Helping children feel safe, confident, and resilient away from their caregivers in the Cedar Park/Round Rock area.

Counseling for Children with Separation Anxiety

Marissa Barranco M. Ed., LPC -S /EMDR trained

‍ ‍marissa@mbcounselingtx.com

512-877-8594

Request Appointment

How I can help you…..

With over 20 years of experience supporting children and families as a teacher, school counselor, and therapist, I bring a compassionate, collaborative approach to helping children overcome anxiety and build confidence.

Using play therapy, EMDR (when appropriate), evidence-based approaches, and gradual exposure techniques, I help children face fears in manageable, supportive ways. Together, we practice new skills, build confidence through real-life experiences, and celebrate each step toward greater independence and resilience.

I also partner closely with parents because lasting change happens when children and caregivers work together. Throughout therapy, you'll receive practical tools, guidance, and strategies to support your child's progress both in and outside of the therapy room.

marissa barranco child counselor for separation anxiety is smiling in a office with plants in the background.

Welcome.

Does Your Child Struggle to Be Away From You?

  • Crying at school drop-off

  • Clinging

  • Following you around the house

  • Refusing babysitters

  • Sleeping with parents

  • Panic when separated

Parents on beach holding hands with kid who has separation anxiety.
β€œTherapy is different here. We believe healing happens through genuine connection, compassionate care, and a partnership that honors your unique story.”
Kid with glasses at the beach and he has separation anxiety.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Children?

It's completely normal for young children to want to stay close to the people they love. Many babies and toddlers experience separation anxiety as they learn that parents can leave and come back. They may cry at daycare drop-off, want extra comfort at bedtime, or become upset when a parent leaves the room. These behaviors are a healthy part of development and usually improve as children grow.

However, for some children, separation anxiety becomes more intense or lasts longer than expected. Instead of gradually becoming more confident, they continue to experience overwhelming fear whenever they are apart from a parent or caregiver. Everyday situations like going to school, spending time with a grandparent, attending birthday parties, or sleeping in their own bed can become stressful for the entire family.

When Is Separation Anxiety More Than a Phase?

Separation anxiety may be more than a typical developmental stage when it begins to interfere with your child's daily life or your family's routines. If your child's worries have lasted for several weeks or months, seem more intense than other children their age, or are preventing them from participating in age-appropriate activities, it may be time to seek support.

Parents often tell me they feel like they're "walking on eggshells" because every goodbye ends in tears, panic, or a meltdown. If that sounds familiar, know that you're not aloneβ€”and there are effective ways to help your child feel more secure and confident.

Kid splashing in water at the beach with separation anxiety.

Work with me

I don’t just work with the child, I also work with the family….

I use play-based therapy techniques, along with EMDR when appropriate, to help your child's nervous system feel safe so they can build confidence, regulate big emotions, and become more comfortable with separation.

I work with all ages of children, but typically separation anxiety is found in younger kids.

I used play based techniques, exposure techniques, along with EMDR to help kid’s nervous system feel safe and connects.

I work with parents to help them navigate this along with all the emotions and frustrations that come along with it.

I collaborate with parents and children on a treatment plan that works for them.

Click here to request an appointment

Request Appointment
Dad playing with daughter at the beach and she is struggling with separation anxiety.
β€œSeparation anxiety can be exhausting for both children and parents, but it is highly treatable. ”

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Therapy for Separation Anxiety

Your child may benefit from therapy if they:

  • Have frequent meltdowns or panic during school drop-offs or when separating from you.

  • Refuse to go to school, daycare, or activities because they don't want to be apart from you.

  • Constantly worry that something bad will happen to you or another loved one.

  • Follow you from room to room and become distressed when they can't see you.

  • Have difficulty sleeping alone or insist on sleeping with a parent because they feel afraid.

  • Avoid spending time with trusted caregivers, relatives, or friends.

  • Experience stomachaches, headaches, or other physical symptoms before separations.

  • Need frequent reassurance that you will return.

  • Struggle to enjoy activities because they're focused on staying close to you.

How I can help you….

  • Most therapy sessions are one-on-one with your child. Using play therapy, EMDR (when appropriate), and other evidence-based approaches, I help children understand their feelings, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. Through play, children are able to express emotions and practice new ways of responding to anxiety in a way that feels natural and engaging.

  • DParents are an important part of the therapy process. Throughout treatment, we'll meet for parent sessions to discuss your child's progress, answer questions, and practice strategies you can use at home so that progress continues outside the therapy room.

    At times, I'll invite you to join the last few minutes of your child's session. This gives me the opportunity to teach you the same skills your child is learning so you can confidently practice them together at home. When parents and children use the same language and strategies, children often feel more supported, and lasting change happens more quickly.

  • When appropriate, I'll invite parents to join their child for family sessions that include play-based activities and therapeutic games. These sessions help strengthen the parent-child relationship, increase your child's sense of security, and give your family opportunities to practice new skills together. Because children learn best through experience, these shared activities can be a powerful way to build connection while reducing anxiety.

How I help with Separtion Anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I offer session with play based therapy techniques for children with separation anxiety and their families.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a 15 minute consult with me.

