Child & Teen Therapy
Children and teens today face a myriad of challenges, from academic and social pressures to family changes and personal identity exploration.
Our Approach
At Onward Wellness, we believe in creating a therapeutic environment that is nurturing and empowering. Our clinicians specialize in working with children and teens, and employ a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to the developmental stage and individual needs of each client. Whether through play therapy, cognitive-behavioural strategies, or creative expression, we aim to make therapy engaging and effective for our young clients.
When you choose Onward Wellness for your child or teen’s therapy needs, you can expect a compassionate and professional approach. Our initial sessions often involve an overall assessment to understand your child or teen’s unique needs and challenges. Based on this assessment, we collaboratively develop a therapy plan tailored to your child or teen’s specific situation.
Therapy sessions are conducted in a safe, welcoming environment where children and teens can express themselves freely. Our clinicians use evidence-based practices and creative techniques to make therapy engaging and effective. We also involve parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process as appropriate, providing guidance and support to help you best support your child’s growth and development.
The Importance of Child and Teen Therapy
The different experiences that children and teens face can sometimes lead to emotional and behavioural difficulties that may benefit from professional intervention. This requires a trusted, objective party who can help young people understand and manage their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms and build resilience.
Growing up is a journey filled with numerous developmental milestones and challenges. At Onward Wellness, we understand the unique needs of children and teens, recognizing that they often require specialized support to navigate their experiences effectively. Our child & teen therapy services are designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can explore their feelings, develop emotional regulation skills, and discover their authentic selves. Our team of warm and welcoming clinicians is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of our youth.
Play Therapy
For younger children, play therapy is a cornerstone of our approach. Play is a natural medium through which children communicate and process their experiences. Our play therapy sessions provide a safe space for children to express themselves, explore their emotions, and work through challenges. Through guided play, our therapists help children develop problem-solving skills, improve emotional regulation, and build self-esteem.
Therapy for Teens
Adolescence is a critical period of identity formation and emotional development. Our teen therapy services are designed to support teens as they navigate this complex stage of life. We offer individual therapy sessions where teens can explore their thoughts and feelings in a confidential and supportive setting.
Additionally, we are excited to offer teen mental health groups that provide a space for peer support and shared learning. These groups help teens build social skills, develop coping strategies, and foster a sense of community. For more information about our teen groups, visit our “Groups & Workshops” page.
Our Areas of Expertise for Child & Teen Therapy
Our team at Onward Wellness is equipped to address a wide range of issues that children and teens may face. Some of our key areas of expertise include:
Adapting to Changes
Life changes such as moving, changing schools, or family transitions can be challenging for children. We provide support to help them adapt and thrive in new environments.
Addictions
Substance use and other addictive behaviours can affect teens in a variety of ways. Our clinicians offer specialised support to help young people overcome these challenges and develop healthier habits.
Anxiety
Anxiety can significantly impact a child’s daily life. We teach strategies to manage anxiety, reduce stress and build resilience.
Attachment
Healthy attachment is crucial for emotional development. We work with children and their caregivers to strengthen attachment bonds and foster secure relationships.
Behaviour Changes
Sudden or persistent changes in behaviour can be a sign of underlying issues. Our therapists help identify the root causes and develop effective interventions.
Blended Family Adjustments
Adjusting to a blended family can be complex. We support children in navigating these changes and building positive relationships within their new family structure.
Communication Challenges
Effective communication is key to healthy relationships. We help children and teens develop better communication skills and express themselves more clearly.
Coping Skills
Developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for managing stress and adversity. We equip children and teens with tools to handle life’s ups and downs.
Depression
Depression can affect children and teens, impacting their overall wellbeing and making it difficult for well-meaning family and friends to break through their protective shell. We provide compassionate support to help them understand and manage their symptoms.
Emotional Regulation
Learning to manage emotions is a critical skill. Our therapists teach techniques for emotional regulation, helping young people respond to challenges more calmly and constructively.
Grief and Loss
Experiencing loss can be profoundly challenging for a child or teen. We offer support to help them process their grief and find ways to cope with their emotions.
Performance Stress
Academic and extracurricular pressures can create significant stress for any child. We help young people manage performance anxiety and develop a balanced approach to their activities.
Relationship Help
Interpersonal relationships are vital for social development. We assist children and teens in building healthy relationships with peers, family members, and others.
Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can affect many areas of a child’s life. We work on building self-confidence and fostering a positive self-image.
Social Challenges
Navigating social dynamics can be difficult, and with the influence of social media, it can be even more challenging. Our therapists help young people sort through what is important, and what isn’t, while also developing the social skills and build meaningful connections.
Trauma
Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact. We offer trauma-informed therapy to help children and teens heal and build resilience.
Our commitment to your child’s wellbeing
At Onward Wellness, we are dedicated to nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of children and teens. We understand that seeking therapy for your child is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team of skilled clinicians is committed to providing the highest quality care, helping your child or teen develop the skills and resilience needed to thrive.
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods of growth and development. At Onward Wellness, we are here to provide the specialized support and guidance needed to help young people navigate these formative years. With our expert care and compassionate approach, your child or teen can overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive. Contact us today to begin your child’s journey towards mental wellness and fulfilment.
Fees
We follow the guidance of the Psychological Association of Alberta (PAA), and the current recommended fees are $235.00/hour. Please note, many of our services are covered by health care benefits or other third-party coverage. From time to time, and as part of giving back to our community, we also offer probono services.
