Child Counselling & Mental Health Therapy in Edmonton & St. Albert

Mental health support for children navigating anxiety, behavioral challenges, big emotions, & life's transitions.

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How We Support Your Child's Mental Health

Childhood isn't always easy. When your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, big emotions, or difficult life changes, it can be hard to know how to help. You might notice mood changes, acting out, withdrawal, or challenges at home and school that worry you.

At Ruby Therapy Services, our registered counselors and therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health support for children ages 0-12. We use play therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and family-centered strategies to help your child develop emotional resilience, coping skills, and confidence.

  • Is your child experiencing excessive worry, fear, or anxiety that's impacting their daily life, school, or relationships?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Excessive worry about everyday things

    • Separation anxiety (clingy behavior, distress when apart from parents)

    • Social anxiety (fear of judgment, avoidance of social situations)

    • Physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches, difficulty sleeping)

    • Avoidance of activities or situations due to fear

    • Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes

    • Panic attacks or intense fear responses

    • Difficulty sleeping due to worries

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors use evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and parent coaching to help children understand and manage anxiety. We teach coping strategies, challenge anxious thoughts, and gradually build confidence in facing fears. Parents learn how to support their child without reinforcing avoidance.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • CBT for children, exposure therapy (gradual), play therapy, relaxation techniques, parent coaching

  • Is your child frequently defiant, aggressive, or having difficulty following rules at home or school?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Frequent tantrums or meltdowns (beyond typical for age)

    • Arguing with adults, refusing to comply with requests

    • Deliberately annoying or upsetting others

    • Aggression toward siblings, peers, or adults

    • Destroying property or acting out physically

    • Difficulty accepting limits or consequences

    • Angry, resentful, or vindictive behavior

    • Behaviors impacting school or family functioning

    How We Help:

    • We work with both children and parents to understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and develop effective strategies. Through play therapy, emotion coaching, and behavioral approaches, we help children learn to express needs appropriately, regulate emotions, and make better choices. Parent coaching is essential—we equip you with tools to set consistent limits, reinforce positive behavior, and respond effectively to challenging moments.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), emotion coaching, behavioral strategies, family therapy

  • Does your child have intense emotional reactions, frequent meltdowns, or difficulty calming down once upset?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Intense reactions to minor frustrations

    • Difficulty calming down once upset (meltdowns last a long time)

    • Emotional outbursts that seem out of proportion

    • Going from calm to explosive very quickly

    • Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions

    • Challenges transitioning between activities

    • Physical aggression when overwhelmed

    • Emotional intensity that impacts daily functioning

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors teach children to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions through play-based activities, emotion coaching, and developmentally appropriate strategies. We help children build their "emotional toolbox" with coping skills like deep breathing, sensory strategies, and self-calming techniques. Parents learn how to co-regulate with their child and support emotional development.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Emotion-focused therapy, play therapy, mindfulness for kids, sensory strategies, parent coaching

  • Is your child experiencing persistent sadness, withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, or significant mood changes?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Persistent sadness or tearfulness

    • Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

    • Withdrawal from family and friends

    • Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)

    • Changes in appetite or eating habits

    • Fatigue or low energy

    • Irritability or angry outbursts

    • Negative self-talk ("I'm bad," "Nobody likes me")

    • Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

    How We Help:

    • Depression in children looks different than in adults. Our counselors use play therapy, CBT, and family therapy to help children process difficult emotions, challenge negative thinking patterns, and rebuild engagement with activities and relationships. We work closely with families to create supportive home environments and, when appropriate, collaborate with physicians for comprehensive care.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Play therapy, CBT for children, family therapy, behavioral activation, parent support

    Important:

    • If you're concerned about your child's safety or notice suicidal thoughts, please contact a crisis line immediately or visit your nearest emergency department.

  • Is your child struggling to adjust to a significant life change or loss?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Behavioral regression (bedwetting, clinginess, baby talk)

    • Sadness, anger, or confusion about changes

    • Acting out or increased defiance

    • Withdrawal or isolation

    • Difficulty concentrating at school

    • Questions or worries about the future

    • Grief responses (after loss of loved one or pet)

    • Anxiety about new situations

    How We Help:

    • Life transitions—even positive ones—can be difficult for children. Our counselors provide a safe space for children to process big changes, express their feelings, and develop coping strategies. Through play therapy, storytelling, and age-appropriate discussions, we help children make sense of transitions and adjust to new realities. We also support parents in helping their child navigate change.

