CBT for Children in Sharjah: Help for Anxiety and Worry
Maybe your child asks "what if" a dozen times before bed. Maybe Sunday nights bring tummy aches because school starts tomorrow. Or maybe a small change, like a different route home, turns into a huge meltdown. You've tried calming them down, giving them space, and being firm. Some days it works. Most days it doesn't.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Sharjah from a reputable clinic can bring improvement here.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children see how their thoughts, feelings and actions are connected and teaches them simple ways to handle worry and upset. Your child learns to notice a scary thought, settle their body, and take small brave steps instead of running from things.
Asha Susan Mani, BCBA (USA), uses CBT-based strategies together with behavior support and parent coaching. She sees children at her practice in Karama, Dubai, an easy drive for families from Al Nahda, Al Qasimia and Al Majaz, and offers online parent sessions anywhere in the UAE.
What it is: CBT-based support that teaches children how to cope with worry, fear and strong feelings
Who it helps: Mostly children aged about 6 to 12. With younger children, Asha works mainly through the parents
What you get: A clear idea of what's behind your child's struggles, skills your child can really use, and a plan for home
How long: Agreed after the first meeting, based on your child
How it works: CBT-based strategies, behavior support, small steps toward fears, and parent coaching
Where: Karama, Dubai, or online for parents across the UAE
Good to know: Asha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, not a licensed psychologist. If your child needs a mental health diagnosis or formal therapy, she'll point you to the right professional
Is CBT Right for My Child?
If worry or big feelings have started to run your child's day, and reassurance isn't working anymore, it's worth a conversation. You might recognize your child here:
They worry all the time and keep asking for reassurance
Once they're upset, it takes ages for them to calm down
They're scared of certain things, like the dark, dogs, or being away from you, and avoid them more and more
They say things like "I'm stupid" or "Nobody likes me"
They freeze around other kids, at parties, or when they have to speak in class
Mornings before school mean tears, tummy aches, or flat-out refusal
Changes, like a new teacher or moving house, throw them for weeks
Their feelings are causing problems at home, with friends, or at school
They're autistic or have ADHD, and anxiety or anger is a big part of the picture
It also helps parents in Sharjah who want a clear plan instead of more general advice or who'd like a second opinion on the support their child already gets.
What Can CBT Help Children With?
Anxiety and Constant Worry
A worried child spends so much energy on "what ifs" that there's not much left for school or play. Your hug helps for a minute, then the worry is back. CBT teaches your child to catch the worry, question it, and calm down on their own.
Fears and Avoidance
When a child avoids what scares them, the fear usually gets bigger, and soon the whole family is working around it. Your child learns to face the fear in tiny steps, at a pace that feels doable.
Negative Thinking
"I'll get it wrong." "Everyone will laugh." Thoughts like these can stop a child from even trying. Your child learns to notice them and swap them for kinder, truer ones.
Anger and Emotional Regulation
Meltdowns often mean a child hasn't learned yet how to handle a big feeling. They learn to spot the early signs in their body and use a calming trick before things blow up. You learn what to say and what not to say in that moment.
Social Anxiety
Some kids really want friends but go silent in a group. Skipping parties means they miss the practice they need. Support starts with small, planned social steps.
School Anxiety and Stress
Tears at the school gate or panic before tests can affect attendance and grades. Asha looks at what's really behind it, whether that's separation, pressure, or friendship trouble, and can share tips with the teacher.
Coping With Change
A new school year or a house move can knock some kids off balance for weeks. They learn how to get ready for change and how to cope when plans fall apart.
Low Confidence
Anxious kids often think they can't do things they actually can. Every small success builds their belief in themselves.
Behavior That Comes From Strong Feelings
Hitting, refusing, running off, or shutting down can all be a child's way of coping with feelings they can't put into words. Pairing CBT strategies with behavior and emotional support helps find the feeling behind the behavior.
Not Knowing What to Do
Many parents have been told to "be patient" without being shown how. CBT gives you and your child real things to try, starting the same day.
What Happens in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Sessions in Sharjah? Step by Step
Step 1: We Meet and Talk
First, we talk with you and with your child if they're ready. What's going on? When did it start? What have you already tried? Some kids join in straight away. Others need a session or two to warm up, and that's okay.
Step 2: We Look at What's Really Going On
Asha looks at when your child gets anxious or upset, how often it happens, and how it's affecting home, school, and friends. She may ask the school what they see too. If anything suggests your child needs a mental health assessment; she'll say so and help you find the right person.
