Therapy for Kids & Teens

Healing beyond words alone - Helping kids and teens feel seen, heard, and supported.

Childhood and adolescence are full of ups and downs—even without the added weight of big emotions, grief, anxiety, or outbursts.

As a parent, it’s hard to know what’s “just a phase” and what needs more support. Maybe your child is melting down over small things. Maybe your teen is pulling away—or pushing back. Maybe every day feels like walking on eggshells, and you’re not sure how to help.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Valley Art Therapy, we help children and teens process emotions, manage stress, and navigate life’s challenges in creative, age-appropriate ways—so they can feel more calm, connected, and confident.

Why Parents Reach Out

You're not the only one wondering if something deeper is going on for your child—and you're not wrong for asking the question.
You are the expert on your child. You notice the little shifts. The way they’ve changed lately. Families often reach out when something just doesn’t feel right—when big emotions, behaviours, or struggles start to get in the way of everyday life.

Here are some of the most common reasons parents come to us:

Big emotional reactions or frequent meltdowns
Struggles with focus, attention, or impulsivity (ADHD)
Anxiety about school, friendships, or life changes
Grief after the loss of a loved one or a major transition
Defiance or behavioural issues at home or school
Low self-esteem, social withdrawal, or sadness
Challenges after trauma, illness, or family conflict

You don’t need a diagnosis to seek therapy. If something feels off, we’re here to help.

Why Creative Therapies Work So Well for Kids

Kids don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling—but they do have creativity.

Art therapy, play therapy, and the Safe & Sound Protocol give kids a safe, engaging way to explore their inner world—without pressure, shame, or long conversations they aren’t ready for.

“It’s not about the art—it’s about the process. The colours, the clay, the movement. That’s where healing begins.”

We also integrate other evidence-based strategies like CBT, mindfulness, attachment work, and somatic therapy to help your child build tools they can use in daily life—not just the therapy room.

What to Expect

We begin with a parent consultation to explore what’s going on and answer your questions. Then, we’ll match your child with a therapist whose style and approach fit your family’s needs.

Each child is unique—but every session is shaped by our commitment to:

Building trust and safety
Supporting nervous system regulation
Using developmentally appropriate strategies
Encouraging expression—through art, movement, or words

We go at your child’s pace. No pressure. Just presence, support, and care.

What We Offer

At Valley Art Therapy, we draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to support each child’s unique needs. While some children come for a specific service, like Art Therapy, Counselling, or EMDR, most sessions naturally integrate multiple approaches. We follow your child’s lead—blending creativity, body-based tools, and talk-based support in ways that feel safe and effective for them.

Art Therapy – For emotional expression, stress relief, and building self-awareness
Play & Expressive Arts Therapy – Especially effective with younger children
Safe & Sound Protocol – A listening-based intervention to support regulation
EMDR for Kids & Teens – To process distressing memories and build resilience
Somatic & Trauma-Informed Approaches – Supporting nervous system healing and safety from the inside out

Who We Work With

We offer therapy for:

Children (ages 3–12)
Teens (ages 13–18)
Parents and caregivers seeking support

We also specialize in working with:

Neurodivergent youth
Kids navigating medical challenges or trauma
Families going through separation, divorce, or loss

Your child doesn’t have to “fit a mold” to belong here. We welcome kids exactly as they are.

Meet Our Child & Teen Therapists

Our team includes therapists trained in:

Art Therapy
Play & Expressive Arts Therapy
Safe & Sound Protocol
EMDR for children and teens
Somatic Experiencing
Trauma-informed care

We’re not just experienced—we love working with kids and teens! Our team brings creativity, compassion, and a true respect for each child into every session.

Meet Our Team