Child and Teen Therapy in Calgary
Our experienced therapists provide a safe space for young individuals to express feelings, develop coping skills, and heal.
What is Child and Teen Therapy?
Child and teen therapy is a form of psychotherapy tailored specifically for young people, using age-appropriate methods to help them understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Children and teens may experience difficulties expressing themselves verbally, so therapy often includes creative approaches, such as art, play, and talk therapy, to help them open up.
How Does Therapy Work for Children and Teens?
Therapy for children and teens typically involves one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist.
Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and play therapy, we help young individuals address their unique challenges in a way that feels comfortable and empowering for them.
Common Issues Treated in Child and Teen Therapy
Adolescence is a time of significant change and growth, often marked by challenges such as developing self-identity, navigating peer relationships, and coping with academic and family pressures.
Therapy offers a valuable opportunity for children and teens to work through these difficulties with the guidance of a trained professional. It provides a safe, non-judgemental space where they can express their thoughts and emotions, gain insight into their struggles, and learn coping strategies that foster emotional resilience.
Here are some of the most common challenges that we help young clients overcome:
Anxiety and Stress
Children and teens often face stress from school pressures, social challenges, or family dynamics, leading to anxiety.
“Why is my child or teen always anxious?”
Therapy can help your child understand the root causes of their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and learn relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Depression
Teens, in particular, may struggle with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or low self-esteem.
“How can I help my teen with depression?”
Therapy provides a safe environment for teens to express their feelings and explore the underlying factors contributing to their depression, while learning healthy coping skills.
Behavioural Challenges
Many children and teens struggle with behavioural issues, including defiance, aggression, or acting out.
“Why is my child misbehaving at school?”
Therapy helps children and teens identify the underlying emotional causes of their behaviour and learn new ways to express their feelings and manage conflict.
Grief and Loss
The death of a loved one or significant loss can be especially difficult for young people to process.
“How do I support my child through grief?”
Therapy provides a space for children and teens to work through their grief, express their emotions, and develop healthy ways to cope with the loss.
Trauma and Abuse
Children and teens who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, bullying, or witnessing violence, may struggle with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
“How can therapy help my child heal from trauma?”
Therapy helps young people process traumatic events, reduce anxiety or depression related to trauma, and rebuild a sense of safety and control.
Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues
Teens, in particular, often struggle with self-esteem and body image concerns, influenced by societal pressures or peer interactions.
“How can therapy help my teen build confidence?”
Therapy helps teens explore their self-worth, work through body image issues, and develop healthy self-esteem.
Family and Relationship Issues
Family dynamics, such as divorce or sibling rivalry, can affect your child’s emotional well-being.
“Why is my child having trouble with family changes?”
Therapy helps children and teens navigate family issues, improve communication, and enhance family relationships.
What to Expect in Child and Teen Therapy at Solasta
When you bring your child or teen to Solasta Counselling for therapy, you can expect a compassionate, professional, and client-centered approach. Here’s what you can expect during the therapy process:
A Safe and Welcoming Space
Our therapy rooms are designed to make your child or teen feel comfortable, supported, and safe. “Will my child or teen feel comfortable?” Yes, we create a space where they can freely express themselves without judgement.
Therapeutic Techniques Tailored to Their Needs
We use a combination of talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and creative methods like art and play therapy to meet your child or teen’s unique needs. “What types of therapy will my child receive?” The therapist will choose the most appropriate methods based on your child or teen’s situation and developmental stage.
Family Involvement
In many cases, family involvement is an important part of therapy. “How involved will I be in my child’s therapy?” You may be included in family sessions or progress updates to ensure that therapy is integrated into your child’s home life and that you are fully informed of their progress.
Ongoing Support and Progress Monitoring
We work closely with both the child and their family to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. “How will I know if therapy is working?” Regular updates and feedback will be provided to ensure that your child or teen is making progress toward their goals.
How Child and Teen Therapy Can Help
Therapy for children and teens offers a safe and supportive environment where young people can explore their emotions, behaviours, and struggles.
Adolescence is often a time of significant emotional and psychological development, but it can also be marked by challenges such as stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and family conflict.
