January 2026

The new year always brings a pull for reflection - a mix of motivation, renewed energy, and the desire to set goals that feel meaningful. We hope your family enjoyed our Family Vision Board Activity and that it sparked conversations about values, growth, and what matters most.

 

As a psychologist and practice owner, this time of year also invites a deeper review: looking at our process, our clinical work, and how well our services reflect our mission. It’s a chance to pause and consider the trends we’re seeing in the children, teens, and families who walk through our doors each week.

 

In 2025, Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center grew in ways that felt both exciting and deeply aligned with our purpose. We launched SPACE parent groups, created children’s CBT camps, added new team members, and expanded our offerings to meet community needs. Our new Resources Page now brings together research-based tools, articles, and education in one place — making it easier for you to find reliable support when you need it most.

 

Most importantly, we supported many of you through hard transitions. We watched kids face avoided situations with new confidence, helped families reduce chaos and build structure, and walked alongside parents navigating moments that felt overwhelming. It is meaningful work, and we’re grateful to be part of your lives.

 

As I reflect on the many children, teens, and parents we worked with this year, a few themes around anxiety stand out. These themes can help us understand what kids are struggling with now and how we can support them in 2026.

What 2025 showed us about anxious kids

So many kids found themselves avoiding schoolwork, social events, new experiences like learning to drive, or anything uncertain. Avoidance gives quick relief, which makes it incredibly reinforcing. But long-term, it shrinks confidence.

 

Despite this, kids and teens make rapid progress when they learn to face discomfort in small, supported, well-defined steps.

 

More kids and teens told us they were terrified of getting things “wrong.” The pressure to be exceptional is increasing, which we know contributes to anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout.

 

Helping kids shift toward flexibility, curiosity, and effort (not outcomes) made a noticeable difference this year.

 

Kids are overwhelmed. Academic pressure, screen exposure, fast-paced and over packed schedules, and the still lingering post-pandemic ripple effects play a real role in children and teens feeling like they are always on edge or like the sky is falling.

 

But emotional skills can be taught and practiced. Grounding techniques, naming emotions accurately, and recognizing early signs of escalation are powerful, learnable tools.

 

Every parent I meet cares deeply and is trying so hard. The line between supporting a child and unintentionally rescuing them from helpful discomfort can feel blurry. What parents really need is guidance, not pressure.

What to expect in early 2026

We’re anticipating:

A few guiding themes:

As we move into 2026, our commitment remains the same: to meet children, teens, and families with evidence-based care, practical tools, and a deep respect for how hard this work can be. Anxiety may show up loudly at times, but with the right support, skills, and guidance, families can move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling capable again. We’re honored to walk alongside you in that process.

New At Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center

 

 

✨ Managing Test Anxiety: Encouraging Grit (Not Perfection)

 

 

 

 

✨ In The Messy Middle: Supporting Anxious Preteens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or Book an Appointment

Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center
832-205-8120  |  Info@HoustonAnxiety.com