Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Calgary, AB.

For children needing to talk, needing a venue to express themselves. It could be about stuff at home or at school, parent's divorce, tension, bullying, difficulty with friends or questions about what to do when they finish school. Parents can learn to respond to their children more effectively, the difference between parenting to protect and parenting to prepare and the principles of less talk and more action. Testing for learning disability, giftedness and emotional challenges also offered including psycho-educational assessments for children of all ages. Recommendations are made for school and home settings and these reports can be used as part of your application to independent schools.

Young children often have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings using language, especially if they have experienced trauma. Difficulties can result in disruptive behaviors. In my custom built play therapy rooms, children are able to explore the underlying issues that have resulted in these behaviors and together we can develop their skills to express themselves in more acceptable ways. Parenting young children can stressful. You may find yourself feeling guilty about yelling at your child and wondering what are the long-term impacts? I can guide you in understanding your child's behavior, build a stronger relationship, and to raise happy, successful children.

Assisting teens from 13 years and older who are struggling with low self-esteem issues, confidence in sports, self-worth based on performance, divorce within the home, separation of parents, bullying, anxiety, fears, phobias, agoraphobia, general anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic attacks, depression or family matters. I'm here to relate as I come with over 10 years of experience working with youth in the non-profit sector.

Children are just little people. They hear what you hear, they see what you see and, though differently, they understand and their little hearts get broken too. When little hearts get broken they need a safe place where they can come and, right along side of mom, learn what it means for both of you to care for their heart. Come, and learn how our Christian counselling and play therapy can both heal your child's heart and empower you to continue that healing.

In today's world, children encounter a great deal of stress, on multiple fronts: academic performance, high achievement standards, heavy scheduling, peer pressure, bombarded by media (TV, Internet, Messaging), as well as family tension. When they don't have adequate solutions to help them cope with their stress, they tend to act out, or give up, or get into unhealthy behaviours. In working with me, I can offer them a non-judgmental sympathetic ear, as well as strategies that can help them make wiser decisions, be aware of their strengths, deal effectively with stress, encourage hope and optimism, develop tangible skills to navigate their world, and take care of their mind and body.

Gerard has many years of experience as a school psychologist and provides Psychoeducational Assessments for children, adolescents and adults with learning challenges, including reading, writing, mathematics, ADHD, and emotional/behavioural issues. He has diverse experience as a psychologist and leader in social services, schools, university, workplaces, and his private practice. Using a theoretical foundation of social learning and cognitive-behavioural training, he is well-versed in various kinds of formal and informal assessment and solution-focussed approaches. He listens carefully to understand your needs and relies on his extensive experience to help you find solutions.

I work with children as young a five years of age and find that it is necessary to have parents' actively participate in therapy with their child. Children typically respond well to therapy when they understand that they are not the problem and they can see that their parents are learning and trying new skills and strategies too. Children are developmentally primed to learn new things with the right skills and strategies they make great progress.

Dr. Val usually has no problem engaging with children. She taught for many years before entering counselling, which was a natural for her, moving from physical education teacher to play therapist. She likes to draw on filial (means family member) play therapy and transfer her skills to the parent(s) so they can become the therapeutic partner for their children. Her reasoning is that she, herself will only be acquainted with each child for but a short time but that the parent will be there for life. Dr. Val is a fully qualified Play Therapist certified in Canada and the USA.

I help young children using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a research-based approach in which I am certified. Just as I help older children and adults change their thinking and behaviours to address their issues, I help young children do the same by teaching CBT skills in a child-friendly manner. Parents help me to help their children.

Young people, like adults, experience stress. It can come from a variety of sources including doing well in school, making and sustaining friendships, or managing perceived expectations from their parents, teachers, or coaches. Some stress can be positive in that it provides the energy to tackle a big test, presentation, or sports event. Too much stress, however, can create unnecessary hardship and challenge. Adults can sometimes be unaware when their children or teens are experiencing overwhelming feelings of stress. Tuning into emotional or behavioral cues is important in identifying potential problems and working with your young person to provide guidance and support to successfully work throu....

Inside of each of us is a child. Corny I know however if we can approach the children who will one day be our leaders we will bring healing to the child in us and the next generation. Empathize with everyone. Man, woman and child. That is my framework and philosophy. Children and teens/young adults are our legacy. Let us treat them well - with compassion, acceptance, respect and ultimately Hope.

Occasionally a child's response to life's pressures may become severe, and the parents' attempts to help their child may be unsuccessful. Children who have experienced considerable change in their lives or who have survived traumatic events need to express and understand their feelings. Stress related to a major life transition such as parental divorce may be impairing a child’s ability to cope and function. Separation anxiety, life-threatening medical problems, and repeat encounters with bullying are common difficulties for young children entering therapy. Through the therapeutic use of play, children are given the opportunity to express their feelings naturally, and safely, thus enabling the....

Having young children and problems surrounding children can both result from distress in relationships and precipitate distress. Support in addressing these issues can have a signifiacant positive impact on overall relationship functioning. The fact that relationships are one of our primary coping mechanisms multiplies the potential distress when these are present as it impacts the very mechanisms we use to cope.