By engaging in therapy, children and teens can learn essential life skills such as emotional regulation, communication, and conflict resolution. Whether dealing with school-related stress, trauma, or struggles in social relationships, therapy equips young people with the support they need to thrive and grow.
Child and teen therapy provides several benefits to help young individuals build resilience, manage emotional distress, and improve their overall well-being:
Coping Skills Development
Children and teens are taught coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions.
“How can my child cope better with stress?”
Therapy helps them develop emotional regulation skills, build resilience, and learn healthy ways to deal with life’s challenges.
Behavioural Change
Therapy can help children and teens understand the reasons behind their behaviour, providing them with tools to improve their actions and choices.
“How can I stop my child from misbehaving?”
Behavioural therapy helps young individuals recognize triggers and develop new, more positive behaviours.
Building Self-Esteem and Confidence
Therapy can help children and teens build a more positive self-image and gain confidence in their abilities.
“How can my child improve their self-esteem?”
Our therapy sessions focus on helping young people develop a sense of self-worth, improve their confidence, and enhance their social interactions.
Conflict Resolution and Social Skills
Children and teens can develop better social skills and learn how to handle conflict in healthier ways.
“Why is my teen having trouble making friends?”
Therapy helps young people build empathy, communication skills, and conflict-resolution strategies to improve their relationships with others.
Healing from Trauma
If your child or teen has experienced trauma, therapy offers a space for healing and emotional recovery.
“Can therapy really help my child heal from trauma?”
Yes, therapy provides a structured environment for trauma recovery, helping your child or teen feel empowered to process their experiences and regain control.
Common Questions About Child and Teen Therapy
If you’re considering therapy for your child or teen, you may have some questions about the process. Understanding what to expect and how therapy can benefit your child is an important first step.
What Age Group is Child and Teen Therapy Suitable for?
Child and teen therapy is suitable for children as young as 3 years old and can be effective for teenagers.
The approach varies depending on the age and developmental stage of the child.
How Long Are Therapy Sessions?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes.
The therapist will adjust the session length to suit your child’s needs.
Will My Child or Teen Really Open Up in Therapy?
It’s common for children and teens to be initially hesitant, but over time, the safe and non-judgemental environment of therapy helps them feel more comfortable. “What if my child or teen is reluctant to talk?” Our therapists use creative methods like art or play therapy to help children and teens express themselves even if they aren’t ready to talk.
Why Choose Solasta for Child and Teen Therapy in Calgary?
Our experienced therapists offer a range of therapeutic techniques to support your child’s or teen’s mental health journey, from CBT to art therapy, ensuring a personalized approach.
Calgary Counselling and Psychology Services
Our Calgary psychologists have a wide range of experience and expertise in understanding the unique needs of our clients and helping you reach your therapy goals.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Child and Teen Therapy
We’re Located in Calgary, Alberta
We provide counselling and psychological services in-person in Calgary and online counselling throughout Alberta.
Suite 200, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary AB
*free parking behind the building
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
What types of therapy do you offer at Solasta Counselling?
At Solasta Counselling, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual needs.
These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Each approach is designed to help address specific challenges, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or other concerns.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing emotional or psychological challenges that affect your daily life, relationships, or well-being.
Common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, or a desire for personal growth and self-discovery.
If you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help you explore your concerns and determine if therapy is a good fit for you.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your first session at Solasta Counselling will focus on understanding your unique situation and goals.
You’ll discuss your current challenges, personal history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
This session allows your therapist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your needs, while also giving you an opportunity to ask questions and build a comfortable, trusting relationship.
Do you offer virtual or in-person counselling sessions?
Yes, Solasta Counselling offers both virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate your preferences and needs.
Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, while in-person sessions provide a private, welcoming environment at our Calgary location and throughout Alberta.
Both options ensure the same level of care and confidentiality.
How long does therapy usually take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the complexity of your concerns.
Some clients see improvement in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and adjust your treatment plan as you progress.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all sessions at Solasta Counselling are confidential.
We follow strict professional and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions involve safety concerns, such as risks of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain during your initial session.