Independence is one of the most practical gifts a family can give a child. It is also a theme at the heart of Independence Therapy, co-developed by Dr. Camilo Ortiz, Ph.D., ABPP, and Dr. Matthew Fastman at Cognitive Behavioral Associates (CBA) in Great Neck, New York. Dr. Ortiz is a board-certified clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor at LIU Post.
What is an independence activity?
In Independence Therapy, children take part in "independence activities": fun but challenging tasks that involve a mild risk of discomfort, performed without help from parents or teachers. Children help choose and plan them, which keeps them motivated and gives them a sense of ownership.
Five everyday examples from CBA's list
CBA's Independence Therapy page lists activities families might consider. Here are five, with a few thoughts on each:
- Go for a walk around the neighborhood. A simple way to practice navigating familiar surroundings.
- Ride a bike. Balance, speed, and the occasional wobble are all part of learning.
- Pick up groceries. Children practice planning, money, and talking with adults.
- Ride a public bus. A real-world skill that builds confidence in getting around.
- Build something. Making and fixing things allows mistakes and creativity.
The right activities depend on your child's age, abilities, and circumstances, and on your own judgment about safety. CBA notes that clinicians keep a child's physical and developmental limits in mind.
The four parts of the approach
CBA describes Independence Therapy in four parts: the value of independence, planning independence activities, refining and problem solving, and managing the future after treatment. The idea is that independence becomes a lasting habit, not a one-time event.
Common parent worries
Parents often ask whether giving children more freedom is irresponsible, whether other parents will judge them, or whether their child will get hurt. CBA acknowledges these concerns on its website: all children can get hurt at play, everyday life carries a little risk, and families are supported through the process. The aim is to match freedom to a child's readiness, not to remove supervision altogether.
Benefits CBA describes
CBA lists potential benefits for kids, such as greater self-confidence, resilience, and more responsibility, and for parents, such as greater confidence in their child and less anxiety. These are the practice's descriptions, not guarantees, and results vary from family to family.
A note on scope
This article is general education, not clinical advice. It does not substitute for guidance from a licensed professional who knows your child.
Learn more
Explore Independence Therapy at CBA or learn about Dr. Ortiz. If you are considering therapy for your child, CBA's guide to questions to ask a new therapist may help. Call CBA at (516) 858-4328 to ask about care.