ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a case of a 7-year-old girl who presents with a poor track record of school attendance. Her mother struggles to get her to school because the girl is constantly tearful. Her mother reports that her daughter has always been a somewhat anxious and sensitive child. It was so difficult that her mother gave up her job and became a nursery assistant to ensure the girl went to nursery. Children who have been traumatized or abused may be very clingy and anxious. It is likely that there may be a strong family history of anxiety and/or mood disorders. Useful techniques to use can be positive self-talk, coping strategy work and cognitive techniques to explore different ways of looking at the issue. Encouraging open communication and discussion of difficult situations with problem solving can empower many children. It is also worth educating the family that such anxieties are more likely to return when there is increased stress.