  • I believe the strongest outcomes happen when children and parents work together. Through play therapy, EMDR, family sessions, and parent sessions, I help children build confidence while equipping parents with practical tools to support lasting change. My goal is to help your family move from feeling overwhelmed by anxiety to feeling more connected, confident, and at ease. With over 20 years experience working with kids, I use all my knowledge to tailor treatment for your child.

  • You can reach me anytime via our contact page or email at marissa@mbcounselingtx.com I aim to respond quicklyβ€”usually within two business day.

  • Yes, I do take some insurances. Please call you see which insurance I take.

Blog
How Avoidance Makes Separation Anxiety Worse
How Avoidance Makes Separation Anxiety Worse
What Is My Child Really Worried About? Understanding Separation Anxiety in Children
What Is My Child Really Worried About? Understanding Separation Anxiety in Children
Back to School with Big Feelings: 3 Ways to Support Your Anxious Child
Back to School with Big Feelings: 3 Ways to Support Your Anxious Child

3 Ways To Schedule a Free 15 minute Consultation

call 512-877-8594

email marissa@mbcousnelingtx.com

call 512-877-8594 email marissa@mbcousnelingtx.com

Request Appointment
Learn More about Marissa

Follow my Instagram @talkwithmarissa

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Embracing the ups and downs! 🌈 Remember, it’s okay to NOT be okay. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions - the good, the bad, and the messy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and give yourself permission to make mistakes. They’re an opportunity to learn and grow! πŸ’ͺ Let’s create a space where we can be vulnerable, authentic, and supportive. Share with us in the comments which one resonated with you? #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #VulnerabilityIsStrength #anxious #nervous #therapy #trauma
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Ah, the familiar phrases we’ve all heard before... πŸ™„ ‘Just be grateful for what you have’ or ‘You had it way better than me’... Sound familiar? 🀦‍♀️ Let’s break the cycle of minimizing our emotions! πŸ’” Having a better life than our relatives or friends doesn’t mean we don’t face unique struggles or deserve support. 🌟 Therapy is about learning about yourself, breaking unhealthy patterns, and growing into the best version of you! 🌱 It’s not about comparing hardships or competing in some sort of twisted ‘who’s got it worse’ game πŸ†... Therapy is about healing, growing, and living a better life! 🌈 Let’s normalize seeking help and prioritize our mental well-being! πŸ§ πŸ’– #TherapyIsForEveryone #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma #counseling #therapy #trauma”
Embracing the ups and downs! 🌈 Remember, it’s okay to NOT be okay. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions - the good, the bad, and the messy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and give yourself permission to make mistak
Feeling like you’re at the mercy of your emotions? Are mood swings, irritability, and anxiety taking over your days? Do physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and insomnia leave you exhausted? You might be experiencing a dysregulat
Let’s break the cycle! Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational trauma, refers to the emotional, psychological, and even physical pain that is passed down through generations. It’s the unresolved hurt, stress, and suffering th
Just relax’ - a phrase that may seem harmless, but can be incredibly damaging. When someone tells you to ‘just relax’ or ‘stop overreacting’, it can feel like they’re dismissing your emotions and invalidating your
Let’s break free from the cycle of self-blame! Is your self blame voice so loud you can’t hear anything else? When we’re too hard on ourselves, it can lead to a downward spiral of negative thoughts, self-doubt, and low self-esteem.
Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear or discomfort that can occur suddenly and without warning. Symptoms may include: 1. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations 2. Sweating, trembling, or shaking 3. Shortness of breath or feeling of choking 4. Nausea
A message to the younger you... If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself? As a therapist, I’ve heard countless women share their stories of resilience and hope. Here’s what they wish they could tell their younger selve
You thought you were broken, but your inner child is just wounded. Through your healing journey, you’re discovering your inherent worth and resilience. You’re learning to re-parent yourself with compassion and understanding, rather than s
Anyone else have Olympic fever πŸ”₯ πŸ₯‡? Just me? πŸ˜‚ Here are a couple of things to highlight that even though I’m a therapist; I’m human. 🀸🏻‍♀️ Follow for more laughs and therapist humor - we’re not as serious as we seem! πŸ˜‚ #O
Ah, the familiar phrases we’ve all heard before... πŸ™„ ‘Just be grateful for what you have’ or ‘You had it way better than me’... Sound familiar? 🀦‍♀️ Let’s break the cycle of minimizing our emotions! πŸ’” Having

Contact me.

marissa@mbcounselingtx.com

Client Portal: https://marissa-barranco.clientsecure.me

 

Please describe why you are reaching out to me today and please use general terms. Please do not include confidential or sensitive information in your description. Every effort for confidentiality is made, but please realize that electronic forms of communication can be vulnerable. Thank you.

β€œEvery Human Being Has The Freedom to Change at Any Instant.”

β€” Victor Frankl

Good Faith Estimate

Good Faith Estimates are available upon scheduling or request….

I will complete a Good Faith Estimate for my clients as mandated by the Federal Law. I will include my standard fee, estimated range of fees, potential duration of treatment and any other pertinent information. A Good Faith Estimate is available upon scheduling and request. Please remember that may be subject to change based on client assessment and needs.

Please see the below link for my information:

https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers/understanding-costs-in-advance

Please click on the link for the documents and more information on GFE: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/model-disclosure-notice-patient-protections-against-surprise-billing-providers-facilities-health.pdf