Diagnosing Anxiety in Children: A Play Therapist’s Guide to Key Symptoms [Free Download]

As a play therapist you usually go into your first session with a liiiittle bit of information about the kiddo and family in your waiting room. And as you scroll through the intake paperwork you might see some familiar clusters of checkboxes ticked off when you get to symptoms.  

One of the boxes I see most often? Anxiety!

​But that little tiny checkbox doesn’t tell me the real things I need to know about this kid.

What is causing the anxiety?  Where are the roots?  The barriers to moving through it? What sustains it? When is it strongest? What are the thoughts behind the fears? Is there a function to the anxiety?

Wheewww!  

And the only way we get there?  The clinical interview! Along with all the other important assessment activities such as observations and play based assessments! 

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing anxiety in kids?  May child anxiety symptoms overlap with each other, making clearly assessing differential diagnosis in kids essential.

Why Differential Diagnosis in Kids Matters 

Aren’t diagnoses just unnecessary labels?

Hear me out. Understanding the specific cause and manifestation of anxiety is crucial for figuring out what to do next, both in the clients environment and inside of the playroom.  Techniques, strategies, and skills may be significantly different for anxiety that is within the attachment relationship VS anxiety due to trauma VS anxiety due to change in routine such as with ASD.  
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In short - it makes therapy easier and more effective. 

Introduction the Essential Guide for Diagnosing Anxiety in Kids and Teens 

To make this process easier, I created a free play therapy guide that provides:
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• A breakdown of the most common child anxiety symptoms
• Guidance on how to ask the right questions for accurate assessment
• Tips for identifying comorbid conditions or overlapping diagnoses
• Considerations for cultural and environmental factors
  
  

This guide gives therapists the tools to approach child anxiety symptoms with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

Take the Guesswork Out of Anxiety Assessments 

Stop guessing during assessments or funneling all your clients in the "other specified" category and start assessing with clarity.  Knowing exactly what symptoms to look for and the small clues and signs for differential diagnosis can transform your diagnostic sessions AND improve outcomes for the kids and teens that you work with!

Download your free Essential Guide for Diagnosing Anxiety in Kids today HERE and start taking your assessments to the next level! 

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