Child Psychology & Counselling in Calgary

Supporting children as they navigate emotions, relationships, and everyday challenges

Childhood is a period of growth, curiosity, and discovery. However, it can also include moments of overwhelm, confusion, and intense emotions. Changes at home, challenges at school, shifting friendships, or experiences that are difficult to describe can all influence a child’s feelings and behaviour. Since children are still developing language skills and emotional awareness, their distress may appear as behaviour changes, mood shifts, or physical symptoms rather than words.

At Monarch Psychology in Calgary, our child counselling services help children feel safe, understood, and supported. We look beyond behaviours to understand what may be happening underneath, fostering emotional growth in a gentle, developmentally appropriate, and practical way that honours each child’s individual needs.

Paige Ellis

Registered Social Worker (They/Them)

Anna Robertshaw

Registered Social Worker (She/Her)

Natasha Thibodeau

Registered Social Worker (She/Her)

Is Child Counselling a Good Fit?

Child counselling may be helpful if your child is:

Experiencing anxiety, worries, or fears that interfere with daily life
Struggling with emotional regulation or frequent big feelings
Showing changes in behaviour, mood, or sleep
Navigating peer conflict, bullying, or social challenges
Coping with family changes, separation, or transitions
Dealing with grief, loss, or distressing experiences
Having difficulty at school related to stress, focus, or motivation
Adjusting to neurodivergence, learning differences, or identity exploration
Struggling to adjust post-adoption

Some families seek support for a specific concern, while others reach out because something feels off. There is no need for a diagnosis or crisis to access child psychology services in Calgary. Counselling can provide a space to understand your child’s experiences and determine the best ways to support them.

How Child Psychology Services Work

At Monarch Psychology in Calgary, our child psychology services are tailored to your child’s age, developmental stage, personality, and comfort level. Therapy is collaborative and paced to support safety, trust, and engagement for each child.

Depending on your child’s needs, sessions may include:

Play-based therapy to support expression and emotional processing
Theraplay, an interactive play therapy focused on coaching parents to enhance secure attachment and positive development in real time
Creative or expressive approaches such as drawing, storytelling, or movement
Developmentally appropriate talk-based counselling
Cognitive and behavioural strategies to support coping and emotional awareness
Trauma-informed approaches that prioritize safety and regulation

Our therapists integrate several approaches to meet your child where they are and adjust these strategies as your child’s needs evolve over time.

What to Expect from Child Counselling

Building trust is central to effective child counselling. Sessions are designed to feel welcoming, calm, and supportive, allowing children to engage at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

The counselling process may involve:

An initial parent or caregiver meeting to understand concerns and goals
Individual sessions with your child, parent-child sessions, or a combination
Ongoing communication with parents or caregivers while respecting a child’s privacy
Practical tools and guidance to support connection and consistency at home

Over time, child counselling can help children develop emotional awareness, coping skills, confidence, and resilience that extend beyond the therapy space and into their daily lives.

Parent and Caregiver Involvement

Parent involvement is an essential part of child counselling at Monarch Psychology. The level of involvement depends on your child’s age and needs. We collaborate with caregivers to provide guidance, education, and support, while also respecting your child’s need for autonomy.

Our goal is to support the whole family system in ways that feel respectful, practical, and aligned with your values.

Common Questions About Child Psychology

What is child psychology?

Child psychology focuses on supporting children’s emotional, social, and developmental well-being. Child psychologists and therapists help children understand feelings, cope with challenges, and develop skills that support healthy growth and relationships.

How do I know if my child needs counselling?

Counselling may be helpful if your child seems persistently overwhelmed, anxious, withdrawn, emotionally reactive, or is struggling at school or home or in relationships. Some families seek child counselling for specific concerns, while others reach out because something feels off. Both are valid reasons to seek support.

What happens during a child counselling session?

Sessions are tailored to your child’s age and comfort level. They may include play, creative activities, conversation, or skill-building exercises. Therapy moves at a pace that supports trust and emotional safety.

Will parents be involved in therapy?

Parent involvement varies depending on your child’s needs and age. Caregivers are often involved through check-ins, joint sessions, or parent support, while still respecting your child’s privacy within therapy. Therapists will meet with parents to gather background information and discuss concerns prior to meeting with the child.

How long does child counselling take?

Every child’s needs are different. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may engage in therapy for a longer period. Progress is reviewed regularly and therapy adjusted accordingly and collaboratively.

Is child counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans cover child psychology and counselling when services are provided by a Registered Psychologist or Social Worker. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can provide receipts or direct billing where available.