Child Anxiety & Separation Anxiety Support in Coquitlam
Is your child struggling with "big worries" that seem to take over your family’s daily life? Perhaps school drop-offs have become a battle of tears and clinging, or bedtime is delayed by endless "what if" questions. You aren’t alone—childhood anxiety and separation anxiety are among the most common reasons families in the Tri-Cities seek support.
At Strong River Counselling, we help children and parents move from a state of constant "high alert" back to a place of connection and calm.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
Anxiety in children rarely looks like a "worry" in an adult. Instead, it often shows up in the body or through "big" behaviors. You might be noticing:
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Physical Complaints: Frequent stomach aches, headaches, or feeling "sick" before school or social events.
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Difficulty with Transitions: Intense distress or "clinging" during drop-offs at school, daycare, or even with familiar caregivers.
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Sleep Challenges: A sudden inability to sleep alone or a need for a parent to stay in the room until they are deeply asleep.
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Reassurance Seeking: Asking the same questions repeatedly: "When are you coming back?" or "What if something bad happens?"
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Avoidance: Refusal to participate in activities they once enjoyed or avoiding social situations.
Why Child Anxiety and Separation Anxiety Happen
Anxiety is not a "behavior problem"—it is a nervous system response. When a child feels unsafe or overwhelmed, their "smoke detector" (the amygdala) goes off, even when there is no actual danger.
Separation Anxiety as a Need for Connection
In our Coquitlam counselling practice, we view anxiety through an attachment lens. Separation anxiety, specifically, is often a sign of a child’s deep need for proximity to their "secure base." Our goal is not to "fix" the child, but to strengthen their internal sense of safety and their bond with you.
How to Help an Anxious Child at Home
Before starting therapy, there are small shifts you can make to lower the emotional temperature at home:
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Validate, Don't Dismiss: Instead of saying "You're fine," try: "I can see your body is feeling really worried right now. I’m here."
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Predictability is Key: Use visual schedules or "transition cues" to let your child know exactly what is happening next.
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The "Bridge" Technique: Give your child a "transitional object" (like a small stone or a heart drawn on their hand) to keep them connected to you during the school day.
Our Approach: Play Therapy & Parent Support in the Tri-Cities
At Strong River Counselling, we don't expect children to sit on a couch and talk about their fears. We meet them where they are.
Neuro-affirming Care for
Anxious Brains
We recognize that for many children, especially those who are neurodivergent, anxiety often stems from sensory overwhelm or a need for autonomy. We tailor our approach to fit your child’s unique brain, ensuring they feel seen and understood.
Attachment-Based Support for Coquitlam Families
We don't work with the child in a vacuum. We provide Parenting Support to give you a toolkit of regulation strategies. By working together, we ensure the progress made in the playroom translates to a more peaceful home life.
Meet Your Clinical Director:
Destinee Kreil, MCP, RCC
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the founder of Strong River Counselling, Destinee Kreil specializes in attachment-based care and trauma-informed support for families in the Tri-Cities. With a deep background in child psychology, Destinee ensures that every therapeutic plan is rooted in research and delivered with genuine warmth.
Whether you are navigating School Avoidance or looking for Neuro-affirming ADHD Support, Destinee is dedicated to helping your family thrive in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody.
FAQ About Child Anxiety
