graded separations: stepwise practice with clear start/end times.
  • Reduce accommodation: coach caregivers to encourage skill use before rescue.
  • Skills + routines: morning/evening anchors reduce anticipatory anxiety.

Journaling prompts (child + caregiver)

  1. Separation step today; fear 0–100 before/after; what helped.
  2. Caregiver support I used (validation, brief plan) before separation.
  3. Tomorrow’s small step and who will support it.

Use shared entries; see How to Journal.

When to seek care

Persistent school refusal or panic warrants clinician‑guided exposure and school planning.

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