Child counselling in Calgary: Helping kids make sense of big feelings
Play-based therapy for children, with parents as partners · In person in Marda Loop
Children feel things deeply, but they don’t always have the words for it. It often comes out as worry, meltdowns or behaviour that’s hard to understand. We help your child find their footing, and help you know how to support them at home.
We start with a parent intake session. Our client care coordinator will match your child with the clinician who may be the best fit.
01 · What you might be noticing
Kids show us how they feel, often before they can tell us.
- Worries or fears that seem bigger than the situation
- Big emotions, meltdowns or mood swings
- Struggles with friendships, sharing or social skills
- Low confidence, or saying “I’m bad at everything”
- Trouble adjusting to a move, a new sibling, separation or divorce
- School stress, avoidance or tummy aches before school
- Behaviour that’s hard to manage at home or in class
- Sleep troubles or changes in appetite
- Something hard has happened, and they don’t have the words for it
None of this means something is wrong with your child, or with your parenting. It usually means they need a little help with something that feels too big right now. Reaching out early can make a real difference.
02 · How we help
Support that meets children where they are.
Worry & anxiety
Simple, kid-sized tools for calming their body and mind, practised through play. Learn more
Big feelings
Naming emotions and learning what to do with them, so meltdowns become less frequent and less intense. Learn more
Family changes
Separation, divorce, a new sibling or a move. Support for your child and for the family as a whole. Learn more
ADHD & attention
Practical strategies for focus, routines and self-esteem, with parents part of the plan. Learn more
Confidence & friendships
Building self-worth and the social skills that make it easier to connect with other kids.
Boys & emotional resilience
Helping boys put words to what they feel and grow steady, kind confidence. Learn more
03 · What to expect
What to expect in child counselling
When parents feel supported, children feel it too.
A parent intake
We begin with you. You share what you’re noticing, what you’ve tried and what you’re hoping for, and we plan a path forward together.
Getting to know your child
Through play, art and conversation, your child’s therapist builds trust and learns how your child sees the world.
Building skills
Children practise ways to calm their body, name their feelings and solve problems, in a way that feels like play.
Bringing it home
We share what’s working and give you practical strategies for home. Some sessions may include you, or focus on parents alone.
Have a teen? See our teen therapy page. For parenting support, visit parent support and coaching.
04 · Our approach
Grounded in development, shaped by play.
Childhood is a time of fast emotional, social and cognitive growth. Getting support early can help a child build resilience, healthy relationships and a positive sense of who they are.
Our child therapists use well-researched, developmentally appropriate approaches, chosen to fit your child, including:
- Play therapy
- Art and creative therapy
- Music therapy-informed counselling
- Child-friendly CBT
- Attachment-based and family approaches
- Parent coaching and emotion coaching
05 · Our child therapists
Warm, playful and patient.
Avery Rozak-Leach, MCRegistered Provisional Psychologist
Art and play-based therapy, anxiety & parent support
Meet AveryLeah Callao, MC, CCC, MTACertified Canadian Counsellor
Music therapy-informed counselling for big feelings
Meet LeahMax Wood, MCRegistered Provisional Psychologist
Creative, music-informed support for kids who express themselves best without words
Meet Max
Not sure who’s right for your child? Request a match and our client care coordinator will help you find the best fit.
06 · Common questions
What parents ask us.
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What happens in child counselling?
Sessions are interactive and designed for your child’s age. Through play, art, music and age-appropriate conversation, children express what they’re feeling and practise new ways of coping. It usually feels like play to them, and that’s by design.
How does the process start?
We begin with an intake session with parents, so you can share your concerns and hopes and we can plan a path forward together. After that, sessions may involve your child on their own, you and your child together, or parents only, depending on what will help most.
When can children benefit from counselling?
When a worry, behaviour or change is affecting your child’s happiness, friendships, sleep or school, or your family’s day-to-day life, it’s worth reaching out. Support can also help after a loss, a move, a separation or another big change. You don’t have to wait until things are serious.
What are the benefits of counselling for children?
Children learn to understand and manage their emotions, cope with stress, and feel more confident. Many parents notice calmer days at home and closer relationships. Parents also leave with practical tools to support their child between sessions.
Will I be involved?
Yes. Parents are an important part of child counselling. We check in regularly, share what we’re working on and give you strategies to use at home. Some sessions may focus on parents alone.
How long are sessions, and what do they cost?
Sessions are usually 50 minutes. Fees depend on the clinician, and our fees page has current rates. Many extended health plans cover counselling for children, so check with your provider. We provide receipts.
Do you offer online sessions for children?
Most child counselling works best in person, especially with younger children, because play and creative activities are such a big part of it. We’re happy to talk about online options for older children or for parent sessions.
Let’s find the right fit for your child.
Send us a short email about what’s going on and how old your child is. Our client care coordinator will match you with the clinician who may be the best fit, and reply by text or email, whichever is easiest for you. Once you’re matched, a free 15-minute call with the clinician is always an option.
Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 8am to 3pm
If your child is in crisis, call 911, call or text 988, or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.