Understanding Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety involves intense distress when apart from loved ones or familiar environments. While our network of specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who work with anxiety and attachment-related concerns.

Separation anxiety is characterized by excessive worry or distress when separated from people or places that provide a sense of security. While commonly associated with childhood, separation anxiety can affect people of all ages. Adults may experience it in relationships, after significant losses, or during major life transitions. The anxiety can feel overwhelming and may interfere with daily life, work, or relationships.

Therapy can help you understand the roots of separation anxiety and develop strategies to manage distressing feelings. Working with a therapist can provide tools for tolerating uncertainty, building secure attachments, and gradually increasing comfort with independence. On First Session, you can explore therapists who work with anxiety, attachment, and related concerns. Browse profiles and watch intro videos to find support that feels right for you.

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Renata Paula da Silva Roma

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Renata Paula da Silva Roma

Renata Paula da Silva Roma

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$150/session
Grief and Loss, Anxiety, OCD, Social anxiety, Phobias, Stress, Trauma, Separation anxiety, Performance anxiety, Depression, Perfectionism, Life transitions, Cultural Challenges, Burnout, Grief Processing, People pleasing, Fears and phobia, Befriending the Nervous System, Attachment, Low mood, Panic attacks, Thought Restructuring, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds
Grief and Loss, Anxiety, OCD, Social anxiety, Phobias, Stress, Trauma, Separation anxiety, Performance anxiety, Depression, Perfectionism, Life transitions, Cultural Challenges, Burnout, Grief Processing, People pleasing, Fears and phobia, Befriending the Nervous System, Attachment, Low mood, Panic attacks, Thought Restructuring, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds
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Ontario

Shannon Bradley

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Burk's Falls, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Shannon Bradley

Shannon Bradley

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$140/session
Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, Parenting, Performance anxiety, School challenges, Self-Development, Separation anxiety, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Attachment, Trauma, Sexuality and gender issues, Grief and Loss
Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, Parenting, Performance anxiety, School challenges, Self-Development, Separation anxiety, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Attachment, Trauma, Sexuality and gender issues, Grief and Loss
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Ontario

Anastasia Sutulova

Pre-Licensed Professional
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Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in MB, ON, YT, NU, NT, AB, BC, NL, and SK.
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Anastasia Sutulova

Anastasia Sutulova

Pre-Licensed Professional
She/her
Offers Free Consultation
$75/session
Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, Break-up recovery, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Decision making, PTSD, Trauma, Emotional regulation, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Fears and phobia, Panic attacks, Psychedelic therapy, Separation anxiety, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, Break-up recovery, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Decision making, PTSD, Trauma, Emotional regulation, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Fears and phobia, Panic attacks, Psychedelic therapy, Separation anxiety, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan
Central & South America

Hana Urushizawa

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
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Offers In-Person (Ladysmith, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, ON, AB, QC, and MB.
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Hana Urushizawa

Hana Urushizawa

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$150/session
Relationships, Cultural Challenges, Nervous system regulation, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Trauma processing, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Motivation, Navigating challenging relationships, Separation anxiety, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Mind-body connection, Self-Regulation, Trauma, Identity and Self-Exploration
Relationships, Cultural Challenges, Nervous system regulation, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Trauma processing, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Motivation, Navigating challenging relationships, Separation anxiety, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Mind-body connection, Self-Regulation, Trauma, Identity and Self-Exploration
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British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba
Asia
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What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety involves excessive fear or distress about being separated from attachment figures or familiar environments. It can manifest as worry about harm befalling loved ones, reluctance to be alone, physical symptoms when facing separation, or avoidance of situations that require being apart. While common in childhood, it can persist or develop in adulthood.

What causes separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety can stem from various factors including early attachment experiences, significant losses or changes, traumatic separations, overprotective parenting, or major life transitions. Sometimes it develops after a period of stress or change. Understanding the underlying causes can help guide effective support.

How can therapy help with separation anxiety?

Therapy can help you explore the roots of separation anxiety, develop coping strategies for managing distress, and gradually build tolerance for separation. Therapists may work with attachment patterns, anxious thoughts, and practical strategies for navigating situations that trigger anxiety. The goal is to increase security and independence over time.

How do I find a therapist for separation anxiety?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with anxiety, attachment, or relationship concerns. While our network of separation anxiety specialists is growing, many therapists can support anxiety-related challenges. Watch intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're experiencing separation anxiety, you might explore therapists who work with anxiety, attachment, relationships, life transitions, or nervous system regulation. These areas often overlap and addressing them can support your healing.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, making it easier to find qualified support for your needs.