Step 3: We Spot the Pattern
This is the heart of CBT. Together, we work out what your child thinks in hard moments, how it feels in their body, and what they do next. For example, "I'll get it wrong" leads to a tight tummy, which leads to refusing homework. Once you can see the pattern, you can start to change it.
Step 4: We Set Small Goals
Goals are small and clear, and you agree on them. Going into class without tears. Staying at a birthday party for half an hour. Taking deep breaths instead of shouting. Small goals make it easy to see progress.
Step 5: Your Child Learns New Skills
Children learn best through doing, so sessions use drawings, games, role-play and ‘worry thermometers’. Your child could hear a worried thought, slow his or her breathing, or take a brave step toward a fear.
Step 6: Practice at Home and School
You can only remember new skills if you use them. Every week, you give your child a small task to work on, and you learn how to help them when things get tough. Asha can give the teacher some easy tips if it helps.
Step 7: We Check In and Adjust
We keep an eye on how things are going. What works, we keep. What doesn't, we change. As your child gets more confident, sessions get further apart, and you'll have a plan for any bumps along the way.
Every child is different, and progress takes time. But here's what parents often notice:
Your child can put their feelings into words instead of just melting down
They have a few go-to tricks for calming down when they're worried or upset
Meltdowns happen less often or end sooner
They try things they used to avoid
They start solving small problems on their own
They feel more confident at school, with friends, and when plans change
School feels less scary, and teachers know how to help
And for you:
You know what to say and do when your child is anxious or upset
You know what comes next, including whether any other kind of support would help
Why Getting Help Early for Child Anxiety Matters
All kids worry sometimes, and a lot of fears fade on their own. The ones to pay attention to are the worries that stick around, get bigger, or start deciding what your child will and won't do.
The CDC says some fear and worry is normal for children, but worry that is strong or doesn't go away may be anxiety. It also points out that anxiety can look like anger or irritability, not just fear. The NHS describes CBT as a way of managing problems by changing how you think and act, focusing on what's happening now rather than the past.
Starting early just makes sense. Skills your child learns at seven can help them for years. And dealing with avoidance early stops it from spreading into school, friendships, and family life. It doesn't mean something is badly wrong. It means giving your child help sooner rather than later.
If your child ever talks about hurting themselves, don't wait for an appointment. Contact a doctor or emergency services right away.
Why Parents Choose Asha Susan Mani for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Sharjah
Asha has been helping children in the UAE for more than 20 years. She was one of the first Board Certified Behavior Analysts in the country and has led autism and therapy programs in Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates. What parents value most is that she figures out why a child reacts the way they do, then gives the family clear steps they can actually follow.
Advanced training in Behavior Analysis, Florida Tech University
20+ years working with children with autism, ADHD, speech delay, and behavior challenges
7,000+ children supported, and 2,000+ who moved into mainstream schools
What Asha Helps With
Anxiety, worry, and avoidance
Anger and emotional regulation, including support for autistic children and children with ADHD
Behavior challenges at home and school
Parent coaching
Settling into nursery and school
Experience in Sharjah and Across the UAE
Has worked with nurseries and schools in Dubai and Sharjah
Supports families from many backgrounds, including English and Arabic-speaking homes
Knows the child development and support services available in the UAE
What Asha Doesn't Do
Asha is a behavior analyst, not a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. She doesn't diagnose mental health conditions or offer formal psychotherapy. If your child needs that, she'll help you find the right professional and can work alongside them.
Author and Clinical Review
Author: Asha Susan Mani, BCBA (USA)
Title: Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Developmental Consultant
“Asha is doing wonderful work with children on the autism spectrum. She is
highly professional in her approach, very systematic in her treatment design and interventions, and an
excellent facilitator between home and school. Parents often report how quickly their children have
transitioned into mainstream schooling after working under Asha’s guidance.”
★★★★★
ON
Dr. Onita Nakra
Educational Psychologist, Dubai
“My appreciation for your outstanding efforts in helping so many children
return to mainstream education. As you are aware, parents often face significant emotional challenges while
raising such wonderful children, partly due to societal reactions and partly due to rigid systems. I can
confidently say that you have done a great deal to ease that burden and support families through their
journey.”
★★★★★
SR
Dr. Sundar R
Dubai
“Mrs. Asha has been working with our son, Ahmed Khan, and we have seen clear
improvement over the past few months. Initially, Ahmed had frequent emotional outbursts, difficulty
following instructions, short attention span, and struggled with transitions between activities. Mrs. Asha
developed a structured plan and introduced simple, consistent strategies such as visual schedules, clear
first–then instructions, positive reinforcement, and planned transition warnings. She also guided us on how
to respond calmly and consistently during challenging behaviours at home. She regularly reviewed his
progress, adjusted goals when needed, and ensured we were involved in every step of the process. Ahmed is
now more settled, follows instructions better, and has improved in managing daily routines and transitions.
