Child Therapy

A safe place for kids to make sense of big feelings

Children are still learning how to put their feelings into words

When emotions feel overwhelming, they often show it through behaviour instead. These signals are your child’s way of letting you know something feels too big to manage and they need extra support.

As a parent, you may notice signs such as:

Frequent meltdowns or outbursts
Worrying about school, friends, or being away from you
Trouble following directions or staying regulated
Difficulty making or keeping friendships
Big reactions to small problems
Withdrawal, sadness, or changes in sleep and appetite

These struggles can leave both kids and parents feeling exhausted. Child therapy offers a safe place to slow down, build coping skills, and untangle what is really going on.

All Behaviour is Communication

Why Play is Powerful

In child therapy sessions, I use play, art, and creative activities as tools for expression. Games, stories, drawing, and role play are not just “fun.” They are how children naturally communicate. By joining them in that world, I can help them:

Explore and name emotions in a safe way
Practice calming strategies when feelings get overwhelming
Build problem-solving and flexible thinking skills
Strengthen confidence and self-esteem

Sessions are not about sitting a child down and making them talk before they are ready. I meet them at their level, using developmentally appropriate methods that feel natural, engaging, and safe. Over time, this helps kids learn new ways to manage stress, connect with others, and feel more secure in their everyday world.

The Process

Before we begin, parents or caregivers complete an intake form that helps me learn about your child’s history, strengths, and current challenges. The first session begins with both you and your child in the room. We review consents together, set expectations, and give your child time to get comfortable in the space. After that, your child can choose whether they would like you to stay or continue the session on their own.

Most sessions are one-on-one, with regular opportunities for parent involvement and updates. Parents play an important role in therapy. Sharing what you notice at home or school helps shape sessions in ways that support your child’s growth day to day.

Therapy might look different every time, or it might return to the same familiar theme your child chooses again and again. Both are part of the process. Some days it could be dinosaurs, other days army figures, board games, dolls, or a messy art project with clay and paints. Play gives children different ways to explore emotions, practice new skills, and feel safe expressing themselves.

It is normal for kids to take time to warm up. My role is to create an environment where your child feels comfortable enough to explore and practice new ways of handling life’s ups and downs.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and take place in person at Little Tree Psychology in Sherwood Park. Longer 80-minute sessions are also available if preferred. If parents are divorced or separated, both guardians with legal custody must provide written consent before therapy begins.

Small Changes, Big Wins

Every child’s experience in therapy is unique. Progress can unfold in different ways. Some weeks you may notice bigger shifts, while other times growth may be quieter and less obvious. Both are normal and part of the process.

Over time, those small steps add up to meaningful change. Parents might see their child:

Sharing feelings in healthier ways
Handling stress and transitions with more ease
Growing in confidence and self-belief
Finding better ways to solve problems and communicate
Feeling more comfortable in friendships and family relationships
Bringing a greater sense of calm into daily life

Therapy is not about perfection. Each step forward matters, and together these steps build lasting progress that helps your child feel more secure, capable, and connected.