Guiding Young Minds: Fostering Growth and Resilience
Imagine the following: It's been a really, really bad day; you've come home after losing your job. It's also a sweltering hot summer day, and you and your child hear the ice cream truck down the block. Understandably, your child is ecstatic, otherwise, the experience for you is average and largely unremarkable given the circumstances. Regardless, you take your child to the truck to buy them an ice cream. After they deliberate for what seems like forever, they finally choose their favourite flavour ultimately for it to plop to the ground not moments after the truck departs. Again, understandably your child is devastated. While the ice cream tragedy fails to move the needle on your list of true atrocities, your child feels differently.
Sometimes, as adults we forget that because many of the things that happen in children's lives lack real world implications, that the feelings they experience when something bad happens matches the true severity of the event. Despite the lack of implications on the child's life, in reality, the ice cream tragedy may evoke feelings of anger, despair, and sadness, in a similar way that the loss of a job may feel to an adult. Similarly, a teenager going through a difficult breakup, getting cut from a team, or even receiving a bad grade in school, can feel equally devastating the way adults do when bad things happen. These experiences are new, sometimes frightening, and can truly shape the narrative of children's self-worth, beliefs about the world, or themselves. So, while lost desserts may seem trivial to the complexity and nuances of our daily lives, sometimes kids feel differently.
A Shared Journey
Understanding Common Childhood Struggles
You're Not Alone—And Neither Is Your Child
As a parent, few things are harder than watching your child struggle. Maybe their moods have changed. Maybe they’ve become withdrawn, overwhelmed, or just not themselves. It’s scary, confusing, and sometimes it feels like no one else really understands what you're going through.
But here’s the truth: you are not alone—and neither is your child.
Right now, about 1 in 6 kids in Canada between the ages of 2 and 8 are facing emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. That could be anxiety, ADHD, mood changes, difficulties with friendships, or just navigating big feelings in a world that feels too fast and too loud.
These struggles don’t make your child “bad” or “broken.” They make them human. And behind every behaviour is a message—something they’re trying to express but may not yet have the tools to say.
That’s where we come in.
At [Your Practice Name], our job is to help children make sense of what they’re feeling—and help parents like you feel confident in how to support them. Our child-focused therapy isn’t about labels or blame. It’s about building skills, understanding what’s beneath the surface, and helping your child learn how to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
We look at the full picture—family dynamics, school stress, social media, transitions, grief, and more. Then we tailor support specifically for your child. Through evidence-based approaches and a whole lot of empathy, we teach coping skills, build resilience, and give your child space to grow into the best version of themselves.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We partner with you every step of the way—because helping your child heal and grow is one of the most powerful investments you’ll ever make.
Let’s work together to give your child the tools, support, and confidence they need to shine.
Crafting Brighter Futures: Our Approach to Child Psychology
In the delicate world of child psychology, each child's story is a unique tapestry woven with threads of their experiences, emotions, and perceptions. At the heart of our approach is the profound belief that every child holds the potential to overcome their challenges and shine brightly in their own right.
Embracing Each Child's Unique Journey
In the delicate world of child psychology, each child's story is a unique tapestry woven with threads of their experiences, emotions, and perceptions. At the heart of our approach is the profound belief that every child holds the potential to overcome their challenges and shine brightly in their own right.
Integrative Therapy Techniques
Our therapy sessions are dynamic and engaging, incorporating a blend of play therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and creative expression. These methods are chosen not just for their proven effectiveness but for their ability to resonate with children. Through play and creativity, children often find it easier to express complex feelings and thoughts that they might not yet have the words to articulate.
Teaching Life-long Skills
A key aspect of our therapy is teaching children skills that will serve them throughout their lives. This includes emotional regulation, coping strategies for anxiety, social skills, and problem-solving techniques. By equipping children with these tools, we empower them to navigate their current challenges and prepare them for future obstacles with resilience and confidence.
Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment
Every therapy session is conducted in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and child-friendly. We understand that a child needs to feel secure and accepted to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. Our therapists are skilled in creating this atmosphere of warmth and trust, making each session a safe space for exploration and growth.
The Power of Parental Involvement
We believe in the power of involving parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process. By offering guidance and support to families, we extend the impact of therapy beyond our sessions. This collaborative approach ensures that the child receives consistent support and understanding in all aspects of their life.
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"Will my child feel like something is 'wrong' with them if they attend therapy?"
"Will my child feel like something is 'wrong' with them if they attend therapy?"It's a common worry that therapy might make a child feel labeled or different. We approach therapy as a positive, empowering experience. It's framed as a time for learning and growing, much like going to school or participating in sports. We emphasize that needing help is a normal part of life, and everyone needs guidance at times. Our goal is to make your child feel supported and understood, not singled out.
"I'm not sure if my child's issues are serious enough for therapy."
Deciding whether a child's challenges warrant professional help can be difficult. It's important to remember that therapy isn't just for severe problems; it's also a proactive tool for addressing smaller issues before they grow. If something is impacting your child's happiness or development, it's significant enough to explore. Therapy can provide your child with valuable skills and coping strategies that benefit them in all areas of their life.
"How can I trust that my child will be comfortable and safe with a therapist?"
Trusting a stranger with your child's emotional well-being is a big step. We prioritize creating a safe, welcoming, and child-friendly environment. Our therapists are not only professionally qualified but also have a gentle, friendly approach that helps children feel at ease. You are always welcome to be involved in the process, and we encourage open communication between the therapist, child, and parents. Ensuring your child's comfort and safety is our utmost priority.
Your Needs, Our Services
Little Tree Psychology sees children ages 3-18, as well as adults, individuals, and couples. Typically, children and teens intake sessions are broken down into two parts. First, the parent(s) typically meet alone for the first session or first 20-30 minutes. During this time, the clinician and the parent(s) discuss confidentiality, fees, benefits, and how they would prefer to structure therapy with the child. This time also includes an extended history questionnaire where the following may be investigated:
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The child’s social history
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Behaviours at school
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Interactions with family and siblings
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Interests and extracurricular activities
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Negative life experiences
The information above will be used to assess the possible causes of what is distressing your child that lead to undesirable behaviours. At the end of the intake, the clinician and parent(s) should have a good idea of what goals they would like to set for the child and how many sessions feel appropriate.
Last, it is important to remember that every child and teen is different, and will require a different approach therapeutically. However, and especially with children under 10, parental intervention in the therapeutic process is crucial to a child's success in therapy, as parents tend to have more power and control over their child's development than they often realize. Therefore, often simple parenting 'tweaks', can work wonders for a lot of presenting concerns. For this reason, it is encouraged that at the beginning or end of session that the parent(s) spend a few minutes alone with the clinician discussing ongoing strategies, successes, and areas of concern moving forward.
Click the links below to check out common clinical concerns for youth, or book a session with us.
Start Your Change Today
Think we might be a good fit? Simply contact us for a free consultation. Offering online and in-person counselling in Sherwood Park and Edmonton.
Our team consists of skilled providers with a commitment to nurturing stronger relationships through personalized care. With diverse expertise and a unified goal of fostering connection and understanding, they are the backbone of our practice, ready to support your journey toward a healthier partnership.
Discovering Resilience, Growing Minds
hello@littletreepsychology.com
(587) 456-0756
#220, 2899 Broadmoor Blvd
Sherwood Park AB, T8H 1B5
Downtown |
9707 – 110 St. NW, Suite 312, Edmonton, Alberta
Located in: Impark Ledgeview Business Centre Parking - Lot #371
© 2024 by Little Tree Psychology Inc.