Child Therapy

At Willow Tree Psychology, we provide evidence-based therapy for children, ages 8 and up. Working with children involves a unique, specialized approach. Through a variety of therapeutic approaches, we help children understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Our main treatment approach is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We are also specialized in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Children (DBT-C).

Depending on the identified area of concern, treatment strategies could include: Detective Thinking, Behavioural Changes, Relaxation strategies, Mindfulness Meditation, Problem-Solving, Positive Parenting, Collaboration Problem Solving, and Attachment-based work.

At our clinic, we treat a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to:

• Adjustment Difficulties

• Aggression

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Anger Management

• Anxiety Disorders (Separation Anxiety, Selective Mutism, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety Disorder)

• Behavioural challenges

• Conversion Disorder

• Emotion Regulation

• Grief

• Learning Disorders

What Can I Expect?

We understand and appreciate the care that must be considered when working with children. The first session often includes parents so that the presenting concerns may be fully identified. Depending on the age and comfort level of the child and parent, the therapist may then meet with the child and parent together or meet with the child alone. Sessions with children often involve some warm-up time for your child to feel comfortable. The therapist will periodically meet with parents alone in order to discuss progress in treatment- as well as to discuss strategies for how to help your child at home. In the case where parents are separated or divorced, both parents must provide consent for the appointment unless otherwise specified by the court.