# An Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Childhood Separation Anxiety: A Case Study

## TL;DR

This case study shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can effectively reduce separation anxiety in a child and improve outcomes for their parent.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the novel application of ACT to treat childhood separation anxiety by involving both the child and parent.

## Key findings

- ACT reduced the child’s anxiety and depressive symptoms while increasing value-oriented actions.
- The mother showed improved psychological flexibility and life satisfaction.
- Results were sustained at a three-month follow-up.

## Abstract

This study illustrates the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for a 12-year-old boy with separation anxiety and his mother. Over 23 sessions, ACT strategies promoted psychological flexibility, values-based parenting, and adaptive behaviors. The intervention reduced the child’s experiential avoidance, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, while increasing value-oriented actions, while the mother showed improved psychological flexibility and life satisfaction. The results were sustained at a three-month follow-up. This case study highlights the potential of ACT in treating childhood separation anxiety by simultaneously involving parents, demonstrating its feasibility and efficacy. The findings provide guidance for adapting ACT for families and child populations.