Anxiety Island [iPad]

With the help of a parent or carer, Anxiety Island is designed to help children from the ages of 4-12 to deal with anxiety, fears and phobias, using simple and manageable steps.

Written by experienced family Psychotherapist, Audrey Sandbank, Anxiety Island uses proven methods of therapy broken down into easy-to-follow steps, which children can manage at their own pace.

Children can suffer from all types of anxiety, which becomes a problem when it affects their emotional well-being. Young children especially may find it hard to express how they are feeling, making it difficult to know what to do.

Presented in a unique game format, children can battle their dragon (their anxiety) by completing daily tasks and earning stars. As they progress through each level they will learn how to overcome their anxieties, and be equipped with the tools to stay strong.

At the end of each level, the child has a chance to shrink the dragon and prove they are no longer scared, after having learnt new ways to cope. By the end of the game, the child will find their dragon is no longer a problem and that they are better able to deal with their issues.

With detailed information for the child’s guardian, Anxiety Island can help with the following: -

Fear of contamination
Fear of dogs
Fear of insects
Fear of the dark & monsters/ghosts etc
Fear of being alone in an area of the house
Fear of separation (School and home)
Fear of going to school
Fear of feeling sick
Obsessive anxieties and thoughts
Obsessive behaviour
Selective mutism
Anger management

Additional advice is given for fear of separation from the parent at bedtime; however this needs to be completed without the child’s knowledge and therefore without using the app.

Anxiety Island can be used on a daily basis, or as and when needed, and can also be used as a source of information on the psychological issues listed above.

Using a successful method of therapy designed specifically for children, Anxiety Island can help children to manage their own therapy, whilst providing guardians with the right information to offer support. By breaking the method down into simple, daily tasks, children will find it much easier to understand and deal with their emotions, by developing unique ways to cope.

Audrey Sandbank is UKCP registered and has worked for many years in CAMHS children’s clinics, helping children with emotional and behavioural problems. Having worked for many years in both the private and public sector, Audrey currently runs her own private practice and also works for the Young Minds Parents’ Helpline; as one of a panel of professionals who offer a ring back service giving advice and counselling. Audrey has published two books on child Psychology and is consulted from time to time by programme makers and national newspapers.