Evidence-based anxiety therapy for children, teens, and adults in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. CBT and exposure-based treatment for all anxiety presentations including panic, social anxiety, and school refusal.
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Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common psychological difficulties across all ages, and one of the most responsive to evidence-based treatment. It ranges from the everyday worry that most people experience to significant clinical anxiety that interferes with work, school, relationships, and quality of life. Common presentations include Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, and school refusal in children and adolescents.
Anxiety is maintained by avoidance. The short-term relief that comes from avoiding feared situations, reassurance-seeking, or withdrawing from challenges makes anxiety stronger over time, not weaker. Effective treatment works directly against this pattern — building the person's capacity to tolerate uncertainty, face feared situations, and trust their own ability to cope.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most extensively researched and well-evidenced treatment for anxiety. At CAYA World in Palm Jumeirah, we provide CBT and exposure-based therapy for all anxiety presentations across all ages, adapted to the developmental level and specific profile of each individual.
Signs That May Indicate This Service Is Right for You
Persistent worry that is difficult to control and feels disproportionate to the situation
Avoiding situations, people, or activities due to fear or anticipated distress
Physical symptoms including racing heart, sweating, trembling, or stomach complaints
Panic attacks or sudden surges of intense fear without an obvious trigger
School refusal, social withdrawal, or significant distress around everyday situations
Excessive reassurance-seeking that does not reduce anxiety for long
Sleep difficulties related to worrying thoughts
Significant impairment in daily functioning due to anxiety
What to Expect
Free Consultation
A 15-minute call to understand your concerns and confirm this service is the right fit for you or your child. No obligation.
Initial Assessment
A thorough first session exploring your experience of anxiety, its patterns and triggers, and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
Therapy Sessions
Regular sessions using CBT and other evidence-based approaches, adjusted as we go based on what is working for you.
Progress and Review
Ongoing review of how things are progressing, with the approach adapted as needed and next steps planned collaboratively.
What We Work On
Understanding the anxiety cycle and what sustains it
Identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns
Gradual exposure to feared situations with structured support
Reducing avoidance and reassurance-seeking behaviours
Relaxation, breathing, and mindfulness techniques
Building confidence and tolerance of uncertainty
Parent strategies for supporting an anxious child
Managing anxiety in school, work, and social settings
Common Questions
We work with all anxiety presentations including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Health Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, and school refusal. We treat anxiety across all ages, from children aged 4 upwards through to adults.
Yes. We work with children from age 4 upwards using age-appropriate CBT and play-based approaches. Parent involvement is always a central part of treatment for younger children, and we equip families with strategies to support progress at home.
Yes. We offer secure video sessions within Dubai for anxiety therapy. Research supports virtual CBT as equally effective to in-person therapy for most anxiety presentations.
CBT is the most extensively researched psychological treatment for anxiety and is considered the first-line recommended approach by international clinical guidelines. We also draw on ACT and exposure-based approaches depending on the presentation and what the individual responds to best.
If anxiety is regularly causing significant distress, leading to avoidance of important activities such as school or friendships, or if attempts to manage it at home are not helping, professional support is appropriate. A free consultation is a good starting point to discuss what your child is experiencing.