    Common Transitions We Support:

    • Divorce or parental separation

    • Moving to a new home or city

    • Changing schools

    • New sibling arrival

    • Death of a loved one or pet

    • Family structure changes

    • Parent's new relationship or remarriage

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Play therapy, grief counseling, narrative therapy, family therapy, parent coaching

  • Children with ADHD often experience co-occurring emotional and behavioral challenges that benefit from counseling support.

    What It Looks Like:

    • Emotional outbursts or low frustration tolerance

    • Difficulty with peer relationships

    • Low self-esteem due to repeated struggles

    • Anxiety related to school performance

    • Challenges with emotional regulation

    • Rejection sensitivity (intense emotional response to perceived criticism)

    • Impulsive behavior affecting relationships

    • Family conflict related to ADHD challenges

    How We Help:

    • While we don't diagnose or treat ADHD itself, our counselors provide essential emotional and behavioral support for children with ADHD. We teach emotion regulation strategies, build self-esteem, address anxiety or behavioral challenges, and help children develop social skills. Parent coaching helps families create supportive home environments and manage challenging behaviors effectively.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • CBT for ADHD, emotion coaching, social skills training, self-esteem building, parent coaching

    Note:

    • We can coordinate with your child's physician or occupational therapist for comprehensive ADHD support.

  • Children on the autism spectrum may benefit from counseling support for emotional regulation, anxiety, social challenges, and life skills.

    What It Looks Like:

    • Anxiety related to social situations or changes in routine

    • Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions

    • Challenges with emotional regulation or meltdowns

    • Social challenges or peer relationship difficulties

    • Sensory-related distress

    • Difficulty with transitions or flexibility

    • Co-occurring anxiety or mood concerns

    • Family stress related to parenting an autistic child

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors use neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based approaches to support the social-emotional wellbeing of autistic children. We help children develop emotion regulation skills, manage anxiety, navigate social situations, and build self-advocacy. We honor your child's unique strengths and needs while providing practical support for challenges they face.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Play therapy, CBT adapted for autism, emotion coaching, social stories, family support, parent coaching

    Note:

    • Our counseling services can complement speech therapy or occupational therapy your child may be receiving.

  • Is your child struggling to make friends, experiencing peer conflict, or being bullied?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Difficulty initiating friendships or joining peer groups

    • Frequent peer conflicts or misunderstandings

    • Being excluded or rejected by peers

    • Experiencing bullying or being targeted by others

    • Loneliness or social isolation

    • Anxiety about social situations

    • Difficulty reading social cues or understanding social norms

    • Saying they have "no friends" or don't fit in

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors help children develop social skills, build confidence, and navigate complex peer relationships. Through play therapy, role-playing, and social skills coaching, children learn how to make friends, resolve conflicts, understand social expectations, and handle difficult peer situations. We also work with parents and schools (with permission) to address bullying and create supportive environments.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Social skills training, play therapy, role-playing, confidence building, parent coaching, school collaboration

  • Is your child expressing negative self-beliefs, giving up easily, or afraid to try new things?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Negative self-talk ("I'm stupid," "I can't do anything right")

    • Giving up quickly when tasks are challenging

    • Fear of failure or making mistakes

    • Perfectionism (refusing to try if they can't be perfect)

    • Comparing self negatively to siblings or peers

    • Reluctance to participate in activities or try new things

    • Sensitivity to criticism

    • Difficulty accepting compliments

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors use play therapy, CBT, and strengths-based approaches to help children develop a healthier self-image and build genuine confidence. We help children identify their strengths, challenge negative beliefs, set achievable goals, and experience success. Building self-esteem is a process—we work at your child's pace to create lasting change.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Play therapy, CBT, strengths-based therapy, goal-setting, positive psychology approaches

  • Children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences need specialized, trauma-informed support.

    What It Looks Like:

    • Re-experiencing traumatic events (nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts)

    • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

    • Hypervigilance or heightened startle response

    • Difficulty trusting others

    • Emotional numbing or withdrawal

    • Regression in behavior or development

    • Behavioral changes or acting out

    • Physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches)

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors use trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to help children heal from traumatic experiences. We create a safe therapeutic relationship, help children process trauma at their own pace, and teach coping skills. Trauma therapy is gentle, child-paced, and focused on building safety and resilience.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Trauma-focused CBT, play therapy, sand tray therapy, EMDR (when appropriate), parent support

    Important:

    • If your child is in immediate danger or you suspect ongoing abuse, please contact Child and Family Services or law enforcement immediately.

