At Wholesome Psychology, we believe that every child deserves a healthy, fulfilling childhood. Located in the heart of Edmonton and St. Albert, our practice is dedicated to supporting the mental health of children ages 6 to 9. As young kids start school and form friendships, their emotional well-being becomes a crucial foundation for lifelong development. If you are a parent or caregiver looking for trusted local experts to help your child thrive, you're in the right place.
Why Mental Health Matters in Childhood
The early elementary years are a period of significant growth—socially, emotionally, and cognitively. During this time, children develop fundamental skills for managing emotions, relating to others, and handling challenges. When mental health concerns arise between the ages of six and nine, early intervention and support can prevent issues from becoming more entrenched later on.
- Positive mental health promotes school achievement and social confidence.
- Recognizing early signs allows families to intervene before challenges intensify.
- Healthy coping strategies learned now benefit children throughout life.
Common Mental Health Challenges for Ages 6-9
Mental health presentations at this age are often nuanced. While some children may express worries or sadness openly, others might withdraw, become irritable, or struggle academically. Common issues impacting Edmonton and St. Albert children include:
- Anxiety: Worries about school, friends, or separation from caregivers.
- Depression: Prolonged sadness, loss of interest in play, or withdrawal from family.
- ADHD: Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and trouble following routines. Learn more about ADHD in children.
- Bullying and Peer Issues: Struggles with social skills or self-esteem related to interactions at school or in extracurricular activities.
- Emotional Regulation: Frequent tantrums, frustration, or inability to calm down. Explore our approaches to emotional regulation.
- Family Stress or Changes: Adjustments to new siblings, moves, divorce, or loss.
Recognizing Signs Your Child May Need Support
As children’s behaviors are always evolving, it can be challenging to tell when responses are part of normal development, and when they indicate something deeper. Watch for these warning signs in your child:
- Sudden changes in mood, appetite, or sleep habits
- Persistent avoidance of school, social situations, or activities once enjoyed
- Excessive fears, worries, or frequent nightmares
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Regressive behaviors such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking
- Frequent physical complaints with no clear medical cause (headaches, stomach aches)
- Difficulty paying attention or following directions
- Low self-esteem or repeated negative self-talk
If one or more of these signs persist, connecting with a child mental health specialist is recommended. Meet our therapists to learn about the compassionate experts ready to support your family.
Our Approach to Children's Mental Health in Edmonton & St. Albert
At Wholesome Psychology, our team provides a welcoming and safe environment for all children and families. We honour each child’s uniqueness and use evidence-based approaches tailored to their needs:
- Play Therapy: Engages children with play to help them express complex feelings in a natural way. Play therapy can be a powerful tool for this age group.
- Parental Involvement: We partner with families to build skills, understanding, and resilience at home. Parents are often a key part of our sessions for younger children.
- Collaboration With Schools: With parental consent, we may coordinate with teachers, counselors, or support staff to ensure strategies work across settings.
- Skill-Building: We teach coping skills, emotional awareness, social tools, and confidence-building techniques in age-appropriate formats.
- Trauma-Informed Care: When necessary, we draw from trauma-sensitive modalities to gently explore and heal painful experiences.
Our clinicians proudly serve families throughout the greater Edmonton and St. Albert regions. We are experienced in supporting diverse backgrounds and abilities, including neurodiverse children. For families navigating more complex challenges, additional services such as child & youth anxiety support, child & youth depression therapy, and trauma support for children are also available.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
We take a gentle, step-by-step approach to helping your child feel safe and heard. Here’s what families can expect when beginning the process:
- Initial consultation to gather background and understand your concerns.
- Assessment—using observation, conversation, and sometimes standardized tools to get a complete picture.
- Goal-setting with the family and, where appropriate, the child themselves.
- Sessions utilize play, art, and guided conversation rather than intensive talk therapy alone.
- Regular feedback and strategies for parents to foster progress at home and school.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Support At Home
Support for your child’s mental health begins at home, and small changes can go a long way. Try these strategies:
- Encourage expressiveness—let your child know all feelings are welcome.
- Set consistent routines for meals, bedtimes, and schoolwork.
- Praise efforts, not just outcomes, to strengthen resilience.
- Minimize stress where possible—children are sensitive to family tensions.
- Read together and discuss books about emotions or coping with changes.
- Ask open-ended questions, listen without judgment, and model healthy coping when you face setbacks.
Parenting a child with emerging mental health needs can be challenging. You are not alone. For additional resources, explore our page on parenting support, or learn more about child & youth counseling at Wholesome Psychology.
Why Choose Wholesome Psychology in Edmonton & St. Albert?
- Local expertise: Deep roots in the Edmonton and St. Albert communities.
- Welcoming, child-centered environment designed to reduce anxiety and foster comfort.
- Collaborative care with hands-on family involvement.
- Commitment to evidence-based, ethical practice reflecting our values and philosophy.
Our passionate team includes registered psychologists and therapists with special interests in children and families. Meet the team to see how we can help your child build healthy habits for a lifetime of well-being.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, reach out today. Early support can make a significant difference. Contact Wholesome Psychology in Edmonton and St. Albert for compassionate, expert counseling for children ages 6 to 9. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit our about us page or explore therapist profiles.
Together, we can empower your child to thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically.
