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Child Counselling

Child counselling session for understanding emotions

Understanding Children

At RMPS, our approach to therapy is grounded in the latest research about child development, effective counseling methods for children, and understanding the brain and nervous system. Children are different than adults – they may express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions using words and explanations like an adult, but often their behaviour and their play are also important in understanding their perspective, thoughts, beliefs, or feelings.

Connecting Through Art And Play

Because it can be difficult for children to fully express themselves through words, other methods such as play and expressive arts can help the child to express their perspective, thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and emotions. Our clinicians have advanced training for working with children to be able to understand where the child is coming from, what skills or changes in their perspective might be helpful, or what supports the child might need. What this means is that our clinicians are able to meet children where they are at. Strategies and logical solutions to problems can be really effective for some children and some issues. But, when this approach doesn’t work or isn’t appropriate, our staff are armed with other approaches, including play and expressive arts modalities, to help your child express themselves, process what is happening for them, and learn new ways for understanding and managing situations that are more empowering and useful to them in daily life.

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Child counselling Calgary

Helping Children Understand And Express Their Emotions

As children grow, the world around them gives them feedback about expectations for behaviour and managing emotions. Learning to understand and manage emotions can be a big task and is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to helping children to grow into happy, healthy adults. Sometimes parents and other adults will see a child have a temper tantrum and it seems like it came out of no-where. Or a child who is typically kind and caring may suddenly explode in anger. Or a child may do something unexpected like hide when someone says “hello.” All of these responses reflect a child’s best efforts to manage situations with the skills they have.

Their responses and behaviours are communication about their perception, beliefs, nervous system regulation, and skills. A trained child psychologist can help the child and their caregivers to better understand what is happening in these situations and also work with them to develop their skills so that they can respond in a different way. Through developmentally appropriate techniques and strong therapeutic relationships, children begin to make sense of perceptions and emotions that once felt confusing or overwhelming, and learn different ways to manage and express themselves.

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Integrated Approach To Meaningful Care

We offer a personalized approach that focuses on your child’s individual emotional and developmental needs. Our services are designed to encourage consistent communication and collaboration between the therapist, caregivers, and even teachers or other professionals when appropriate.

This integrated support system helps your child feel connected and safe, both in and outside of therapy. With both in-person sessions at our Calgary office and online services available across Alberta, families can access care in the way that feels most practical, familiar, and effective.

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Making Specialized Support Accessible

When parents search for “child counselling near me,” they are often looking to juggle getting support for their child and family while also managing a busy schedule. This is completely understandable. What many parents don’t know when looking for services is that specialization matters. So many parents are disappointed when they go out of their way to seek support and spend time and money only to find that they didn’t get the help they were looking for. Sometimes it does take a little longer to get to a specialist, but the benefits may outweigh the cost in more tailored plans and outcomes. At RMPS, we know families are taking time out of their busy lives and so our centrally located office in Calgary, designated parking, and option for virtual sessions are intended to help families access effective supports with the most ease possible.

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Helping Families Navigate Through Big Emotions

We recognize that each child is unique, and so is their emotional journey. Our child counselling services are tailored to reflect the individuality of each child and family we work with. Whether a child is navigating grief, anxiety, anger, or changes at home or school, we create a supportive space where they can feel heard and empowered.

We also understand that parents and caregivers are essential to a child’s progress. That’s why we provide regular feedback, practical tools, and emotional support to families. Our work extends beyond the therapy room. The strategies we share can help improve communication at home, strengthen relationships, and support emotional growth that continues well after counselling ends.

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Frequently Asked Question

How do I know if my child needs counselling?

If your child is experiencing changes in mood, behavior, or relationships—such as frequent outbursts, withdrawal, or difficulty in school—it may be helpful to consult a professional. Our child counselling services offer a supportive environment for them to work through these challenges in a safe and guided way.

Sessions are tailored to your child’s age, personality, and needs. Younger children often participate in play or creative activities. Older children may engage in more direct conversations. A trained child therapist will guide the process in a supportive way.

Look for licensed professionals with experience in child counselling and family support. It’s completely appropriate to ask about their background and approach before scheduling a session. A group practice may be a good option so that if one therapist/psychologist isn’t a fit, they may be able to easily transfer your child and family to another clinician without you having to do all the initial legwork again.

Counselling supports children through a wide range of emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. These may include anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, school-related stress, or difficulties with peers and family relationships. The goal is to help children feel better prepared to manage their emotions, behaviour, and relationships, as well as improve their well-being.

Yes. Even minor challenges can affect a child’s daily life and self-confidence. Addressing issues early often leads to more effective outcomes. A child therapist can help uncover underlying concerns and provide tools that support healthy emotional development.

This is a bit of a tricky question. A child behavior therapist may or may not have a mental health licence. Having a license protects you and your family – it means that the person has met some standard of education and practice and is overseen by some kind of professional organization (which protects you). Child behavior therapy is a type of therapy that addresses changing and improving behaviour. A child psychologist is regulated by a professional organization – psychologists have specific ethics and requirements for practice that protect their clients. One of the activities that a child psychologist can do is child behavior therapy.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

It’s not always easy to know when to reach out for help, but you don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming. We’re here to discuss what might be helpful for your child or family. At RMPS, we focus on creating a safe, supportive space where children can feel understood and cared for. Whether you’re looking for more information or are ready to set up a session, feel free to contact us. Together, we’ll talk through your concerns and explore what makes the most sense for your situation. With in-person sessions at our Calgary office and online services available across Alberta, support is always within reach.

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Cassandra White

Cassandra has been the owner and Director of RMPS since 2013. She brings more than 20 years of experience in working with children and families to the practice. Her background and expertise in the areas of assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD as well as her knowledge of neurofeedback therapy and play therapy give her the broad base of knowledge to direct this multi-faceted private psychology practice.In addition to her experience in assessment and treatment of learning disabilities and giftedness, Cassandra has training and expertise in Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy. She has worked extensively with children and their families regarding treatment of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and emotion regulation using play-based and expressive interventions. Cassandra is also a clinical supervisor who provides supervision and consultation to other practitioners specializing in working with children. Cassandra’s experience and knowledge is not only academic; she is the mother of four children. Her experience of being a parent of four children makes her a very practical and realistic therapist. She understands the demands of parenting and does not rely on “book knowledge” or recommendations that appear unattainable for parents. She prides herself in understanding both the needs of the parents and the child. She looks for ways to enhance family functioning so that parents can feel competent and successful in their difficult jobs of raising children with a variety of complex needs.
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MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.