SPACE
A Parent-Based Approach to OCD
Does this sound familiar?
Your child insists you check things for them. You’re avoiding places or people they fear. You’ve learned the “right” way to answer their repeated questions so they don’t spiral. You’re exhausted—and even though you love your child fiercely, you’re not sure how much longer you can keep going like this.
You're not alone—and your instincts to help aren't wrong. But OCD can twist those good intentions into something that fuels the problem instead of solving it.
That’s where SPACE treatment comes in.
When your child is struggling with OCD, it can feel like your whole family is stuck in its grip. You’ve probably tried everything—from reasoning and reassuring to changing your routines just to avoid another meltdown. You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, unsure whether helping your child avoid a trigger is supporting them… or making things worse.
What Is SPACE?
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is a research-backed treatment developed at the Yale Child Study Center. Unlike traditional therapy where the child is the main participant, SPACE works by coaching parents to make intentional changes in how they respond to their child’s anxiety and OCD behaviors.
This is not about blaming parents. It's about empowering you with tools and strategies that actually reduce symptoms—without needing your child to do more than they’re ready for.
How It Works
In SPACE, you’ll learn how to:
Identify the accommodations you’re making that unintentionally reinforce OCD
Reduce those accommodations gradually and supportively
Respond to anxiety and distress with calm confidence, not reassurance
Hold boundaries in ways that feel loving—not harsh
Even if your child refuses therapy or isn’t ready to confront their OCD directly, your changes can create a ripple effect. Many parents are amazed by how much improvement they see when they shift their own responses.
Why Choose SPACE?
No pressure on your child. Your child doesn’t need to participate or “buy in” for this to work.
Based on science. SPACE is backed by clinical research and shown to reduce OCD symptoms and family stress.
Focus on what you can control. You’ll stop feeling helpless and start feeling hopeful.
SPACE gives you a roadmap out of OCD’s trap, rooted in compassion, structure, and real change.
Is SPACE Right for You?
SPACE is a good fit if:
Your child or teen resists therapy or avoids talking about their OCD
You find yourself frequently adjusting your life to avoid triggering your child
You’re unsure how to respond to your child’s distress without making things worse
You want a structured, expert-guided way to support your child’s recovery
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
OCD puts parents in an impossible position—but you don’t have to stay stuck. With SPACE, we’ll walk with you step-by-step as you reclaim your confidence, reconnect with your child, and gently push back on OCD’s hold on your home.