nighttime fear - teen

My daughter is almost 15 and still has nighttime fear.  We have dealt with this since she was 6.  She is fearful to be left in her room alone at night if she has not fallen asleep.  She is o.k. once she is asleep but is unable to fall asleep on her own.  She has slept in a downstairs bedroom near us (parents) for the last 2 years, but we want her back in her room.  I think she needs to learn some independence since she is a Freshmen in high school.  My patience has run out many times over and I don't know if staying with her until she falls asleep is right or wrong.  We have tried it all including a therapist many years back.  Any suggestions?

[MrGreen]

There was no mention of medication at all? Even a low dose of a sleeping tablet. May be a simple answer to her problems. Her fears must stem from somewhere and to be able to feel safe would be the main target for your daughter. All I can think of is some form of distraction for her. Something that might take her mind of herself and her fears until she slips off to sleep. Quickest route to sleep would be medication. But that is not solving the problems of her fears. I assume you know what exactly her main fears are? Or has she ever mentioned any one reason why she is afraid to be alone? Her therapist should have dealt with these issues a long time ago. But please don't get upset at her. I know it can be frustrating. But even when annoyed to show her you are there for her would go a long way to helping her. To listen to her. Or maybe suggest she start a diary. Writing at night in her room. Might help her get a lot out. Sorry I am not of much help to you. But I am just trying to answer the post as best that I can.