Performance Anxiety can be a problem that starts in childhood and can continue throughout a person's life. Children frequently under-perform on important exams because of anxiety. Many children are also reluctant to raise their hands in class, even if they know a correct answer. Performance anxiety can markedly affect a child's grades. More importantly, performance anxiety can be extremely frustrating to a child because they feel they cannot show their true ability. Cognitive behavioral techniques are highly effective in treating different types of performance anxiety. Children can quickly learn to identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns into more effective ones. Behavioral techniques involving relaxation and refocusing can also help children perform to their potential. Finally, therapy may also include “in vivo” (simulated real life situations) to help children prepare and perform better for the challenges they face.

Contact Behavior Therapy of New York to help your child reduce performance anxiety.