Bugged Out 🐝
Helping Kids Overcome Fear of Insects & Feel Confident Outdoors

Does your child avoid going outside because of bugs? Do they panic when they see bees, spiders, or anything that crawls or flies? Have simple activities like going to the park, playing sports, or attending outdoor events become stressful or difficult?

Bugged Out is a skills-based group designed for children and teens who experience anxiety around insects and outdoor environments. For many families, fear of bugs can take over daily life—leading to avoidance, distress, and missed opportunities. This group helps kids build the confidence and skills they need to handle those moments more effectively.

Using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), participants learn how anxiety works and how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Kids develop practical coping strategies to manage anxiety in real time and gradually face feared situations through structured, step-by-step exposure. The goal is not to eliminate fear, but to help children learn that they can handle discomfort and stay in control even when anxiety shows up.

Sessions are active, engaging, and focused on real-life application so progress carries over into everyday situations. Kids will practice skills alongside peers who are working through similar challenges, creating a supportive and motivating group environment.

Parents are an important part of the process. You’ll gain guidance on how to respond to anxiety, support your child’s progress at home, and reduce patterns that may unintentionally reinforce avoidance.

The goal of Bugged Out is simple: to help kids move from “I can’t go outside because of bugs” to “I don’t like this, but I can handle it.”

TARGET AUDIENCE

Bugged Out is designed fo kids, teens, andr parents who experience anxiety related to insects and outdoor environments. This group is a good fit for families whose child avoids going outside, struggles to participate in activities like parks, sports, or outdoor events, or has strong emotional reactions (crying, freezing, running away) when encountering bugs. It is especially helpful for children who worry excessively about being stung or bitten, frequently seek reassurance, or rely on parents to help them escape or avoid situations involving insects. Parents who are looking for practical, evidence-based strategies to help their child face fears, build confidence, and increase independence will benefit most from this group.

INSTRUCTOR

Randy Floyd, LSCSW, Founder, Clinical Level Therapist

Randy is the founder of Midwest Anxiety. He is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker who is an optimist and passionate about helping people focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do. Randy believes building a strong therapeutic relationship and tapping into a person's strengths are the most essential components of the therapeutic experience. Randy is passionate about changing the way we do mental health. He is focused on making mental health normal, a positive experience. He is also adamant about doing mental health differently. Randy believes the "old ways" suggest mental health is for the "broken" or "mentally ill." Randy believes that "Everyone Struggles." Sure. Some people struggle more than others, but everyone struggles with something. With this belief, Randy is focused on providing a wide range of programs and services to help people be mentally well ;) Go give Randy a fist bump on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

LOCATION

This group will meet virtually. A secure video link will be provided after registration.

FEE

$25.00

CANCELLATION POLICY

We know life gets busy. If you are unable to participate in a session, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance and you will not be charged.

REGISTRATION

Spots are limited. To guarantee a place in the group, please register early.

Please complete the information below and we will contact you shortly to help get you registered for Bugged Out.