Child and Youth Therapy in Sherwood Park
Helping children and teens navigate life’s challenges with support, empathy, and evidence-based care.
Growing up is not always easy, especially in today’s world. Children and youth face a unique set of emotional, social, and developmental challenges as they move through each stage of life. Therapy offers a supportive space where young people can process emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build the resilience they need to thrive.
At Midnight Sun Wellness, our therapists work with children, teens, and families in ways that are sensitive to their stage of development, emotional capacity, and lived experiences. We create a therapeutic environment that feels safe, collaborative, and adapted to the needs of each child or teen.
We honour and respect each young person’s cultural background, neurodiversity, gender identity, and personal journey. Our therapists are committed to providing inclusive, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed care that meets kids and teens exactly where they are.
How Child and Youth Therapy Works
Tailored approaches that match where they’re at, not where we expect them to be.
Therapy with children and teens looks different than therapy with adults. Sessions may involve creative modalities such as play therapy, art-based interventions, storytelling, or movement, especially for younger children who express themselves more through actions than words. With older youth and teens, talk therapy may be combined with mindfulness techniques or cognitive strategies, depending on their needs and preferences.
Therapists may also draw from approaches like:
- Play Therapy
- Art & Expressive Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- EMDR for trauma-related issues
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Our therapists meet each young person where they’re at, developmentally, emotionally, and socially, and work to build trust at a pace that feels right for them.
Supporting Healthy Development
Helping young people grow into themselves.
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for emotional and psychological development. Therapy can help young people navigate:
- Emotional regulation and big feelings
- Forming a sense of identity
- Building confidence and independence
- Understanding boundaries and relationships
- Exploring personal values, beliefs, and goals
For teens, in particular, this might mean working through issues related to identity formation, peer pressure, or self-esteem. For younger children, it could mean learning to express feelings safely or cope with changes in the family environment.
When to Seek Therapy for Your Child or Teen
Trust your instincts — and watch for the signs.
You don’t have to wait for things to get “bad enough” to reach out. Some common indicators that your child or teen might benefit from therapy include:
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Big emotional outbursts or mood swings
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Struggles at school or with learning
- Anxiety, sadness, or frequent worrying
- Sudden shifts in behaviour or interests
- Loss of motivation or interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Talking about wanting to disappear or not be here
- School absenteeism
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to connect for a consultation and talk through what might be helpful
What to Expect and How to Prepare
Therapy starts with trust.
We begin by building a relationship with your child or teen, creating a space where they feel safe, understood, and respected. Every young person opens up differently, some right away, others slowly over time. That’s okay.
We’ll work with you to prepare your child for their first session by answering questions, setting expectations, and helping reduce any fear or anxiety they may have.
Your Role as a Parent or Caregiver
You’re part of the process, even when you’re not in the room.
While children and teens need their own space in therapy, parents and caregivers play an essential role. Your involvement may include:
- Supporting therapy goals at home
- Communicating regularly with the therapist (as appropriate)
- Helping your child attend consistently
- Creating a safe and validating environment outside of sessions
Our therapists balance confidentiality with collaboration, keeping you informed while respecting your child’s privacy. We’ll also support you in dealing with any resistance, including what to do if your child is hesitant to attend or struggles to open up. Additionally, our therapists provide psychoeducation and share practical strategies you can use at home to reinforce therapeutic gains and support your child’s ongoing growth.
Common Areas of Support in Child & Youth Therapy
We support children and youth with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation
- ADHD and neurodivergent experiences
- School stress, bullying, or academic struggles
- Technology and social media concerns
- Peer relationships and setting healthy boundaries
- Low self-esteem or negative body image
- Grief, loss, and separation
- Life transitions (divorce, moves, new siblings, etc.)
- Identity development and self-expression
Every child and teen is different, and so is every therapy journey.
Ready to Start?
We’re here to support your child or teen in building the tools and confidence they need to face life’s challenges.
Reach out today to book a free 15-minute consultation — no pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see if we’re the right fit.