Principles

Our CBT program is built on the understanding that child anxiety shows up in three main ways: behaviors (like avoiding school or asking for constant reassurance), thoughts (such as expecting something bad to happen or feeling unsafe), and body reactions (including stomachaches, tense muscles, or a racing heart). Because anxiety affects all three of these areas, the program is designed to help with each one directly.

Big problems often feel more manageable when they’re broken down into smaller parts. That’s why our CBT program uses a step-by-step structure to help families move through the program in a clear and logical way. Each step builds on the last, allowing children to learn gradually and add the skills into everyday life.

Every child experiences anxiety differently—what feels scary or difficult for one child may not be an issue for another. That’s why our program advocates for fear ladders that match each child’s unique concerns. These ladders help children move at their own pace, starting with smaller fears and building up to more challenging ones.

The most meaningful changes in anxious thinking happen through real-world experience. That’s why our program uses exposures to bring anxious thoughts to the surface—right when they’re most active. Each exposure is a chance for children to test their thoughts in the moment, see what actually happens, and gather new information. As children work through their fear ladders, they begin to revise unhelpful beliefs and develop more accurate, balanced ways of thinking.

The Phoenix Sessions are designed to meet families where they are. This is a self-paced, digital program that gives parents the tools to support their child’s anxiety on their own schedule. It follows a “do-it-yourself” approach—putting proven strategies directly in the hands of caregivers. There’s no need to wait for an appointment or rely on complicated systems.The Phoenix Sessions are designed to meet families where they are. This is a self-paced, digital program that gives parents the tools to support their child’s anxiety on their own schedule. It follows a “do-it-yourself” approach—putting proven strategies directly in the hands of caregivers. There’s no need to wait for an appointment or rely on complicated systems.

CBT only works when both parents and children are actively engaged. There’s no shortcut—real change takes consistent practice over time. That’s why our approach depends on families showing up, trying the skills, and applying them in daily life. Parents and children are partners in this process, each playing an active role in learning, practicing, and making small but meaningful changes together. A problem that has built up over time won't disappear overnight—but with steady effort, progress is possible.CBT only works when both parents and children are actively engaged. There’s no shortcut—real change takes consistent practice over time. That’s why our approach depends on families showing up, trying the skills, and applying them in daily life. Parents and children are partners in this process, each playing an active role in learning, practicing, and making small but meaningful changes together. A problem that has built up over time won't disappear overnight—but with steady effort, progress is possible.

This program is backed by nearly two decades of rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies. It reflects a body of work developed not just for convenience or trend, but in service of public health. Unlike approaches that rely solely on relaxation or meditation techniques, this program is built to directly target the roots of child anxiety problems. Every strategy has been tested, refined, and validated through careful science and studies published in peer-reviewed journals. It’s not just theory—it’s a practical, proven approach designed to create real, lasting change for families.This program is backed by nearly two decades of rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies. It reflects a body of work developed not just for convenience or trend, but in service of public health. Unlike approaches that rely solely on relaxation or meditation techniques, this program is built to directly target the roots of child anxiety problems. Every strategy has been tested, refined, and validated through careful science and studies published in peer-reviewed journals. It’s not just theory—it’s a practical, proven approach designed to create real, lasting change for families.

Many families hesitate to seek help for child anxiety—sometimes out of fear of being judged, misunderstood, or not knowing where to turn. The Phoenix Sessions were designed with this reality in mind. This private, self-paced program offers caregivers a way to begin supporting their child at home, on their own terms. It removes common barriers by focusing on clear guidance, real-world strategies, and meaningful parent-child connection. For families who may feel unsure or overwhelmed, it’s a practical, science-based path forward—one that begins with trust, not judgment.Many families hesitate to seek help for child anxiety—sometimes out of fear of being judged, misunderstood, or not knowing where to turn. The Phoenix Sessions were designed with this reality in mind. This private, self-paced program offers caregivers a way to begin supporting their child at home, on their own terms. It removes common barriers by focusing on clear guidance, real-world strategies, and meaningful parent-child connection. For families who may feel unsure or overwhelmed, it’s a practical, science-based path forward—one that begins with trust, not judgment.