SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER
Children, teens, and adults with separation anxiety typically fear being away from loved ones and/or home. Common worries of separation include harm to themselves or loved ones as well as fears of having uncomfortable sensations associated with anxiety (e.g., stomach distress) or illness while away. While the worry of separating can occur during daytime activities, anxiety tends to escalate around nighttime and during extended trips. Some children will exhibit oppositional behaviors (e.g., meltdown, tantrums, aggression) in an effort to avoid leaving parents/home. Separation anxiety can interfere with social relationships given reluctance to enter new social situations that require temporary separation from loved ones.
Before seeing Taylor, I was struggling with OCD behavior, compulsive exercise, and learning how to cope with my past in a healthy way. He was very patient, understanding, and non-judgmental, which allowed me to uncover problems that were essentially being pushed aside. I used to get uncomfortable and self-conscious about discussing certain things that happened when I was younger, but the environment that he creates is very welcoming and I felt at ease when memories came to mind. He also asked me…