Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Calgary, AB.

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.

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.

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.

I can help your child with their transition to separation and divorce. I have worked with children as young as seven years old and with adult children who continue to struggle to make sense of the transitions in their families. Children at times become fearful and anxious as a result of school issues, family transitions or grief and loss. I understand developmental stages and how that capacity grows as they age.

Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy addresses physical, mental, and cognitive disorders. At Supporting Wellness our occupational therapist focuses on sensory regulation, as well as child and adult ADHD assessment, and coaching. Speech Therapy Speech Therapy offers many forms to assess and facilitate speech. Our speech therapist addresses many areas specific to the individual need. This facilitation and learning process is provided in a fun-filled environment. PsychoEducational Assessment Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services offers several forms of assessment. Our specialized therapists offer assessment in learning, behaviour, speech, sensory perception, and ADHD.

Usually children are seen in the context of being seen with their main caregivers (usually parents). Helping the caregivers to be able to overcome areas they struggle with as a part of helping their children can be the most effective help for the children. As the caregivers overcome their struggles they can be in a better space to help their children. However, sometimes the help for the children needs to be provided at the same time as help is being given for the caregivers. Help for the children is then provided and the caregivers may observe how the help is given to be able to implement some of the techniques themselves.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As children we acquire non-nurturing elements in our formative years we can either be raised in nurturing environments or non-nurturing environments. Regardless of which environment we were raised in there are always flaws that get in the way of us being adaptive or feeling like we’re unconditionally supported and loved. There can be themes such as a caregiver being critical or controlling, never being home, or having addictions.

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.

BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112 Please note that I  live in Calgary so most of my clients live here, but I do offer online counselling through a secure service made specifically for physicians and psychologists (similar to Skype or FaceTime). Most people find this as helpful as seeing me in person. You must live in Alberta, however, as this is the only province in which I am licensed to practice. With 31 years of experience, I have expertise in several approaches. My main approaches include cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and existential therapy. I am also familiar with solution focused therapy and oth