A New Way to Understand Children’s Emotions
When your child is struggling — maybe they’re anxious about school, quick to anger, or shutting down during tough moments — it’s normal to wonder if something deeper is going on. Many parents start searching online for answers, coming across terms like anxiety, ADHD, or sensory issues.
At Solasta Counselling, our approach to child and play therapy starts somewhere gentler. We begin by helping kids name, understand, and manage their big feelings — before rushing toward a label or diagnosis.
Children often don’t have the words for what they feel. Instead, they “speak” through behaviour and play. By focusing on emotions first, we help them feel understood and supported, building confidence and connection at home and at school.
Why We Focus on Feelings, Not Fixing
Children’s emotions can feel big and unpredictable. But those feelings are also important clues — signs that a child is trying to make sense of the world around them. When therapy focuses on emotional awareness rather than “fixing” behaviour, kids learn lifelong skills in understanding themselves and others.
Our play-based and emotion-focused approach helps children:
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Recognize what’s happening inside their bodies when they’re overwhelmed
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Find safe, healthy ways to express anger, sadness, and worry
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Learn self-calming and problem-solving skills
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Strengthen relationships with parents, siblings, and teachers
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Build confidence and resilience
Through this kind of therapy, children discover that all feelings are okay — it’s how we respond to them that matters.
What Play Therapy Looks Like
Play therapy is more than just toys and games. It’s a carefully designed process where children use play to express experiences that may be hard to verbalize.
Therapists might use art, sand trays, stories, or role play to help kids explore emotions and practice new coping skills. As therapy progresses, parents often notice subtle but powerful changes — a calmer tone, easier transitions, or new language for emotions (“I feel mad because…” instead of yelling or withdrawing).
At Solasta, we involve parents throughout the process. You’ll receive feedback, strategies for home, and support in understanding your child’s emotional world.
The Role of Parents in Therapy
Children thrive when parents feel supported, too. Our therapists often spend time helping parents recognize patterns, adjust communication styles, and respond in ways that build connection rather than conflict.
For example, you might learn how to:
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Co-regulate with your child during emotional storms
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Create calm-down spaces that feel safe and predictable
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Use language that validates feelings instead of dismissing them
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Build routines that encourage emotional safety
Parent involvement makes therapy more effective and creates consistency between home and the therapy room.
When an Assessment Can Help
Sometimes, therapy reveals that a child may benefit from a psychological assessment to better understand their learning style, attention, or social-emotional profile.
Assessments can provide valuable insight — but they’re never our starting point. Our goal is always to understand the whole child first: their strengths, relationships, environment, and emotions.
If an assessment becomes appropriate, our team of psychologists can provide guidance and coordinate a compassionate, child-centered process that fits your family’s needs.
👉Psychoeducational Assessments – Calgary
Our Therapists Who Work With Children and Families
Several members of our team specialize in counselling for children and families, each bringing warmth, creativity, and experience to their sessions.
Caitlin Heim
Caitlin is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who uses play-based and mindfulness techniques to help children build confidence and emotional regulation. Her calm, grounded approach helps kids feel safe expressing big feelings and learning new skills.
Sabrina Minor
Sabrina works with children and teens to strengthen emotional expression, manage anxiety, and navigate life transitions.
Misha Waheed
Misha supports children and families in building self-awareness, communication, and resilience. Her warm, collaborative style helps parents feel empowered and involved in the therapeutic process.
👉 Child & Play Therapy in Calgary
Creating Emotional Safety in the Therapy Room
A key part of our approach is emotional safety. We know that when children feel secure and unjudged, their nervous system calms — and that’s when learning and growth can begin.
Our offices are designed with comfort in mind: soft lighting, art supplies, sensory toys, and space to move freely. These small details help children feel that therapy is a safe place to be themselves.
When to Consider Play or Family Therapy
You might consider play therapy or family counselling if your child:
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Struggles with transitions, sleep, or emotional outbursts
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Has experienced big changes (a move, divorce, or loss)
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Worries often or avoids new experiences
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Shows sudden changes in mood or confidence
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Seems “stuck” emotionally and you’re not sure how to help
Early support can prevent patterns of anxiety or avoidance from becoming harder to change later.
Additional Resources for Parents
Here are a few evidence-informed resources you might find helpful:
These trusted organizations offer excellent education and tools for parents who want to better understand child emotions and development.
Supporting Big Feelings with Compassion
At Solasta Counselling, our goal isn’t to label or diagnose a child — it’s to help them feel seen, heard, and capable. Through emotional awareness, creative expression, and supportive relationships, children build the inner skills they need to thrive.
If you’re ready to learn more or book a session, we’re here to help you and your child take the next step toward calm, confidence, and connection.
👉 Book a Free Consultation
👉 Learn more about Child and Play Therapy in Calgary