Child Counselling

Understanding Children

At RMPS, our approach to therapy is grounded in the latest research about child development, effective counseling methods for children, and understanding the brain and nervous system. Children are different than adults – they may express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions using words and explanations like an adult, but often their behaviour and their play are also important in understanding their perspective, thoughts, beliefs, or feelings.

Connecting Through Art And Play

Because it can be difficult for children to fully express themselves through words, other methods such as play and expressive arts can help the child to express their perspective, thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and emotions. Our clinicians have advanced training for working with children to be able to understand where the child is coming from, what skills or changes in their perspective might be helpful, or what supports the child might need. What this means is that our clinicians are able to meet children where they are at. Strategies and logical solutions to problems can be really effective for some children and some issues. But, when this approach doesn’t work or isn’t appropriate, our staff are armed with other approaches, including play and expressive arts modalities, to help your child express themselves, process what is happening for them, and learn new ways for understanding and managing situations that are more empowering and useful to them in daily life.

Helping Children Understand And Express Their Emotions

As children grow, the world around them gives them feedback about expectations for behaviour and managing emotions. Learning to understand and manage emotions can be a big task and is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to helping children to grow into happy, healthy adults. Sometimes parents and other adults will see a child have a temper tantrum and it seems like it came out of no-where. Or a child who is typically kind and caring may suddenly explode in anger. Or a child may do something unexpected like hide when someone says “hello.” All of these responses reflect a child’s best efforts to manage situations with the skills they have.

Their responses and behaviours are communication about their perception, beliefs, nervous system regulation, and skills. A trained child psychologist can help the child and their caregivers to better understand what is happening in these situations and also work with them to develop their skills so that they can respond in a different way. Through developmentally appropriate techniques and strong therapeutic relationships, children begin to make sense of perceptions and emotions that once felt confusing or overwhelming, and learn different ways to manage and express themselves.

Integrated Approach To Meaningful Care

We offer a personalized approach that focuses on your child’s individual emotional and developmental needs. Our services are designed to encourage consistent communication and collaboration between the therapist, caregivers, and even teachers or other professionals when appropriate.

This integrated support system helps your child feel connected and safe, both in and outside of therapy. With both in-person sessions at our Calgary office and online services available across Alberta, families can access care in the way that feels most practical, familiar, and effective.

Making Specialized Support Accessible

When parents search for “child counselling near me,” they are often looking to juggle getting support for their child and family while also managing a busy schedule. This is completely understandable. What many parents don’t know when looking for services is that specialization matters. So many parents are disappointed when they go out of their way to seek support and spend time and money only to find that they didn’t get the help they were looking for. Sometimes it does take a little longer to get to a specialist, but the benefits may outweigh the cost in more tailored plans and outcomes. At RMPS, we know families are taking time out of their busy lives and so our centrally located office in Calgary, designated parking, and option for virtual sessions are intended to help families access effective supports with the most ease possible.

Helping Families Navigate Through Big Emotions

We recognize that each child is unique, and so is their emotional journey. Our child counselling services are tailored to reflect the individuality of each child and family we work with. Whether a child is navigating grief, anxiety, anger, or changes at home or school, we create a supportive space where they can feel heard and empowered.

We also understand that parents and caregivers are essential to a child’s progress. That’s why we provide regular feedback, practical tools, and emotional support to families. Our work extends beyond the therapy room. The strategies we share can help improve communication at home, strengthen relationships, and support emotional growth that continues well after counselling ends.

Frequently Asked Question

How do I know if my child needs counselling?

If your child is experiencing changes in mood, behavior, or relationships—such as frequent outbursts, withdrawal, or difficulty in school—it may be helpful to consult a professional. Our child counselling services offer a supportive environment for them to work through these challenges in a safe and guided way.

What happens during a counselling session?

Sessions are tailored to your child’s age, personality, and needs. Younger children often participate in play or creative activities. Older children may engage in more direct conversations. A trained child therapist will guide the process in a supportive way.

How can I find child counselling near me that’s a good fit?

Look for licensed professionals with experience in child counselling and family support. It’s completely appropriate to ask about their background and approach before scheduling a session. A group practice may be a good option so that if one therapist/psychologist isn’t a fit, they may be able to easily transfer your child and family to another clinician without you having to do all the initial legwork again.

What kinds of challenges does counselling help with?

Counselling supports children through a wide range of emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. These may include anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, school-related stress, or difficulties with peers and family relationships. The goal is to help children feel better prepared to manage their emotions, behaviour, and relationships, as well as improve their well-being.

Can a child therapist near me help if the issue seems small?

Yes. Even minor challenges can affect a child’s daily life and self-confidence. Addressing issues early often leads to more effective outcomes. A child therapist can help uncover underlying concerns and provide tools that support healthy emotional development.

Is a child behavioral therapist and a child psychologist the same thing?

This is a bit of a tricky question. A child behavior therapist may or may not have a mental health licence. Having a license protects you and your family – it means that the person has met some standard of education and practice and is overseen by some kind of professional organization (which protects you). Child behavior therapy is a type of therapy that addresses changing and improving behaviour. A child psychologist is regulated by a professional organization – psychologists have specific ethics and requirements for practice that protect their clients. One of the activities that a child psychologist can do is child behavior therapy.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

It’s not always easy to know when to reach out for help, but you don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming. We’re here to discuss what might be helpful for your child or family. At RMPS, we focus on creating a safe, supportive space where children can feel understood and cared for. Whether you’re looking for more information or are ready to set up a session, feel free to contact us. Together, we’ll talk through your concerns and explore what makes the most sense for your situation. With in-person sessions at our Calgary office and online services available across Alberta, support is always within reach.