Parents looking for effective therapy methods to help a struggling young boy can learn about how we treat Separation Anxiety Disorder at our therapeutic boarding school in rural Missouri. 

Vision Boys Academy understands that parents want to send a young boy to a safe, monitored environment where their son receives personal care, and individual therapies that help heal emotional and mental disorders–whether brought on by trauma, foster care, adoption or family genetics. 

And while the young boy enrolls our therapeutic boarding school for counseling, treatment, and improving academic/life skills, Vision Boys Academy also helps boys who struggle with Separation Anxiety Disorder improve their mental and physical health. 

What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a child becomes fearful and nervous when away from home or separated from a loved one — usually a parent or other caregiver — to whom the child is attached. Some children also develop physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, at the thought of being separated. The fear of separation causes great distress to the child and may interfere with their normal activities, like going to school or playing with other children.

Separation anxiety is normal in very young children (those between 8 and 14 months old). Kids often go through a phase when they’re “clingy” and afraid of unfamiliar people and places. When this fear affects a child over age 6 years, is heavy, or lasts longer than 4 weeks, the child may have separation anxiety disorder. Separation anxiety affects approximately 4%-5% of children in the U.S. ages 7 to 11 years. It is less common in teenagers, affecting about 1.3% of American teens. It affects boys and girls equally.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder:

• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the parent or caregiver if the child leaves
• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the child if they leave the caregiver
• Refusal to go to school in order to stay with the caregiver
• Refusal to go to sleep without the caregiver being nearby or to sleep away from home
• Fear of being alone
• Nightmares about being separated
• Bed-wetting
• Complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches
• Repeated temper tantrums or pleading
• Intense fear or guilt

Vision Boys Academy Gives Boys Healthier Ways to Deal with Separation Anxiety

That’s why Vision Boys Academy treats Separation Anxiety Disorder. Therapists address physical symptoms, identify anxious thoughts, help your son develop coping strategies, and foster problem solving. Professional treatment for separation anxiety disorder may include:

Talk therapy. Talk therapy provides a safe place for your boy to express his feelings. Having someone to listen empathetically and guide your child toward understanding their anxiety can be powerful treatment.

Play therapy. The therapeutic use of play is a common and effective way to get kids talking about their feelings.

Counseling for the family. Family counseling can help your child counteract the thoughts that fuel their anxiety, while you as the parent can help your boy learn coping skills.

School-based counseling. This can help your child with separation anxiety disorder explore the social, behavioral, and academic demands of school.

Another goal of the therapy is to teach a young boy healthier ways of dealing with future situations. And we understand that it takes time to improve a student’s thoughts and actions. We want each young boy to experience effective counseling and treatment, as well as improve daily life at school, and back home with family.

Purpose & Focus at VBA

Leading at-risk boys, ages 8-12, to be Godly and upright young men–that’s our purpose!

Vision Boys Academy’s focus is on providing a nurturing learning environment for at-risk boys, in a safe, daily structured program promotes personal, emotional, spiritual and academic growth. One on one discussions and interaction with trained staff significantly contributes to each boy’s development into a fruitful, godly young man.

If you want to learn more about how we treat young boys who struggle with Separation Anxiety Disorder at our therapeutic boarding school, please call (888)500-4090 now. We look forward to speaking with you!

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Sources: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/separation-anxiety#1