Child / Youth

Child and youth therapy supports young people as they navigate emotional, behavioural, social, and developmental challenges. Children and adolescents may experience anxiety, mood changes, behavioural difficulties, school stress, family transitions, identity exploration, or the impact of trauma and they often express distress differently than adults.

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Therapy is tailored to the child or youth’s developmental stage and individual needs. For younger children in particular, this often includes play therapy, a well‑established therapeutic approach that uses play as a natural form of communication. Because children may not yet have the words to describe complex emotions or experiences, play provides a safe and developmentally appropriate way for them to express themselves, explore feelings, and make sense of their world.

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In play therapy, children may use toys, stories, art materials, games, or imaginative play. The therapist carefully observes and engages with the child in ways that support emotional regulation, problem‑solving, and healing within a secure and supportive relationship. The focus is not on “fixing” behaviour, but on understanding the underlying emotional needs and supporting healthy development.

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For older children and youth, therapy may gradually incorporate more conversation‑based approaches alongside creative or skills‑based work. Caregivers are often involved in ways that support the child outside of sessions, while still respecting the young person’s privacy and autonomy.

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What to Expect in a Session:

• A welcoming, age‑appropriate, and emotionally safe environment

• Use of play, art, or creative activities for younger children

• Support for emotional expression, regulation, and coping skills

• Collaboration with caregivers when appropriate and helpful

• A focus on building trust, confidence, and resilience

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Specialty Modalities May Include:

• Play therapy

• Art‑ and creativity‑based interventions

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children and youth

• Attachment‑informed therapy

• Emotion regulation and social skills development

• Parent consultation and support