Healing Beyond Words Alone
We help kids and teens work through big feelings, tough experiences, and trauma -using art, play, and somatic therapy to build calm, connection, and resilience.
Is this just a phase… or is something deeper going on?
As a parent, you’re the expert on your child.
And when something feels off - you know it.
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Maybe your child is melting down over the smallest things.
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Maybe your teen is shutting you out - or pushing back harder than ever.
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Maybe they’re dealing with anxiety, big fears, or low self-esteem.
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Maybe school has become a battle - refusal, overwhelm, or emotional blow-ups.
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Maybe past experiences or trauma are starting to show up in how they behave, connect, or cope.
And maybe… you’re not sure what’s “normal” anymore - or how to help.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Valley Art Therapy, we offer creative, trauma-informed counselling and therapy for kids and teens - meeting them right where they’re at.
Using art, play, and body-based approaches, we help children and adolescents:
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Process big feelings
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Manage stress
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Build real tools for emotional regulation and resilience
If you're ready to feel more calm and less tension in your home, we're here to help.
Why Parents Reach Out
You’re not the only one wondering if something deeper is going on - and you’re not wrong for asking the question.
You know your child. You’ve noticed the changes. And when everyday life starts feeling harder - for them or for you - it makes sense to look for support.
We hear from families when big emotions, behaviours, or stress start to take over - and nothing seems to be helping.
Here are some of the most common reasons parents reach out:
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Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
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Anxiety about school, friendships, or change
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Trouble focusing, sitting still, or following directions
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Sleep issues or frequent nightmares
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Defiance, arguing, or explosive behaviour
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Low self-esteem or social withdrawal
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Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
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Grief after a loss or major life change
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Perfectionism or fear of failure
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Signs of trauma or stress showing up in behaviour
You don’t need a diagnosis to seek therapy.
If something feels off - we’re here to help.
How We Design Therapy That Really Works for Kids
Kids don’t always have the words to explain what’s going on - but that doesn’t mean they’re not feeling deeply. Big emotions, stress, or past experiences often show up in behaviour long before they can be spoken out loud.
That’s why we don’t rely on traditional talk therapy - or expect kids to “just talk it out.”
Instead, we meet them where they’re at - using art, play, movement, and body-based tools that feel natural, safe, and engaging.
“It’s not about the art - it’s the process.
Art and play give kids a way to express what words can’t - and that’s where the healing begins.”
We also integrate evidence-based strategies like CBT, mindfulness, attachment-focused work, and somatic therapy to help your child build practical tools for regulation, confidence, and connection - both inside and outside the therapy room.
At Valley Art Therapy, we create a space where your child can feel safe, supported, and truly understood - without having to explain everything in words.
Our approach includes:
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Art Therapy – for expressing emotions, building insight, and processing challenges through creative activities
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Play & Expressive Arts Therapy – for exploring feelings, supporting regulation, and building trust through play, movement, and imagination
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The Safe & Sound Protocol – a gentle, listening-based intervention that helps regulate the nervous system
Who We Work With
We also specialize in working with:
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Kids working through trauma, stress, or painful past experiences
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Kids struggling with anxiety, big emotions, or daily overwhelm
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Neurodivergent kids and teens – including those with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or learning differences
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Families navigating grief, loss, or other emotional transitions
Your child doesn’t have to “fit a mold” to belong here. We welcome kids and families exactly as they are—with warmth, safety, and support.
We offer therapy for:
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Children (ages 3–12)
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Teens (ages 13–18)
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Parents and caregivers seeking support
What We Offer
Every child is different - and their therapy should be too.
Our services include:
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Art Therapy – for expressing emotions, building insight, and processing challenges through art-making and creative activities
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Play & Expressive Arts Therapy – for exploring feelings, supporting regulation, and building trust through play, movement, and imagination
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Safe & Sound Protocol – a gentle, listening-based intervention that helps regulate the nervous system
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EMDR for Kids & Teens – for reprocessing distressing memories and supporting resilience in an age-appropriate, structured way
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Somatic & Trauma-Informed Approaches – for supporting nervous system healing and emotional safety from the inside out
We offer:
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Individual Therapy – one-on-one support tailored to your child’s needs, at their pace
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Group Therapy – small, themed groups that help kids build connection, emotional skills, and resilience alongside peers
Whether your child is navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, or big emotional reactions - we have tools to support them, in ways that make sense for them.
At Valley Art Therapy, we offer both individual and group therapy options that blend art, play , body-based, and talk therapy approaches - tailored to meet each child’s unique needs.
Some children come for a specific service, like Art Therapy or EMDR. But most sessions naturally integrate several approaches, depending on your child’s age, comfort, and goals.
We follow your child’s lead - combining the tools that feel most safe and effective for them.
Have Questions? We have answers!
Meet Our Child & Teen Therapists
You want someone who really gets kids - and knows how to support them.
We’re passionate about this work, and our team is made up of therapists who care deeply about helping children, teens, and families feel safe, supported, and understood.
We bring together a wide range of expertise, including:
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Art Therapy
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Play & Expressive Arts Therapy
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Safe & Sound Protocol
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EMDR for children and teens
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Somatic Experiencing
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Trauma-Informed Care
We’re not just knowledgeable and experienced - we genuinely love working with kids and teens.
Our team brings creativity, compassion, and deep respect into every session, creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and safe to grow.
Because therapy isn’t just about techniques.
It’s about relationships. Safety. And helping kids feel better, heal deeply, and move forward with more connection and resilience.
Alecia Weinheimer
Counsellor
Cassidy Entz
Counsellor
Dana Corr
Trauma Therapist
Jillian Henry-Wilkinson
Counsellor
Robyn Nerbas
Art Therapist
Shannon Fullerton
Counsellor
Terri Lynne Lawrence
Counsellor
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Not sure where to start?
Our Care Coordinator is here to help!
What to Expect
We start with a parent consultation to get a better sense of what’s going on for your child and answer any questions you have. Then, we’ll connect your child with a therapist whose style and approach feel like a good fit for your family.
Every child is different - but each session is grounded in our commitment to:
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Building trust and emotional safety
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Supporting nervous system regulation
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Using developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed strategies
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Encouraging expression - through art, play, movement, or words
We follow your child’s pace - always.
No pressure. Just safety, support, and genuine care.
Most children attend sessions weekly or bi-weekly. The length of therapy depends on your child’s needs and goals - some benefit from short-term support, while others continue longer to explore deeper patterns.
We respect your child’s privacy - while keeping you in the loop.
Therapy works best when kids feel safe and trusted, so we don’t share everything from sessions. But we do stay connected with you - offering check-ins, guidance, and collaboration around goals and progress.
If any concerns about your child’s safety or well-being come up, we’ll always let you know and work together on the next steps.
