113. How do we manage anxiety escalation? Breaking the Extinction Burst

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss the challenging concept of extinction bursts in the context of reducing accommodations for anxious children. Last week's discussion on accommodation strategies for anxious children set the stage for this deeper exploration. As we start withdrawing these accommodations to promote independence and resilience, parents and educators often face an 'extinction burst' - a phase where a child's behaviour may temporarily worsen.

This episode is dedicated to understanding and effectively managing these bursts, a major barrier for many adults that get in the way of supporting anxious children effectively.

I discuss the natural occurrence of extinction bursts, how these bursts manifest, and strategies to maintain consistency and calm during these challenging times. I emphasize the key elements of success when problem behaviours arise whenever we stop accommodating anxiety.

Join me and learn how to navigate this difficult phase of anxiety management with a proactive, supportive approach, ensuring the development of resilience and independence in anxious children and teens.

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