We are very grateful for Mrs. Asha’s guidance and support.”
★★★★★
SK
Mrs. Sara Khan
Parent · Behaviour Support
“Mrs. Asha has been supporting our daughter, Lavanya Nair (4 years old), who
was diagnosed with ADHD and was facing significant behavioural challenges in nursery. Initially, Lavanya had
difficulty sitting in class, frequent impulsive behaviours, emotional outbursts, and struggled with
following group instructions. The nursery also reported concerns about her attention and participation in
structured activities. Mrs. Asha conducted a detailed assessment and introduced a structured ABA-based plan
in coordination with the therapy team. She implemented clear routines, visual supports, reinforcement
strategies, and short, achievable task instructions to improve attention and compliance. Over a period of 4
months, we saw noticeable improvements. Lavanya is now more regulated in class, follows simple instructions
better, and her tantrums have reduced significantly. We are very grateful to Mrs. Asha and her team for
their consistent support and close collaboration.”
★★★★★
PN
Mrs. Priya Nair
Parent · ADHD Support
“Our son, Philip Cruz (3.5 years old), was referred to Mrs. Asha by his
nursery, Chubby Cheeks Nursery, Dubai, due to concerns around limited communication, difficulty following
group instructions, and frequent frustration during structured activities. When we started, Philip often
struggled with transitions and would become upset during classroom routines. Mrs. Asha conducted a detailed
assessment and introduced a structured behaviour plan using visual cues, consistent routines, and positive
reinforcement strategies. She also worked closely with his ABA therapist and the nursery team to ensure a
consistent approach across all environments. Within a few months, we noticed clear improvements. Philip is
now more settled in class, follows instructions more consistently, and is gradually engaging better with
peers and teachers. We are very grateful to Mrs. Asha for her guidance and practical strategies.”
★★★★★
EC
Mrs. Elena Cruz
Parent · Behaviour Support
“Our son, Arjun Menon (5 years old), was referred to Mrs. Asha by his
pediatrician at Aster Clinic, Al Qusais, for ADHD-related concerns, including inattention, hyperactivity,
and difficulty following instructions at home and school. Mrs. Asha conducted an assessment and introduced a
structured behavior plan using visual schedules, clear routines, reinforcement strategies, and parent
guidance. She also coordinated closely with the ABA therapist and school to ensure consistency across all
settings. Within a few months, Arjun showed noticeable improvement in attention, behavior regulation, and
daily routines. We are very grateful for Mrs. Asha’s support and structured approach.”
★★★★★
NM
Mrs. Neha Menon
Parent · ADHD Support
CBT for Children vs. Waiting: When Should You Seek Support?
Starting CBT Support
Waiting to See What Happens
Your child
Gets help understanding what they are feeling and what to do when things feel difficult
May continue avoiding situations or struggling with strong emotions
Fears and worries
Work through worries step by step, at a pace that feels manageable
Worries may continue to affect more parts of daily life
You
Learn practical ways to respond when your child is worried or overwhelmed
May be left wondering when to reassure, encourage, or give your child space
School
Your child's therapist can help you build strategies that also work in school settings
Anxiety or other difficulties may continue to affect learning, friendships, or daily routines
CBT Therapy for Children vs. Parenting Advice: What Is the Difference?
CBT-Based Support
General Parenting Advice
Starting point
Looks at the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are affecting your child
Offers general suggestions that may or may not fit your child's situation
Plan
Uses specific goals and activities that your child can practise between sessions
Often focuses on what you can try at home without a structured treatment plan
What it works on
Helps your child understand and change patterns that keep anxiety or difficult emotions going
May focus more on reassurance, distraction, or managing the situation in the moment
Your role
Learn how to support your child's practice at home and respond in helpful ways
Usually involves trying different approaches on your own
CBT vs. Diagnosis: Can a Child Start CBT without a Diagnosis?
CBT-Based Support
A Formal Diagnosis
What it does
Helps your child work on specific emotional or behavioral difficulties
Identifies and names a mental health or developmental condition when one is present
Who provides it
A trained mental health professional who uses CBT techniques
A qualified clinician who assesses your child's symptoms and overall development
Is it always needed first?
