Therapy for Kids

What is Therapy for Kids?

Mandy providing therapy through play at Bruce Village

Therapy for children is a specialized form of counselling aimed at addressing emotions, behaviours, and mental health. There are a variety of techniques that can be used in a therapy appointment for a child—all based on their age, language skills, play preferences, and individual needs. Read below!

Child Therapy Services

Expression through Play

Therapy using play techniques is especially helpful in children who have not developed or struggle with verbal skills. Through play, children have a medium to express their experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
Expression through Art

Some children may struggle to open up when simply talking. Art provides a non-verbal medium for emotional expression, or it may be a “busy” activity that gives children the space to open up verbally.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps your child recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. This may help with anxiety or depression.
Social and Emotional Learning

Sometimes kids need a little help recognizing their emotions and expressing them in healthy ways. Our therapists use easy to understand books and active play to guide kids through their feelings.
Trauma-Informed & EMDR

Adverse life events, even at a young age, can profoundly impact children and negatively affect their mental health. Therapy provides a safe space for children to process traumatic events and develop coping skills.
Family Therapy

Improving family communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening family bonds can have a profound impact on a child’s wellbeing. A family approach may be the right choice for your child.

The Bruce Village Team Approach

At Bruce Village, we recognize that your child’s mental health challenges are hard for you, the parents, and the whole family as a unit.

We provide your starting place, and a comprehensive plan.

At Bruce Village we value using each therapy team member’s strengths in addressing your child’s mental health. What might this look like?

Rachel may work with your child using play techniques while Mandy addresses your child’s mental health through parenting strategies. The parent-child group may see Julia as a family to work on communication. If a trip out of the house is too much in a busy family schedule, Colleen is available daytime or evening for virtual appointments. We tailor your child’s treatment plan to your family’s needs.

An important note: throughout treatment, consent is key. We share only what we have been given permission to share between therapists, or between child and parent so you can rest assured of your confidentiality.