At Wholesome Psychology, we know that every child and youth is unique and will face different challenges throughout their childhood into adolescent years. These challenges can impact their well-being and mental health. Our skilled team in Edmonton and St. Albert offers specialized counseling for children, teens, and families, to help provide support and guide you through the struggles or stressors they may face. We work with children and youth to create a safe space where they can express their emotions and manage their feelings and thoughts. Learn more about our services or contact us for further information!
Why Focus on Child and Youth Mental Health?
Childhood and adolescence are important periods for growth and development. During these periods, changes in cognitive, behaviour and social development may occur. Children and youth may struggle with family changes, bullying, academic pressure and even struggle with developmental differences and changes. They may also face the impacts of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and difficulties adjusting to life transitions.
Mental health support early in life helps to build self esteem and improves well-being. Our counseling services in Edmonton and St. Albert is curated to help children and youth understand themselves better and to provide families with strategies to help support their children and deepen the family connection. Read more about our parenting support and family counseling here.
Signs Your Child or Teen May Benefit from Counseling
If your child or youth is struggling with any of the below issues, Counselling can be helpful.
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Difficulty concentrating at school
- Withdrawal from friend or family relationships
- Worsening academic performance
- Intense fears
- Profound sadness or worries
- Frequent outbursts
- aggression
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in eating habits
- Preoccupation with death or self-harm
- Struggling after trauma
- Struggling to manage life changes or transitions
At Wholesome, we ensure our office is a safe space for your child to work through their struggles. Learn more about how our child psychologists in Edmonton and St. Albert provide support.
Our Child and Youth Counseling Services
Our experienced therapists use evidence-based approaches and create a treatment plan that is unique to your child's needs and goals. Our therapists work collaboratively with parents, caregivers, teachers and medical professions as needed, to ensure your child receives the best support across the board. Some services we offer at our Edmonton and St. Albert offices include:
- Individual Therapy: One on one sessions with the therapist and the individual therapy options.
- Play Therapy: For younger children, Play therapy is an approach that can help them problem solve and express themselves. Learn more about Play Therapy.
- Family and Parent Support: We work with families to improve communication, reduce conflict, and learning skills to manage stressors. Explore our parenting support services.
- Support with Bullying or School Issues: See our Bullying Therapy page.
- Trauma and Stress Recovery: Specialized therapy for children affected by trauma, grief, or challenging events. Discover our approach to child and youth stress and trauma.
- Assistance with ADHD & Anxiety: We help with ADHD in children and child and youth anxiety using different modalities best suited to the child.
What to Expect During Child and Youth Counseling
Our therapists are skilled professionals who are knowledgeable in child therapy. They create a safe and welcoming space where your child feels comfortable sharing their feelings and thoughts. They will provide guidance and support through every struggle the child or family faces. The first few appointments are critical in building a trusting relationship between the therapist and child. The therapist will speak with parents and the child as applicable to get background information needed to understand the struggles your child faces and then work to build goals for them. Our therapists carefully assess behavioral, emotional, and social stressors. Younger children may partake in play therapy, ART therapy or play games to help them express themselves. Older youth will work on skill building and use practical exercises through talk therapy to help them reach their goals.
Parental involvement can be an important part of counseling. Our therapists work with parents and caregivers to help them better understand and support their children. We offer guidance on how to support your child's unique needs and offer insights to support and resources that may be beneficial for your child. When appropriate, sessions may include the whole family. This is so we can work on communication and understand the family dynamic if needed. All relationships in your child's life are impactful and deserve to be supported. If you're preparing your child for therapy, visit our guide to preparing children for therapy.
Who Can Benefit from Our Child and Youth Counseling?
- Children struggling with anxiety, depression
- Children or youth who have self esteem issues
- Youth experiencing loss
- Youth handing divorce or family changes
- Teens dealing with peer pressure, bullying
- Child or youth struggling with academic pressure
- Children presenting behavioral concerns at home or school
- Young people processing trauma
- Child or youth struggling with developmental changes or challenges
- Children and teens with ADHD
- Children with learning disabilities
We provide mental health care for children and youth from all backgrounds and cultures. We understand that everyone's journey is unique. Our therapists will create a tailored treatment plan to best for your child or youth needs to help them reach improved well-being.
Meet Our Experienced Edmonton Child Therapists
Our compassionate and professional team of therapists specialize in child and youth development. It is our top priority to provide sessions in a safe and confidential space. Our office is inclusive of everyone regardless of background or age. We want to ensure children and their families feel heard and understood on their journey to improved well-being. To meet our team and find the right therapist for your child or teen, visit our Our Therapists page.
Related Services
Book an Appointment for Your Child or Teen
If you notice your child or teen is struggling, we are here for you! With offices in Edmonton and St. Albert, we provide accessible care to all. Our therapists provide support and guidance through every step of your child's growing and healing journey. Contact us today if you would like to book an initial session, or if you have any questions. You can also learn more on our getting started with our services page. We are proud to be apart of your journey to improved mental and overall well-being.
