Children and teenagers can face many challenges as they grow, and for some, anxiety becomes a barrier to enjoying childhood, succeeding at school, or forming healthy relationships. At Wholesome Psychology, located in Edmonton and St. Albert, we provide a supportive environment where children, youth, and their families receive compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to address anxiety and promote emotional well-being. If you want to learn more about our unique approach and how our therapists support young people, explore our team page.
Understanding Anxiety in Children and Youth
Anxiety is more than occasional worry or fear—when it consistently interferes with day-to-day life, it may call for specialized professional support. Anxiety in young people may manifest as frequent worry, irritability, avoidance of people or places, physical complaints like stomach aches, trouble sleeping, perfectionism, or sudden outbursts. Every child experiences and expresses anxiety in unique ways, which is why personalized assessment and intervention are so important. If you are looking for a child psychologist in Edmonton or St. Albert, our team is here to help.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Kids and Teens
- Excessive worries about school, friends, or family
- Avoidance of social situations or new experiences
- Frequent physical symptoms (headaches, tummy troubles) with no medical cause
- Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Irritability, restlessness, or anger outbursts
- Clinginess, reassurance seeking, or withdrawal
If you notice these patterns in your child or teen, working with a trained therapist may help build their resilience and skills to manage anxiety.
What Causes Anxiety in Children?
The origins of anxiety can be complex, including genetic, biological, environmental, and situational factors:
- Family history of anxiety or mental health concerns
- Stressful events (school transitions, family dynamics, trauma)
- Academic pressures or social challenges
- High sensitivity to changes or uncertainty
- Underlying medical or psychological conditions
Supporting your child early, with understanding and evidence-based strategies, can help prevent anxiety from growing into a barrier that disrupts development, friendships, and self-confidence.
How Our Child Anxiety Therapy Works
Our approach is gentle, collaborative, and developmentally informed. We work alongside children, youth, and families to:
- Create a safe, welcoming space that fosters trust and openness
- Engage in age-appropriate talk therapy, play-based interventions, and creative activities
- Teach practical coping strategies to identify and manage anxious thoughts and feelings
- Build self-confidence and promote emotional regulation skills
- Support parents and caregivers with guidance and tools for at-home support
Your child’s journey with anxiety is unique, and so is our therapeutic plan—we match our methods to their developmental stage and preferences for the best outcomes. For details on our methods, visit our unique approach page.
Evidence-Based Approaches for Child Anxiety
Our counseling draws upon the latest research in developmental psychology and child therapy. Some of the evidence-based interventions we may incorporate include:
Every treatment plan at Wholesome Psychology is tailored to the needs, strengths, and context of your child and family.
When Should You Seek Help for Your Child’s Anxiety?
Some level of anxiety is typical as children navigate new experiences, but if anxiety leads to distress, disrupts daily routines (such as going to school or family activities), or affects your child’s mood and relationships, it’s time to reach out for additional support.
- Is your child withdrawing socially or refusing to participate in activities they once enjoyed?
- Are school attendance and academic performance suffering?
- Does worry cause tears, tantrums, or shutdowns?
- Are physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches frequent?
Timely professional help can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term emotional health and confidence. Learn more about child and youth mental health on our site.
Why Choose Wholesome Psychology for Child Anxiety Therapy?
- Warm, culturally respectful approach grounded in empathy and clinical expertise
- Experienced team of registered psychologists and therapists specializing in child and youth mental health
- Collaborative care—parents, children, and clinicians work as a team
- Locations in both Edmonton and St. Albert offering in-person and virtual counseling options
- Safe, playful spaces where children feel comfortable and empowered
Meet our team of compassionate professionals and see how our diverse backgrounds help us serve families across Edmonton and St. Albert. Visit our therapists page to learn more, or see what makes our unique approach stand out.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
At Wholesome Psychology, we recognize that anxiety impacts the entire family. Our work extends beyond individual sessions to equip parents and caregivers with effective tools, communication strategies, and emotional support. When families feel resourced and connected, children have the best chance to thrive.
If you’re uncertain about how to talk to your child about anxiety or help them prepare for therapy, you may find our dedicated resource on preparing children for therapy helpful. For more support, see our parenting support counseling page.
Child Anxiety & Related Concerns
Anxiety often overlaps with other childhood concerns. If you have questions about related issues, please explore the following dedicated pages:
What to Expect from Child Anxiety Therapy at Wholesome Psychology
Your child’s first session begins with a gentle assessment focused on understanding their strengths, history, and challenges. We collaborate with you to set treatment goals and regularly review progress as therapy unfolds.
Our therapists adapt their approaches—sometimes incorporating art or play, role-play, stories, or cognitive strategies—always with the goal of helping your child feel heard, understood, and more capable of managing anxious feelings. We keep communication open with you as parents while honoring your child’s privacy and sense of agency.
Book a Consultation in Edmonton or St. Albert
Seeking support is a sign of hope and care. If your child or adolescent is struggling with anxiety, the team at Wholesome Psychology is here to help. We offer in-person sessions at our convenient Edmonton and St. Albert locations, as well as secure virtual appointments across Alberta.
Take the first step toward a calmer, more confident future for your child. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to ask us any questions about our child and youth anxiety therapy services.