  • Is your child experiencing anxiety about school, refusing to attend, or struggling with academic stress?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Resistance or refusal to go to school

    • Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) on school mornings

    • Anxiety about tests, grades, or performance

    • Perfectionism related to schoolwork

    • Fear of teachers or school situations

    • Social anxiety about peers or lunch/recess

    • Difficulty separating from parents at drop-off

    • Crying, tantrums, or panic before school

    How We Help:

    • Our counselors address the underlying causes of school-related anxiety and develop plans to support school attendance and success. We use gradual exposure, anxiety management strategies, and problem-solving to help children feel more comfortable and confident at school. We collaborate with schools (with permission) to ensure appropriate supports are in place.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • CBT, gradual exposure, anxiety management, school collaboration, parent coaching

  • Is your family experiencing significant conflict, communication breakdowns, or relationship stress?

    What It Looks Like:

    • Frequent power struggles between parent and child

    • Communication difficulties or misunderstandings

    • Sibling conflict or rivalry affecting family harmony

    • Parenting differences causing stress

    • Attachment concerns

    • Family stress impacting child's behavior

    • Difficulty with discipline or boundaries

    • Breakdown of parent-child connection

    How We Help:

    • Family relationships are foundational to child wellbeing. Our counselors use family therapy approaches to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and resolve conflict. We work with the whole family system (when appropriate) to create healthier patterns and rebuild connection.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Family therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, attachment-based approaches, communication skills training

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Our Approach to Child Counseling

  • Play-Based & Developmentally Appropriate

    Children communicate and process emotions through play. We use play therapy, art, sand tray, and other child-centered approaches to help children express what they can't yet put into words. Therapy feels safe and natural, not scary or clinical.

  • Evidence-Based & Trauma-Informed

    Our counselors use proven therapeutic approaches grounded in research and best practices for child mental health. We're trained in trauma-informed care, ensuring therapy is safe, supportive, and sensitive to each child's unique experiences.

  • Family-Centered Care

    Parents are essential partners in their child's healing. We provide parent coaching, education, and support so you understand what's happening and how to help. We work together as a team to support your child's mental health at home, school, and beyond.

  • Collaborative & Coordinated

    With your permission, we collaborate with teachers, physicians, and other professionals to ensure your child receives comprehensive, coordinated support. If your child is also receiving other services at Ruby Therapy Services, we can integrate care.

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Children don't process emotions and experiences the way adults do. Our approach honors child development and creates a safe, playful environment for healing and growth.

Submit a Referral

Starting therapy can feel uncertain.

Here's what the process looks like.

  • You, a family member, or a healthcare provider can submit a referral through our website. No doctor's referral is required to access our services, though some insurance plans may require one for coverage.

    What We'll Ask:

    • Your child's age and background

    • Your specific concerns (behaviors, emotions, situations)

    • What you're hoping to achieve through counseling

  • Before meeting your child, we'll schedule a brief parent consultation (usually 30 minutes) to gather background information and understand your concerns in depth.

    What Happens:

    • You share your child's history, current challenges, and family context

    • We discuss your goals and expectations for counseling

    • Your counselor explains the therapeutic approach and answers questions

    • We determine if our services are the right fit for your child's needs

    Note:

    • This parent-only session allows us to understand the full picture before working with your child.

  • Your child's first session (typically 45-60 minutes) focuses on building rapport, creating safety, and beginning to understand your child's perspective.

    What It Looks Like:

    • Warm, welcoming environment with toys, art supplies, and play materials

    • Your counselor introduces themselves and the therapy space

    • Age-appropriate activities to build comfort and trust

    • Gentle exploration of your child's feelings, experiences, and strengths

    • You may be present for part or all of the session (especially for younger children)

    Our Goal:

    • By the end of the first session, your child should feel safe and comfortable returning.

  • After the first few sessions, your counselor will develop a treatment plan with specific goals based on your child's needs and your family's priorities.

    You'll Discuss:

    • Clinical impressions and assessment findings

    • Recommended treatment approach and techniques

    • Therapy goals (both short-term and long-term)

    • Frequency of sessions (typically weekly)

    • Expected duration of counseling

    • Your role and involvement as a parent

    You'll Receive:

    • Written treatment plan

    • Clear understanding of what therapy will address

    • Recommendations for supporting your child at home

  • Therapy sessions are typically 45-60 minutes and occur weekly (or bi-weekly, depending on needs). Your child works with their counselor while you receive regular updates and parent coaching.

