Growing up can be challenging, and children experience a wide range of emotions as they navigate school, friendships, family changes, and personal growth. At Stick & Stone Counselling Services in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, we understand that children sometimes need extra support to process their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies. Our compassionate therapists provide a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves, work through challenges, and build resilience. If your child is struggling with emotional or behavioural issues, children’s therapy at our practice in Saskatoon can provide valuable tools to help them navigate life’s ups and downs.
When Does a Child Need Therapy?
Children may benefit from therapy for various reasons. Some common challenges include:
Divorce and Separation
If you and your partner have recently separated, your child may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, or guilt. Children’s therapy can help them process these feelings in a healthy way, reducing stress and anxiety related to family changes.
Loss and Grief
Losing a loved one is difficult for anyone, but it can be particularly overwhelming for children who may not yet understand how to process grief. Whether the loss happened recently or years ago, children’s therapy can provide a space for them to express their emotions and work through their grief at their own pace.
Bullying and Social Struggles
Bullying can have lasting effects on a child’s self-esteem and confidence. If your child is experiencing bullying—whether in school, online, or in social settings—therapy can help them rebuild self-worth, develop assertiveness skills, and learn how to navigate difficult social situations.
School-Related Stress
Academic pressure, learning difficulties, and performance anxiety can cause children to feel overwhelmed. Therapy can equip children with tools to manage stress, boost confidence, and develop strategies for academic success.
Family Changes and Conflicts
Family dynamics can greatly impact a child’s emotional well-being. If your child is struggling due to family conflicts, therapy can help them express their feelings, improve communication, and develop healthy ways to cope with changes at home.
Signs Your Child May Need Therapy
Children don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling, so their struggles may show up in other ways. If you notice any of the following signs, therapy might be beneficial for your child:
- Increased aggression, frequent outbursts, or withdrawing from family and friends
- Difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or excessive sleeping
- Eating significantly more or less than usual, skipping meals, or refusing to eat with the family
- Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or unexplained health issues that could be linked to anxiety or stress
- A sudden drop in grades, lack of motivation, or difficulty concentrating in school
If you’re unsure whether children’s therapy is the right choice, our team at Stick & Stone Counselling Services in Saskatoon is here to help guide you.
How Therapy Can Help Your Child
Our approach to children’s therapy is tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. We use age-appropriate techniques to help children develop emotional awareness, build problem-solving skills, and express themselves in a safe, supportive environment. In the process, we empower them to:
- Improve emotional regulation– Helps children manage their emotions effectively, reducing outbursts, frustration, or withdrawal.
- Boost self-esteem– Encourages self-confidence and positive self-perception, especially for children who have experienced bullying or rejection.
- Enhance communication skills– Supports children in expressing their feelings and thoughts more clearly to parents, teachers, and peers.
- Build coping mechanisms– Equips children with tools to handle stress, anxiety, and big life changes in a healthy way.
- Develop problem-solving skills– Encourages critical thinking and resilience to handle everyday challenges.
Our therapists use a combination of play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and creative expression techniques to help children feel comfortable and engaged in their healing process.
Does Seeking Therapy Mean I’m Failing as a Parent?
Absolutely not! Many parents worry that sending their child to therapy means they aren’t doing enough, but the reality is that therapy is an act of love and support.
Children may hesitate to talk to their parents about their struggles for fear of disappointing them, getting in trouble, or feeling like a burden. A children’s therapist provides a neutral, judgment-free space where they can freely express their emotions, gain clarity, and develop coping skills.
As a result, therapy can actually strengthens the parent-child relationship by providing children with healthier ways to communicate and process their emotions. By getting help, you’re showing your child that their feelings matter and that they are not alone in their struggles.
What to Expect from Children’s Therapy
At Stick & Stone Counselling Services in Saskatoon, we work closely with children and their families to ensure a positive and impactful therapeutic experience. We start with an intake session to understand your child’s needs, challenges, and goals for therapy. The first few sessions then focus on creating a safe and comfortable space where your child feels heard and understood.
Depending on your child’s age and situation, we incorporate play therapy, talk therapy, storytelling, or expressive arts to help them open up. Throughout the process, we teach children practical coping mechanisms and emotional regulation strategies they can use in everyday life. While therapy is child-centered, we offer guidance and support to parents to help reinforce positive changes at home.
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable With Therapy
Bringing up the idea of therapy to your child should be done with care. Some tips for making the conversation easier include:
- Choose the right moment– Avoid discussing therapy with your child during an argument or emotional moment. Instead, find a quiet, relaxed time to talk.
- Keep it positive– Frame therapy for your child as a helpful tool rather than a punishment. Let them know it’s a safe place to talk and feel better.
- Empower them– Ask for their thoughts and feelings about therapy for children and let them know they have a say in the process.
- Reassure them – Remind them that many people, both kids and adults, see therapists, and that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it.
If your child is hesitant about therapy, we’re happy to answer any questions and help ease their concerns.
Let’s Support Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being Together
At Stick & Stone Counselling Services, we are committed to helping children in Saskatoon, SK, thrive emotionally and mentally. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, stress, or significant life changes, our children’s therapists are here to provide compassionate, professional support.
Take the first step today. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your child on their journey to emotional well-being. You’re not alone—we’re here to help.
