Independence Therapy
Researchers at Cognitive Behavioral Associates and NYU are conducting a study on Independence Therapy for children ages 8–13 who experience anxiety.
Fast Facts
Child experiences anxiety
8-13
Years Old
Compensation available. Treatment and participation are at no cost.
Conducted in
New York
Study Background
A new approach to helping anxious children build confidence and independence
Independence Therapy is a novel treatment designed to help children ages 8–13 reduce anxiety by engaging in fun, age-appropriate activities without parental involvement. These “Independence Activities” (IAs) include things like going to the park with friends, baking a cake solo, or visiting a pizza place with peers—simple but empowering experiences that encourage autonomy and self-efficacy. The therapy is delivered through six weekly sessions, either virtually or in person, and is designed to be low-cost and scalable.
This study is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate Independence Therapy compared to a waitlist control group. Researchers aim to understand how increasing independence can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve family dynamics. The study also explores how children’s confidence, parental accommodation, and beliefs about independence shift over time. Families will be randomly assigned to either begin therapy right away or after a 12-week wait period.
Study Background
A new approach to helping anxious children build confidence and independence
Independence Therapy is a novel treatment designed to help children ages 8–13 reduce anxiety by engaging in fun, age-appropriate activities without parental involvement. These “Independence Activities” (IAs) include things like going to the park with friends, baking a cake solo, or visiting a pizza place with peers—simple but empowering experiences that encourage autonomy and self-efficacy. The therapy is delivered through six weekly sessions, either virtually or in person, and is designed to be low-cost and scalable.
This study is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate Independence Therapy compared to a waitlist control group. Researchers aim to understand how increasing independence can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve family dynamics. The study also explores how children’s confidence, parental accommodation, and beliefs about independence shift over time. Families will be randomly assigned to either begin therapy right away or after a 12-week wait period.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to evaluate whether Independence Therapy helps reduce anxiety in children by encouraging independent, confidence-building activities. Researchers also want to understand how parents and children feel about this new approach.
To participate in this study, families must meet the following criteria:
- Child age: Families must have a child between the ages of 8 and 13.
- Anxiety symptoms: The child should experience anxiety that affects their daily life.
- Location: The family must currently live in New York.
- Availability: Parents must be available to attend six weekly therapy sessions, either in person or virtually.
Exclusion Criteria:
- The child has a past diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
- There is a history of significant noncompliance.
- The child currently experiences acute psychotic symptoms and/or suicidal or homicidal ideation.
You’ll complete a brief phone screening to confirm eligibility.
If eligible, your family will be randomly assigned to either begin therapy immediately or after a 12-week wait.
The therapy includes six weekly 60-minute sessions for parent and child.
Your child will be encouraged to complete daily Independence Activities between sessions.
You’ll complete a series of short assessments throughout the study to help researchers track progress.
Yes. Eligible families will be compensated for their time. Treatment and participation are at no cost. Transportation is not provided, but sessions can be done virtually or in person, depending on your preference.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.