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The SPACE Model for Childhood Anxiety: Raising Resilient Kids Through Parent-Led Support with Ivy Ruths, PhD, LSSP

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore the transformative power of the SPACE model—Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions—an evidence-based, parent-led approach for treating childhood anxiety.

Our guest, Dr. Ivy Ruths, is a licensed psychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders using the SPACE model. With over 15 years of experience and PsyPact certification, Dr. Ruths offers therapy in 40+ states and is a nationally recognized leader in child and adolescent anxiety treatment.

This episode is packed with compassionate, actionable insights for therapists, educators, and caregivers looking to help children, teens, and emerging adults rise to the occasion—even when therapy isn't happening in the therapy room.

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Topics Covered:

  • What the SPACE model is and how it differs from traditional child-focused therapy approaches
  • How parental accommodation can unintentionally maintain or worsen childhood anxiety
  • The importance of supportive statements and clear behavioral shifts by parents
  • Practical ways to guide families when children are resistant to therapy or disengaged
  • What clinicians should consider when implementing SPACE across diverse family structures and clinical presentations

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About Our Guest: Ivy Ruths, PhD, LSSP is a licensed psychologist and licensed specialist in school psychology with over 15 years of experience treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders across clinical, school, and hospital settings. She is the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she supervises clinicians and leads parent-focused interventions including SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). A PsyPact-certified provider, Dr. Ruths offers therapy across 40+ states and frequently consults with schools and professionals on best practices in anxiety treatment. She also serves in leadership roles with OCD Texas, the Houston Psychological Association, and the TLC Foundation for BFRBs.

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Connect with Dr. Ivy Ruths:

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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