    What Sessions Look Like:

    • Play-based activities, art, talk, or other therapeutic approaches

    • Safe space for your child to express emotions and process experiences

    • Skill-building (coping strategies, emotion regulation, social skills)

    • Consistent therapeutic relationship with the same counselor

    Parent Involvement:

    • Regular check-ins and progress updates

    • Parent coaching sessions to support learning at home

    • Strategies and tools to use between sessions

    • Collaboration on challenges or adjustments needed

    Flexibility:

    • In-person at our St. Albert location or virtual sessions available

  • We continuously monitor your child's progress, celebrate wins, and adjust the approach as needed.

    Ongoing Support:

    • Regular assessment of progress toward goals

    • Parent updates and feedback sessions

    • Adjustments to therapy approach based on your child's response

    • Collaboration with school or other professionals (with your consent)

    • Celebration of growth and achievements

  • When your child has reached their goals and you feel confident supporting their continued growth, we'll work together to plan for discharge from counseling.

    Transition Support:

    • Summary of progress and skills gained

    • Strategies for maintaining mental health at home

    • Recommendations for ongoing support if needed

    • Open door for future counseling if challenges arise

    • Referrals to other resources if appropriate

    Note:

    • Some children benefit from brief "check-in" sessions after discharge to ensure continued success.

Ready to Support Your Child's Mental Health?

You've already taken the most important step by recognizing your child needs support. Let's take the next step together.

Submit a Referral

FAQs

  • If your child is experiencing persistent emotional or behavioral challenges that impact their daily functioning, relationships, or wellbeing, counseling may help. Signs include: frequent tantrums or meltdowns beyond typical for age, persistent sadness or withdrawal, significant anxiety or fears, behavioral challenges at home or school, difficulty with peer relationships, or struggles adjusting to life changes. Trust your instincts—if you're concerned, an initial consultation can help determine if counseling is appropriate.

  • Play therapy is a type of counseling specifically designed for children. Since children often can't express emotions verbally the way adults can, play therapy uses toys, art, sand tray, and other play-based activities as the therapeutic medium. Play therapy IS counseling—it's just delivered in a developmentally appropriate, child-centered way. Our child counselors use play therapy as one of several evidence-based approaches.

  • Duration varies based on your child's specific needs, the nature of challenges, and therapy goals. Some children benefit from short-term counseling (8-12 sessions) for specific issues, while others need longer-term support for complex challenges. Your counselor will provide an initial estimate during treatment planning and give ongoing updates about progress and expected duration.

  • Confidentiality with children is balanced carefully. We maintain therapeutic trust with your child while keeping you appropriately informed as their parent. Generally, we share themes, progress, and general content with parents, but specific details stay confidential unless there's a safety concern. We discuss confidentiality boundaries with both you and your child (age-appropriately) at the start of therapy.

  • You do not need a doctor's referral to access our counseling services. You can submit a referral directly through our website. However, some insurance plans require a physician's referral for coverage, so check with your insurance provider.

  • It's completely normal for children to feel hesitant about counseling at first. Our counselors are skilled at building rapport with reluctant children through play, creativity, and patience. We don't force children to talk—instead, we create a safe, comfortable environment where children naturally open up at their own pace. Most children warm up quickly once they realize therapy is a supportive, non-judgmental space.

  • Yes! While counseling doesn't treat ADHD or autism itself, it provides essential support for co-occurring emotional and behavioral challenges like anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, social skills, self-esteem, and behavioral concerns. Many children with ADHD or autism benefit significantly from counseling alongside other supports.

  • School counselors provide valuable support, but they typically offer brief interventions focused on immediate school-related concerns and serve many students. Private counseling offers more intensive, individualized, ongoing support for deeper emotional and behavioral challenges. Sessions are longer, more frequent, and focused entirely on your child's specific needs. We also involve parents more directly and can address issues beyond school settings.

  • Be honest and age-appropriate. You might say: "We're going to meet someone who helps kids with their feelings and worries. They have toys and games, and you can talk or play together. They're really good at helping kids feel better when things are hard." Avoid saying counseling is a punishment or that something is "wrong" with them. Frame it as a supportive resource, like a coach for feelings.

  • With your permission, yes! Collaboration with schools can be very beneficial. We can communicate with teachers, provide strategies for classroom support, or participate in school meetings. You decide what information is shared and with whom. We always obtain written consent before communicating with schools.

  • Not all therapeutic relationships or approaches are the right fit. If previous counseling didn't help, it may have been a mismatch in approach, timing, or therapeutic relationship. We encourage you to share previous experiences during the initial consultation so we can discuss a different approach. The right counselor and approach can make all the difference.