Willa Marquis

“What happened to my happy child?” Parents often come to me feeling overwhelmed and confused by their child’s obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or anxiety. Often it starts with a small fear – about something bad happening to Mom or Dad, about getting sick, about failing a quiz – but the anxiety grows over time and keeps your child from the calm and joy you wish for them. Your child may retreat and avoid people and situations that used to bring them happiness. Many parents do their best to help them regain control of their thoughts and emotions, but they become disheartened when their efforts seem to make no difference. The good news is we can stop OCD and anxiety from being in control. Proper assessment and therapy can help you understand your child’s difficulties and provide manageable steps towards healing. Beyond practical tools, clients and their families develop a new stance towards their anxiety or OCD that allows them to feel confident facing future challenges. Facing our fears is challenging work – if this was easy, you would’ve done it already! I will be with you along the way, providing support, humor, validation, and encouragement – and, of course, to celebrate your child and family’s big and small steps towards relief. Let’s give your child the confidence and freedom to return to feeling happy and relaxed.