What services does CARE Psychology offer for children?

CARE Psychology offers counselling, Play Therapy, emotional regulation support, parent consultation, trauma-informed therapy, and psychological and psychoeducational assessment services for children and families.

What concerns can child therapy help with?

Child therapy may support concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioural concerns, school stress, trauma, grief, family transitions, social challenges, coping difficulties, and self-esteem concerns.

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapy approach that uses play, creativity, and the therapeutic relationship to help children express feelings, process experiences, build coping skills, and strengthen emotional regulation.

Are parents involved in child therapy?

Yes. Parent involvement is often an important part of therapy for children. Parents or caregivers may participate through intake, parent consultation, skill-building, progress updates, or family sessions depending on the child’s needs and goals.

Do you offer assessments for children?

Yes. CARE Psychology provides psychological and psychoeducational assessments for children, including support related to learning, attention, academic skills, emotional functioning, and developmental concerns.

How do I know if my child may benefit from therapy?

Children may benefit from therapy when they are experiencing emotional, behavioural, social, school-related, or coping difficulties that are affecting their daily functioning, relationships, or well-being.

Where does CARE Psychology provide children's services?

CARE Psychology provides children's counselling, Play Therapy, and assessment services in Airdrie, Alberta, and serves families from Airdrie, Calgary, Rocky View County, and surrounding communities.

Meagan Stiff - Counselling Therapist, Child Therapist, Mental Health Therapist, Registered Nurse, Group Therapy, Airdrie, Rockyview

POPULATION

Psychological Services for Children

Compassionate Care for Growing Minds & Healing Hearts

CHILDREN’S THERAPY

Therapy As Unique As Your Child

At CARE Psychology, we create therapy plans that are as unique as your child. Through an intake assessment and collaborative conversations, we will get a clear understanding of what your child needs, and how we can best support them.

We draw from a range of evidence-based methods like Play Therapy, EMDR, and other integrative approaches to create a customized path forward. Whether we use one modality or blend several, the goal is the same: To help your child feel safe, understood, and empowered to thrive.

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions here, because no two children are the same, and their therapy shouldn't be either.

Dr. Crystal Dittrick, Psychologist - provides expert services in Play Therapy, EMDR trauma therapy and assessment serving clients in the Airdrie area. Dr. Crystal trains registered and provisional psychologists in Play Therapy and EMDR Trauma therapy

Individual Counselling & Therapy

As each child differs, we will apply appropriate psychological theories and approaches that are tailored to your child and their specific goals for therapy.

Play Therapy

Sometimes it can be difficult for children to fully express themselves through words. Play therapy can help your child to share their perspective, feelings, and emotions to transform their world.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative therapy approach that’s based on the understandings of the brain and how memory networks function. EMDR therapy can help your child heal from their past trauma, and allow them to move forward.

Family Counselling & Therapy

Sometimes, the best way to help your child is to engage in family or parent-child counselling. Family therapy aims to help your family work together through any challenges you may be facing.

Group Counselling & Therapy

Group counselling and therapy may be offered throughout the year to address a variety of topics and concerns. These sessions can support with: Emotion regulation, mindfulness, social skills, anxiety, adaptive coping skills, stress management, healthy relationships, and more.

Psychological Assessment

A psychological or psycho-educational assessment provides information to develop a better understanding of your child’s strengths, needs, and areas for growth. Through this process, appropriate recommendations and strategies are provided so that you can capitalize on your child’s strengths, help them grow, and inform intervention.

FAQ

A safe, playful environment where your child can express themselves through talk, art, or play therapy - Guided by a therapist trained to meet them at their level.
Children aged up to 12 years old navigating anxiety, ADHD, behavioural challenges, grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or other life stressors.
It depends on your child’s age and needs. We will discuss the best approach during your initial consultation.
At the first session of counselling and therapy services for children, parents would be invited into the session with your child for the first 10-15 minutes. We will review consent and discuss with you and your child, what remains private in child therapy and what will be shared with parents. We will then have one-on-one time with your child to start building a relationship and help them to feel safe and comfortable. During the following sessions, we will meet individually with your child. We may ask you to come into the session at the end. It is important that children feel comfortable with the counselling process and have interest in attending.
Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes for individual therapy.