Parenting an Anxious Child with Dr. Samantha Sweeney

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Samantha Sweeney about Parenting an Anxious Child. Dr. Sweeney is a licensed psychologist in the DC Metro Area. She works with students of all ages at her practice Family Psychological Services of Capitol Hill. Today we will answer these questions:

• What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children? Does it differ based on age?
• Can anxiety be triggered by something, and if so how do I identify that trigger?
• Are there things I can do to help my child in an anxious moment?
• What strategies are there to help me, as the parent, stay calm when my child is anxious?
• What is a normal level of anxiety for a child to have?
• How will I know when I need to look into gathering more support for my anxious child? 
• What are the avenues to get the support that they need?
• How can I build a safe space at home for my child to work through their anxiety?
• What strategies can I teach my child to help them work through their anxiety on their own? 

 

Links and Resources:

• Dr. Sweeney’s practice: https://www.fpsch.com/
• Dr. Sweeney’s book Working with Worry: https://www.bullpub.com/workingwithworry.html 
• Dr. Sweeney’s other services through Culturally Competent Kids https://www.culturallycompetentkids.com/
• Find Dr. Sweeney on Social Media:
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058870125391
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacourtney/

 

More about Dr. Sweeney

 

Dr. Samantha Sweeney is a licensed psychologist in the District of Columbia. She has a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park, where she was also a fellowship recipient.  Dr. Sweeney earned her undergraduate psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. 

 

Dr. Sweeney is passionate about education and has worked with students at all grade levels.  She has been a preschool teacher at St. Columba's Nursery School in Northwest, DC, a consultant and researcher in DC Public Schools, and a School Psychologist in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.  Dr. Sweeney also taught several undergraduate classes during her time at the University of Maryland-College Park.  Additionally, while in college she headed up an organization that provided college guidance and enrichment to students in the Philadelphia public schools.  

 

Dr. Sweeney has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral challenges. During her summers in college, Dr. Sweeney worked for the Wediko Children's Services Summer Treatment Program with children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral issues.  

 

Dr. Sweeney is very involved professionally within the wider DC area. She was an adjunct professor in Howard University's School Psychology Program, helping to develop new practitioners and leaders within the discipline. Additionally, Dr. Sweeney was the Preschool Screening Team Leader for the Kathy Wilson Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia. The Kathy Wilson Foundation provides resources and support for children and families in Alexandria. 

 

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