Child Therapy for Calgary’s Families
Essential Resources for Children & Families
Young children may seem simpler than adults, but they often have complex needs. Working with us can provide your child with the support they need to enjoy happier, healthier lives.
What to Expect From Child Counselling
Children need support from the adults in their lives to achieve continuous progress in therapy. At FP Counselling, we take a collaborative approach to child therapy that involves both professionals and close connections, including parents and members of the school community.
Through expressive art, play therapy, and other methodologies, we communicate with children using techniques they understand. This approach encourages self-exploration and self-expression, leading to improved quality of life and helping to resolve a broad spectrum of challenges.
Community Sessions
We provide support for children in the environments where they need the most help, including school visits.
Safe & Secure
We adapt our approach to the comfort zones of each child we work with to provide meaningful support.
What We Can Help With
Our child therapy services can help to resolve a wide variety of challenges children face, including:
Anxiety
Anxiety affects people of all ages. We can help your child understand and manage the difficulties they experience as a result of this common condition.
ADHD
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders experienced by children. Our help can improve your child’s focus, impulse control, and overall well-being.
Self-Esteem Challenges
Children are in a constant state of discovering who they are, and sometimes this journey can be difficult. We’re here to help.
We can also provide meaningful support for children experiencing:
Grief and loss
Major life changes
Academic troubles
Social problems in school
Emotional regulation
ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
Autism-spectrum disorders
And more
Common Methodologies
Theraplay
A collaborative approach that uses play as a way to teach parents and children new ways of coping with challenges that require extra support.
Theraplay allows parents to explore different ways of addressing difficult behaviours by mimicking situations that might trigger them in a safe and controlled environment.
Often recommended for children ages 3-6.
Expressive Arts
An approach that uses different artistic mediums to encourage self-expression in children who may not be as inclined towards verbal communication.
Often helpful for children with autism, kids who are being bullied, or those who are simply more shy and who struggle to open up.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for children uses simplified explanations and worksheets to help children learn how to identify and challenge difficult thoughts or emotions.
Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children so they can model the principles of CBT for them as needed.
Special Considerations for Children Under Six
In therapy for young children, parental involvement is particularly important. You’ll need to become an active participant in your child’s therapy in order for it to have a meaningful and lasting impact. This may involve assisting them with homework, or learning and modelling techniques so that your children can learn them through observation.
Parenting sessions may also be added into the treatment plans. These sessions further support parents in their ability to reinforce the skills learned in counselling when at home.
Meet Our Therapists
Our child therapists have unique credentials and experience that allow them to provide exceptional care for our young clients.
VANESSA SISO, MC
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Vanessa takes a client-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed approach to her work with children and their families. With experience across diverse settings including hospitals, schools, and agencies, she is committed to creating a safe and supportive counselling environment for every client.
Vanessa is trained in a variety of effective therapeutic modalities for young people and offers service in both English and Spanish. Her counselling services cover a broad spectrum of issues, ensuring a personalized experience for every child and family.
Free
20-minute phone consultation.
Speak with a qualified child therapist and find out if we’re the right fit for you and your child.
$190
Up to 1 hour in-person or online.
Book a session with an experienced child therapist. Pricing can sometimes be adapted depending on financial need and individual circumstances.
Find the Support Your Child Deserves
Book Your Appointment Now
Giving your child meaningful mental health support helps set the stage for their future wellness and success. Connect with a therapist who can help you and your child discover resources and strategies they’ll benefit from for the rest of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions we receive about child therapy below.
What Is Your Experience Working with Children?
Vanessa brings years of experience working with children and their unique needs to FP Counselling. She has been extensively involved with AHS to help parents and other professionals work effectively with children in need of mental health support, and is also trained in numerous modalities that have been demonstrated to be particularly effective for young clients, including Theraplay and Expressive Arts.
How Long Is a Standard Session?
Specific session lengths differ according to each child, their unique needs, and the therapeutic methodology employed.
Younger children tend to spend less time in session (30-45 minutes with the remainder of the hour to debrief with the parents) due to their shorter attention spans.
Older children and those exploring Theraplay can benefit from longer sessions depending on their tolerance and enthusiasm for the work—up to 50 minutes with 10 minutes at the end of the session to check in with parents and discuss ongoing needs.
Are Your Child Therapy Services Available in Other Languages?
Yes! Vanessa offers services in Spanish and English. She is currently one of the only psychologists in Calgary who works with young children in Spanish.
Are Your Child Therapy Services Covered by Insurance?
Yes! Our therapists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists and their services are covered by most insurance plans. We also offer direct billing with Blue Cross.
Resources
Learn more about our child therapy and other mental health support services by exploring these posts from our experienced team.
