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Counselling for Children

COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN IN EDMONTON

(ages 2-12)

Children are resilient and strong, and can overcome their struggles if given the chance.

The rate of mental illness among children is increasing, particularly anxiety and depression. With the increased use of technology and social media, children’s social and attention skills are declining, leading to a nationwide epidemic. As children are still growing and learning about themselves, other people, and the world, they often express emotions differently than adults. For example, anxiety may be felt more in the body (i.e., tummy aches, head aches, nausea) and expressed through behaviours (i.e., can’t sleep alone, avoids school) rather than words.

Counselling for children can take many forms, depending on the child’s developmental/maturity age and his/her needs. For younger children, sandplay, play and art based methods may be used to help children articulate their emotions and experiences using creativity and imagination. For older children, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will likely be incorporated into sessions to help them gain a better understanding of their inner world and pressures they’re facing. CBT is all about changing one's negative thoughts and behaviours to achieve more positive ways of thinking and healthier ways of living. EMDR may also be utilized to help children heal from traumatic experiences.

We believe in empowering children to safely express their emotions by teaching them helpful tools and skills that can be used at home, school, and anywhere else big emotions can pop up. Parenting counselling sessions are encouraged throughout the course of therapy as parents/caregivers are children’s best supports. Our Child Psychologists are happy to liaise with your child's teacher, pediatrician, and/or psychiatrist to provide top quality, comprehensive care.

Get help with:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety, Fears, & Worry (including perfectionism, panic attacks, social anxiety, & separation anxiety)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Body Image
  • Bullying
  • Divorce & Blended Families
  • Emotion Regulation (including anger)
  • Friendship
  • Grief & Loss
  • Learning Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • School Stress
  • Self-Esteem & Confidence
  • Self-Harm
  • Sensory Issues
  • Sleep Struggles
  • Social Skills & Boundaries
  • Trauma, Abuse, & PTSD

* An initial parent session is required for all children and teens so that we can obtain a complete picture of your child’s struggles. This will involve a discussion of your child’s developmental history, past and present behavioural and emotional patterns, big life changes, and goals for your child’s therapy.

COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN

HOW COUNSELLING CAN HELP

Counselling offers children a safe space to explore what's going on for them emotionally, psychologically, and behaviourally. If you are unsure if your child should attend therapy, you can book an initial parenting session and discuss your concerns with us. It is a good idea to bring your child in for an emotional check-up, just as they go for their usual physical check-up.

Our Child Psychologists have taken various specialized child therapy training courses and continue to attend conferences and trainings to stay current with the research. Many of them have even based their Master's thesis on child development.

Common signs that indicate children are experiencing emotional distress:

  • disruptive behaviour
  • lying and stealing
  • shutting down & isolating
  • excessive worry & fear
  • significant changes in sleep & eating patterns
  • self-harm behaviours (picking, cutting)
  • feeling sad or bad about themselves
  • trying to avoid going to school
  • significant decline in grades
  • suicidal statements 
  • loss of interest in usual activities 

Benefits of counselling for children:

  • improved friendships & social skills
  • higher self-esteem & confidence
  • reduced worry & fears
  • improved mood
  • enhanced ability to express & regulate emotions
  • ability to communicate needs & wants
  • reduction in problematic behaviours

    A person's a person, no matter how small. - Dr. Suess

PARENTING SUPPORT

With all of the guidelines and rules for parenting children in today's world, it can be tough to know what exactly is helpful and necessary. How much device time is acceptable? How much physical exercise do kids need each day? How do I help my child manage their emotions? What works for one child may not work well with your other children.

As a parent, you are one of the most influential people in your child's life. Your child looks up to you and comes to you for comfort. When stressors arise and the chaos of life comes our way, we can lose our way and become overwhelmed easily. 

Counselling can offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to process your concerns, and learn effective methods for managing difficult family situations. Just as you want your child to thrive, it is important that you are looking after yourself and well-being. Find your balance and inner peace to help regulate yourself and your child in times of distress. All strategies and psychoeducation are based on neurobiological research. 

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Therapists who specialize in Child Psychology:

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Vanessa Goodchild

teen Edmonton Psychologist

Kristen Brown

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Cristina Orobio

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Mikyla Cleary

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Danielle Charron

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Carly Prive

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Samantha Naidu

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CHILD COUNSELLING IN EDMONTON

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