Sometimes the behaviors families rush to fix are actually part of a larger anxiety loop happening inside the home. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Nancy O’Hara speaks with Dr. Sarah Bren about why therapy can be such a powerful and flexible tool for anxious children, and how the SPACE model helps parents shift patterns that may be unintentionally maintaining symptoms.

They discuss the difference between reducing anxiety and building tolerance for it, why reassurance and accommodations can keep children dependent on rescue, and how supportive statements help kids feel both safe and capable. Dr. Bren also explains how this work applies not only to anxiety and OCD, but also to emotional dysregulation, sibling dynamics, and family systems where one or both parents feel stuck in opposite roles.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Sarah Bren is a clinical psychologist, mom of two, and the co-founder and clinical director of Upshur Bren Psychology Group in Pelham, New York. She has dedicated her career to translating the science of attachment into simple, real-life strategies that support children's development while also protecting parental mental health.

She is also the host of the parenting podcast Securely Attached, a top-ranked show focused on pregnancy, toddlerhood, adolescence, and everything in between. Through her clinical work, parenting resources, and integrative therapeutic approach, Dr. Bren helps families navigate anxiety, attachment, and emotional challenges with clarity, compassion, and practical tools.

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🎧 Securely Attached Podcast

Helping parents navigate the emotional side of raising children, this show blends psychology, attachment theory, and practical strategies to foster resilience and connection. Each episode offers grounded insights that empower families to build stronger bonds and nurture healthy development.

• Listen on Spotify

• Listen on Apple Podcasts

Websites: https://upshurbren.com/, https://drsarahbren.com/

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Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Join our listeners on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠.

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