ChilD PsycholoGist - Edmonton/Sherwood Park - Child Therapist

Children may exhibit psychological distress differently than adults.  In the same way that a pediatrician has special training to medically treat children, a child psychologist or child therapist has advanced training in working with children that a regular counsellor does not.  The advanced training is necessary because children's brains do not work like adult brains.  Kids see and understand the world differently than adults. 

Because of how much brain development goes on during childhood, children of different ages often require therapy designed for their age group.  If you think about it, talk therapy is hard for 3-year old (it might also be hard for teenagers, but for different reasons).  As a result, it is also important that your child see a child therapist with specific advanced training for your child's age and level of development.  Clinicians at Firefly Counselling have advanced training working with children with many mental health and behavioral difficulties.  Karin is a child therapist for children ages 0-5 years, Stephanie counsels school age children and teenagers, while Donna provides adolescent therapy to help teens successfully transition into adulthood.  

What can a therapist help my child with?

Developmentally Appropriate Child Therapy Approaches

Ages 0-5 Years

• Modified Interactive Guidance (video feedback)

• Play Therapy

• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - Trauma Therapy

• Attachment Therapy

• Circle of Security (parent - child relationship building)

• Watch, Wait and Wonder (child-led intervention)

• Developmentally Appropriate Hands on Parenting Strategies

• Easy to Understand, Practical Knowledge on Child Development

Primary School Age 5-12 Years

Theresa, Stephanie, Heidi, And Kim Have Completed Advanced Training and/or Certification in Play Therapy, Expressive ARts Therapy, and/or Music Therapy