Back to School with Confidence: Breaking the Family Accommodation Cycle

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When a child is struggling with anxiety or OCD, it’s natural for parents to want to help. But sometimes, the ways we try to ease our child’s distress—like offering repeated reassurance, participating in rituals, or stepping in to prevent discomfort—can unintentionally reinforce anxiety.

In this webinar, we’ll explore the concept of family accommodation and how well-meaning behaviors can keep anxiety cycles going. You’ll learn how to reduce these patterns without removing support—shifting instead toward strategies that help your child build resilience and long-term coping skills. With back-to-school season on the horizon, we’ll also highlight common accommodations that may arise around school routines and how to set boundaries that support independence and emotional growth.

Learning Objectives

Understand the impact of family accommodation on anxiety and OCD symptoms, including common examples such as reassurance-seeking, participating in rituals, or avoiding distressing situations.
Learn actionable strategies to reduce accommodation, including setting gradual limits, and reinforcing progress—all while maintaining a connected and compassionate relationship.
Identify school-related accommodations to watch for during the transition back-to-school, and develop a plan for encouraging autonomy in morning routines, transportation, academic tasks, and school attendance.

Presenters

Serafin Craig, LCSW

Director of Parent Services/Staff Clinician, Anxiety Institute

BA, Colgate University // MAT, Connecticut College // MSW, Rutgers University

Serafin Craig is a licensed clinical social worker and middle and high school teacher with over 20 years of experience treating adolescents and their families who suffer with anxiety and depression. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University with a specialization in promoting child and adolescent well-being. Serafin also earned her Master’s in Teaching from Connecticut College.

She strives to guide adolescents and their families toward success. When adolescents work to determine their values and goals, they often experience distress from fear of failure or may feel overwhelmed by choices. This can add concerns for parents as well. Sera’s experience gives her the necessary competence to guide adolescents and families through this challenging growth period. Sera believes all adolescents and their families can live a fearless, tenacious life.

Sera has training in various evidence-based treatments, including; SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), SPACE-ARFID: Parent-Based Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, SPACE-FTL: Parent-Based Treatment for Highly Dependent Adult Children, Cognitive Behavioral Training, Motivational Interviewing, and Nurtured Heart Training.

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Co-Hosted By

Questions regarding this workshop?

Birgitta Johnson

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (612) 280-4503

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