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
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.
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.
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
Counselling Intern
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions? You’re Not Alone.
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions - especially when it’s your child or teen. Whether you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just curious about how it all works, you’re in the right place.
Below are some of the most common questions parents ask when considering therapy for their child.
If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to talk.
Reach out - no pressure, just support.
1. How do I know if therapy is right for my child or teen—and what kinds of challenges can it help with?
You don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis to reach out.
If something feels off - or your child just isn’t quite themselves - it’s okay to get curious and ask for support.
We help kids and teens with all kinds of challenges: anxiety, emotional outbursts, grief, low self-esteem, school stress, trouble with focus, and overwhelming feelings they can’t explain. Some kids are dealing with trauma or big life changes. Others just seem stuck or not quite themselves.
If your child is struggling and you’re not sure what’s going on - or what to do next -therapy can offer a safe space for them to slow down, be themselves, and start to feel better.
At Valley Art Therapy, we’re here to listen, understand, and support - not to label or judge. And if we’re not the right fit, we’ll help you find someone who is.
2. What’s the best way to talk to my child about therapy—and what if they don’t want to come?
Start simple and honest. You might say something like, "I know things have felt hard lately, and I found someone who helps kids and teens when big feelings get overwhelming. They use art, play, and other tools to help you feel better."
For younger kids, it can help to talk about therapy like a place to play, make art, or get help with tricky feelings. Teens are more likely to engage in therapy when they feel respected and part of the decision. Being honest and clear with them -while giving them a say in the process -can make a big difference. It helps to let them know that therapy is their space, and what they share stays private (unless there’s a safety concern). Sometimes, it’s simply about inviting them to give it a try - and making sure they have as much choice and control as possible along the way.
And yes - sometimes kids don’t want to go. That’s okay. We’re used to it. We take things slow, build trust, and follow their pace. Our sessions are designed to feel safe and approachable - not clinical or forced.
We work with children as young as 3, and we always take a developmentally appropriate approach.
Our job is to meet your child where they’re at - whether that’s through talking, creating, moving, or just sitting quietly for a bit.
3. How long does therapy take, and how often will my child need to come?
Every child is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We typically schedule four sessions at intake to hold your child’s spot and begin building connection and momentum. During that time, we’ll get to know your child, clarify goals, and talk with you about what frequency and length of therapy makes the most sense for your family.
Most kids and teens start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
A good starting point is 8 - 12 sessions, which can lead to meaningful progress - especially when we’re focusing on a specific challenge or clearly defined area of concern, like anxiety, grief, or school stress.
For more complex needs - such as trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, or neurodivergent support - therapy may continue longer. Some children benefit from 12 - 20+ sessions to work through deeper challenges at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
We’ll go at your child’s pace, and check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to feel helpful, aligned with your goals, and manageable for your family.
4. How will I be involved in my child’s therapy, and what will I be told about what happens in session?
At Valley Art Therapy, we see parents and caregivers as essential partners in the therapy process. While sessions are a private space for your child to feel safe and express themselves freely, you’ll still be kept in the loop in meaningful ways.
We don’t share everything your child says in session, but we will always let you know if there are safety concerns or anything that falls under our duty to report. At the start of our work together, we’ll discuss the best ways to communicate and share general updates throughout the process. As part of your child’s therapy, we may schedule parent sessions to check in more intentionally, share resources, and give you space to ask questions or explore what’s coming up for you as a caregiver.
If questions or concerns come up between sessions, you're always welcome to email your child’s therapist or request a time to connect—outside of your child’s session, so they don’t feel caught in the middle.
We believe therapy works best when we’re working together with compassion, clear communication, and a shared goal of helping your child thrive.
5. What will my child or teen do in therapy sessions - and what does a typical session look like?
Each session is shaped by your child’s needs and comfort level - so no two sessions look exactly the same. Therapy is child-directed, which means your child or teen leads the way, while the therapist gently facilitates the process and offers support and strategies along the way.
Depending on your child’s age and preferences, sessions may include art-making, play, movement, games, talking, or quiet regulation activities. Using your child’s interests and therapy goals as a guide, we integrate creative, developmentally appropriate tools to help them express emotions, build self-awareness, and practice coping strategies they can use in everyday life.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long, and your child will be in the room with the therapist. You’re welcome to wait in our cozy waiting area (yes, there’s coffee!) or step out and return at the end. In some cases—especially with younger kids - we may invite you in for the last few minutes to check in, answer questions, or share a simple strategy to support your child at home.