PRESENTED BY: CINDY BALLOU, PSY.D.

Navigating a child or adolescent's anxiety can be a complex and overwhelming experience for caregivers. This comprehensive workshop, presented by licensed psychologist Dr. Cindy Ballou, is designed to equip families with a foundational understanding of anxiety across the developmental spectrum. Parents will gain the clinical insights essential for recognizing, understanding, and ultimately supporting anxious youth. The session begins by exploring the multifactorial origins of anxiety, explaining how a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, physiological factors, environmental stressors, and inherent temperament all play a role in a child's psychological profile. Early in the session, parents will learn the critical clinical distinction between fear—a fight-or-flight response to an immediate, real threat—and anxiety, which is characterized by pervasive muscle tension, vigilant preparation for future danger, and avoidance behaviors.

Because anxiety manifests differently as children mature, a large portion of the presentation is dedicated to tracing developmental shifts across key areas of functioning. Parents will learn how typical childhood fears, such as separation from caregivers, doctor’s visits, or natural disasters, naturally evolve into adolescent concerns regarding social standing, appearance, and academic or athletic performance. Dr. Ballou will detail how anxiety impacts mood, noting that while younger children may become clingy, unpredictable, or quick to tears, adolescents often present as irritable, stoic, or highly guarded. The session will also highlight common cognitive distortions, teaching parents how to identify "what-if" questioning and black-and-white thinking in younger children, as well as the "spotlight effect" and mind-reading often experienced by teens.

Furthermore, the workshop addresses the physical and behavioral manifestations of anxiety that often go unnoticed. Parents will learn to recognize somatic symptoms, such as unexplained stomachaches, headaches, and muscle tension, alongside behavioral red flags like school resistance, sleep disturbances, perfectionism, and social withdrawal. To ensure parents are well-versed in the landscape of mental health care, Dr. Ballou will demystify common clinical terminology, clarifying diagnoses ranging from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder to Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and specific phobias. By attending this workshop, parents will gain the clarity needed to accurately identify anxiety, differentiate it from typical developmental phases, and take the vital first step in helping their children foster long-term resilience.

Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations must be submitted by 8:00 AM on the Friday before the event to be eligible for a refund.
Cancellations received by the deadline will receive a refund less any applicable processing fees. Cancellations received after the Friday 8:00 AM deadline are not eligible for a refund. To cancel your registration, please use the cancellation link provided in your registration confirmation email.