Supporting the Youth
Here at Flourish Psychological Services’ Douglasdale clinic in Calgary, we provide specialized therapy services for children and teenagers. Our dedicated team of experienced therapists is here to support young individuals and their families on their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. We understand the unique challenges that children and teens face in today's world, and we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can flourish.
Stresses That Kids Feel
Apart from assisting with anxiety, life adjustments, and parent-teen conflicts, therapy for children and teens is beneficial for various reasons. Academic pressures, learning difficulties, and peer relationship issues can impact mental well-being. Grief, loss, and family changes, like divorce, are also addressed in therapy to help process emotions. Behavioral concerns such as ADHD or ODD can be managed through tailored interventions. Therapy is crucial for addressing self-esteem, body image, and identity development, fostering resilience. Our dedicated therapists create a nurturing environment for children and teens to express themselves, develop coping skills, and build a foundation for a healthier future.
Should I Wait Until They're A Little Older?
Commencing therapy for a child or teen at an early stage offers a range of advantages, including the prevention of potential issues from escalating, the cultivation of effective coping skills, and the improvement of social and emotional intelligence. Early intervention contributes to better academic performance, the prevention of long-term mental health issues, and the fostering of resilience. Additionally, therapy provides valuable support for parents, helping them understand and address their child's needs, while simultaneously instilling healthy habits and a positive self-image in the young individual. By addressing challenges early on, therapy lays the foundation for a child's overall well-being and equips them with the tools necessary for navigating life's complexities.
Finding the Right Therapist for Kids
A good therapy environment for children and teenagers can be an essential part of their well-being and emotional growth. In order to achieve that, it’s vital to build a real connection to the right therapist, establishing trust and rapport. This starts with the initial consultation call and continues in everything that comes afterward.
Our therapists are fully committed to the clients we take on, and we work collaboratively with children, teens, and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes. With our mutual investment in your child's progress, we foster a therapeutic environment that is safe, comfortable, and inclusive for all.
Curious About Children's Therapy?
If your child is having difficulty with anxieties, sensitivities, or struggles to adjust to life changes, our therapists are here to help. At Flourish, our team of registered psychologists in Calgary is guided by principles of attachment and development – and we believe that addressing these underlying factors is essential for children to thrive.
We offer specialized child therapy services, including play therapy, which allows children to express themselves and explore their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, we provide parent support and coaching to equip parents with effective strategies for improving their child's well-being. So if you’ve tried other resources without much luck, we’d be happy to chat on an introductory call.
What About Therapy for Teens in Calgary?
Wondering how to get therapy as a teenager? We don’t blame you. Navigating adolescence is always a challenging time – both for teenagers going through it, and their parents observing from the outside.
Our teenage therapists are here to assist young people in finding healthier ways to express themselves, develop their identity, and navigate the complexities of this turbulent part of life. We approach this with plenty of consideration of the influence of family dynamics, peer groups, and youth sub-culture on teenagers' lives. As a result, our teen therapy sessions provide a calming and supportive space for teenagers to be heard, validated, and empowered to make positive choices.
Benefits of Children and Teen Therapy
There are plenty of benefits that children and teen therapy can offer:
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These sessions provide a safe and non-judgmental space for young individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns.
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Through the therapeutic process, children and teenagers gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, fostering empathy and acceptance.
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Youth often improve their communication skills, helping to enhance relationships and promote healthier interactions within the family and beyond.
The Goals of Therapy for Kids and Teens
The goals of children and teen therapy vary based on the unique needs of each individual.
On a general basis, therapy aims to support young people in developing effective coping strategies, managing emotions, and building resilience. It focuses on promoting self-awareness, enhancing self-esteem, and fostering personal growth.
More specifically, therapy also addresses specific concerns that are more unique to each person. This can include conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and behavioral issues, as well as family or interpersonal conflict resolution. Ultimately, the goal of this therapy is to provide children and teens with the tools they will need to thrive and overcome challenges throughout their lives.
Our 7 Main Approaches to Teen & Child Therapy
1) Parent Coaching
Parent coaching holds significant importance as a precursor to child or teen therapy. It provides parents with essential tools and insights to navigate their child's emotional and behavioral challenges effectively. Before embarking on formal therapy for the young individual, parent coaching allows caregivers to understand and address the root causes of their child's difficulties. This proactive approach fosters a supportive home environment, ensuring consistency in parenting strategies and communication. Parent coaching empowers parents to play an active role in their child's emotional development, creating a strong foundation for any subsequent therapeutic interventions. By arming parents with effective skills and strategies, it not only aids in the immediate resolution of issues but also establishes a collaborative framework for the child's long-term emotional well-being.
2) Family Therapy
Family therapy serves as a crucial starting point for child and teen therapy by recognizing the interconnected dynamics within a family unit. It acknowledges that a child's well-being is deeply influenced by family interactions, communication patterns, and the overall family environment. Addressing issues within the family context can lead to more effective and lasting outcomes, as it allows therapists to identify and rectify relational patterns that may contribute to the child's challenges. Family therapy not only supports the child or teen directly but also fosters a collaborative environment where parents and caregivers can actively participate in understanding and addressing the needs of the young individual, creating a more holistic and sustainable approach to their emotional and psychological development.
3) Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an innovative form of therapy that utilizes rapid eye movements, relaxation, and visualizations to help clients process traumatic memories and alleviate distressing symptoms. By engaging in these techniques, individuals can create new neural pathways that reprocess their experiences, leading to healing and the ability to overcome negative impacts.
4) Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy revolves around exploring the stories and themes that shape an individual's experiences, enabling the creation of empowered new perspectives and meanings that foster personal growth and empathy. By understanding and reshaping these narratives, individuals can find renewed strength and hope in their lives.
5) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that targets negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Through self-awareness and cognitive restructuring, individuals identify and challenge their unhelpful thoughts, leading to positive changes in emotions and behaviours.
6) Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
This approach builds mindfulness, acceptance of difficult emotions, and a commitment to aligning actions with core values. By embracing these principles, individuals get more psychological flexibility, which enables them to better cope with life's challenges and pursue a more fulfilling life.
7) Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection and involves becoming aware of physical sensations that may indicate stress or triggers, such as muscle tension, stomach aches, headaches, shallow breathing, throat tightness, or numbness. It allows you to learn techniques to calm or discharge stress, tension, and trauma, promoting holistic healing and well-being.
Scheduling a Therapy Session for a Child in Calgary
Even if you’ve never booked a kids’ therapy session for your child before, scheduling one is a simple process. Simply follow the steps below.
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15-Minute Consultation
Start by filling out our user-friendly online contact form, which will set you up with a free 15-minute consultation with a therapist of your choice. That’s where you’ll briefly share your personal concerns and what you hope to achieve. It also gives us the opportunity to make sure we’re a good fit for you, too.
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Choose Your Therapist
After your free consultation, take the time to reflect on your experience and decide if you and your child feel comfortable and connected with the therapist you spoke with. If so, you can book your first session. If not, we can try someone else, or recommend a different clinic if we feel we cannot provide you with what you need.
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Choose Appointment
Choose the format – in-person or online – that best suits your comfort level and circumstances. Our face-to-face sessions are usually what people prefer but our virtual sessions are available and always secure, confidential, and convenient. Make your choice and we'll warmly welcome you for your appointment!