No. CBT may be appropriate based on your child's difficulties, even when there is no formal diagnosis
A diagnosis may be helpful when symptoms are persistent, severe, or need more detailed assessment
What you take away
Practical skills your child can use to handle thoughts, feelings, and difficult situations
A clearer understanding of your child's condition and what types of support may be appropriate
A diagnosis can also open access to certain services for autistic children. See how our autism diagnosis guide works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how the things we do, think, and feel connect with each other. It teaches easy ways to break bad habits, like avoiding your fears or always expecting the worst.
Many Sharjah families see Asha at her practice in Karama, Dubai, which is an easy drive from Al Nahda and Al Qasimia. If you are looking for online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Sharjah, online parent sessions are available too. Call or WhatsApp +971 54 329 1664.
It's a lot more hands-on than adult CBT. Kids learn through games, drawings, and simple words, so it feels more like learning a new skill than "therapy."
Kids who worry a lot, have strong fears, get very angry, feel bad about themselves, or struggle with school or change. Parents benefit too, because they learn how to help.
Yes, as long as it's adapted to their age. Kids around 6 and up usually do well in sessions. With younger children, most of the work happens through you.
A quick check-in, then learning or practicing one skill through an activity, and a small task to try at home.
Anxious kids usually believe the scary thing is going to happen. In CBT, your child learns to stop and ask, "Is that really true?" They also learn one or two ways to calm down, like slow breathing. Then they start facing small fears, like ordering their own juice at a café, before moving on to bigger ones.
Yes. Say your daughter hides behind you at every birthday party. We'd start small, maybe just saying hi to one child, and build up from there. Along the way, she learns to deal with the "they won't like me" thoughts that make her want to hide.
Often, yes. First, Asha works out what's really going on. Is it leaving you? A test? Trouble with friends? Once you know the reason, it's much easier to make a plan.
Yes. Most kids get warning signs before they explode, like a hot face or clenched fists. CBT helps your child notice those signs and do something different, like walking away or squeezing a cushion. You'll also learn how to respond so things settle faster.
Yes, it can. Kids don't know how to deal with strong emotions from birth. Like reading or riding a bike, they have to learn it. Your child will be able to talk about how they feel and find a good way to calm down. It gets easier with practice.
Yes. Hearing that is hard for any parent, and it's really common in anxious kids. In CBT, your child learns to notice those thoughts and question them. "I got one sum wrong" is very different from "I'm stupid." Over time, they learn to talk to themselves more kindly.
A set schedule doesn't exist because each child is unique. Some kids start using what they've learnt within a few weeks. Others need longer. We check in on progress regularly, so your child won't stay in sessions longer than they need to.
We'll give you a rough idea after the first meeting, once we understand what's going on. That number can change as your child improves.
Often, yes. It just needs a few changes, like visuals, clear structure, and very concrete language. Many autistic kids deal with anxiety, and adapted CBT strategies can help. Read more about autism and emotional regulation.
Yes. You can improve your skills and behavior with ABA, and your thoughts and feelings can be helped with CBT. Asha uses both when it suits the child. See our guide to ABA for challenging behaviors.
Yes, especially when the kids are little. You can then use the skills you learn to help your child at home.
Mostly talking and getting to know each other. Asha learns about your child's struggles and strengths, and you'll leave with an idea of the plan.
Not quite. Counseling is often about talking things through. CBT is more structured, with clear goals and skills to practice at home.
No. An assessment figures out what's going on and may lead to a diagnosis. CBT is a way of helping. If your child needs an assessment, Asha will tell you and point you to the right person.
Check their qualifications and whether they're licensed for what they offer. Ask how much experience they have with children and how involved you'll be. For formal psychotherapy, go to a licensed psychologist.
That's really common. Games, drawings, and feeling charts give kids other ways to show what's going on, and you can fill in what you see at home.
Sessions get further apart as your child gets more confident. You'll have a plan for any setbacks, and you can always come back for a check-in.
Areas We Serve in Sharjah
We provide autism therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and child development support to families in Al Nahda Sharjah, Al Taawun, Al Khan, Al Qasba, Al Majaz, Al Mamzar, Al Qusais, Muwaileh, Al Yarmook, and Abu Shagara, as well as surrounding areas within approximately 10 km of Al Nahda, Sharjah.
Book Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Your Child in Sharjah
Not sure if CBT is right for your child? That's completely fine.
A short first chat with Asha will help you decide whether this is the right kind of help or whether something else would suit your child better. Either way, you'll leave knowing what to do next.
Ask Asha a Question