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.

Want help finding the right therapist? Call or text us at 778-486-0068

Raquel Ramos Nicolau
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
- Offers in-person (North Vancouver, BC)
- Virtual sessions in BC
Raquel Ramos Nicolau
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Somatic Therapy, Trauma, Parts Work, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment wounds, Befriending the Nervous System, Boundaries and boundary setting, Cancer Support, Childhood trauma, Confidence, Vulnerability, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma processing, Stress, Shadow Work, Separation anxiety, Self-Regulation, Self-Criticism, Self-esteem, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Relationship to self and others, Codependency, Self-Image, Self Confidence
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Shannon Bradley
Registered Psychotherapist
- Offers in-person (Burk's Falls, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Shannon Bradley
Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$140/session
Parenting, Children/Teens, Caregivers, Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, 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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Anastasia Sutulova
Therapist in Training
- Offers in-person (Vancouver, BC)
- Virtual sessions in MB, ON, YT, NU, NT, AB, BC, NL, SK
Anastasia Sutulova
Therapist in Training
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
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Hana Urushizawa
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, ON, AB, QC, MB
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
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Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Waitlist
- Offers in-person (North Vancouver, BC)
- Virtual sessions in BC
Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$200/session
ADHD, Addiction, Trauma, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Attachment trauma, Anger, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Chronic Illness, Early childhood, Family issues, Insomnia, Mindfulness, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Workplace stress, Relationships, Stress, Attention and Impulsivity, Befriending the Nervous System, Behaviour, Behavioural Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Chronic and acute illness, College or University Coaching, Coming out and identity, Confidence, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Coping Skills, Couples, Couples Therapy, Creativity, Decision making, Deep connections, Disability, Dreams, Emotional Fluidity, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Fears and phobia, Goal Setting, Health anxiety, Imposter syndrome, Infidelity, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Intimacy concerns, LGBTQ2IA+, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Meaning and purpose, Mental performance, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Mindfulness Practices, Motivation, Negative body image, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, Panic attacks, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Personality & Mood Disorders, Phobias, Power, Problematic video gaming, Productivity, Psychedelic therapy, PTSD, Relationship anxiety, Relationship to self and others, Responsibility, School challenges, Self Destructive Behaviour, Self-Criticism, Self-Development, Self-esteem, Self-Regulation, Separation and divorce, Separation anxiety, Sleeping difficulties, Social anxiety, Somatic Therapy, Specific phobias, Substance Use, Thought Restructuring, Transitioning into Adulthood, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Vulnerability, Wellness Counselling, Women's Health, Work-Life Balance
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

You deserve more from therapy.

You made the courageous decision to reach your full potential. Find the right therapist to help get you there, and make the most of the time and money you’re investing in yourself.

Find your therapist

Understanding Separation Anxiety

Therapists

Raquel Ramos Nicolau

Raquel Ramos Nicolau

Shannon Bradley

Shannon Bradley

Anastasia Sutulova

Anastasia Sutulova

Hana Urushizawa

Hana Urushizawa

Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk

Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk

Frequently Asked Questions

You deserve more from therapy.