Child Therapy | Mindful Mental Health

Psychotherapy for Children

In Whitby, Ontario

We provide Psychotherapy for children and adolescents using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed care, and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

Our work is tailored to each individual's strengths, needs, and developmental stage.

We support youth in building emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, social communication, positive behaviour patterns, and self-confidence. With a collaborative, family-centered approach, we help children and youth feel understood, empowered, and equipped with tools that last far beyond therapy.

Supporting Children Through Life's Challenges

Childhood can come with big emotions, new experiences and challenges that can sometimes feel difficult to navigate alone. Therapy can provide children with a safe, supportive space to understand their emotions, develop coping strategies and build confidence.

Anxiety & Worry
Emotional Regulation
Self-Esteem & Confidence
ADHD & Executive Functioning
Autism & Neurodivergence
Behavioural Concerns
School & Peer Challenges
Life Transitions
Grief & Loss
Social Skills & Relationships

Therapy Designed for Children

Children aren't simply smaller adults, and their therapy shouldn't look exactly like adult therapy. Our clinicians use developmentally appropriate approaches to help children communicate, understand and work through their experiences in ways that feel accessible and engaging.

Mindfulness
Creative and expressive activities
Skill-building
Parent/caregiver involvement

Play-based approaches
CBT
DBT-informed strategies
Emotion regulation

Neurodiversity-Affirming
Child Psychotherapy

We provide neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy for autistic and ADHD children. Our approach focuses on understanding each child's unique way of communicating, learning, regulating and experiencing the world rather than expecting children to conform to a single standard.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Therapy?

Every child experiences difficult emotions and challenging periods, but therapy may be helpful when changes in your child's emotions, behaviour, relationships or daily functioning begin to interfere with their well-being. You may consider therapy if your child is experiencing ongoing anxiety, sadness, emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, difficulty managing emotions, social or school challenges, behavioural concerns, or significant changes in their usual behaviour. You don't need to wait for a concern to become severe before seeking support. A therapist can help you better understand what your child is experiencing and determine whether therapy may be appropriate.

What Role Do Parents Play in Therapy?

Parents and caregivers are an important part of a child's support system. Depending on the child's age, needs and treatment goals, caregivers may participate in portions of sessions, receive recommendations and learn strategies they can use at home. Our clinicians work collaboratively with families while also creating space for children to develop their own therapeutic relationship and voice.

What Does Child Therapy Look Like?

Child therapy can look different for every child. Sessions may involve conversation, play, creative activities, therapeutic games, skill-building exercises or other developmentally appropriate interventions. Your child's clinician will adapt sessions based on their age, communication style, interests, strengths and therapeutic goals.

Connect Understand Build Skills Grow

Psychotherapy vs ABA Therapy:
What's the Difference?

Psychotherapy and ABA therapy can support children in different ways. Psychotherapy generally focuses on emotional well-being, mental health, relationships, coping and psychological concerns, while ABA therapy focuses on skill development and behaviour-based goals. Depending on a child's needs, some families may benefit from one service or a combination of supports.

Book a Consultation Today

Mindful Mental Health provides child psychotherapy in Whitby and supports families throughout Durham Region, including Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa. Virtual services may also be available where clinically appropriate.