My Child is Struggling, and I Feel Helpless

You’ve tried everything you can think of: extra patience, new routines, talking it through, maybe even consequences, but nothing seems to make a lasting difference. Maybe your child is acting out, shutting down, or overwhelmed by big emotions they can’t explain. Or maybe it just feels like something is “off” and you can’t quite reach them the way you used to.

It’s incredibly hard to watch your child in pain and not know how to help. You might be questioning your parenting, feeling burnt out, or wondering if this is just a phase or something more.

At Foothills Integrative, we understand how heavy it feels when your child is hurting. We also know that children do not struggle without reason. Behaviour is communication, and big emotions often show up when a child does not yet have the tools to cope with what they are feeling inside. 

How Child Therapy Can Help

Child therapy offers a safe, welcoming space where your child can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace. Therapy can help children better understand what they are feeling, build confidence, and develop healthier ways to cope.

We support children experiencing:

  • Anxiety, fears, and worries
  • Anger and emotional outbursts
  • Emotional sensitivity and overwhelm
  • Behavioural challenges and impulsivity
  • Attention and focus difficulties
  • Difficulty with confidence or self-esteem
  • Social challenges, peer conflict, or bullying
  • Family changes (divorce, separation, relocation)
  • Grief or trauma
  • School and peer-related stress or avoidance

Through evidence-based and developmentally appropriate approaches, therapy helps children better understand themselves, build emotional resilience, and improve their relationships with family, teachers, and peers.

Our Approach to Working with Children

At Foothills Integrative, we use a gentle, relationship-based approach rooted in empathy, safety, play, and connection. We believe that meaningful change happens when children feel understood and supported, and safe.

Children communicate differently than adults. That's why our work may include play, storytelling, creative activities, emotional exploration, and skill-building strategies that help children express what they may not yet have the words to explain. 

For many children, play is one of the most natural ways to process emotions, explore relationships, and develop confidence. That's why we use play therapy to support emotional growth, regulation, and resilience. 

When appropriate, we also involve parents and caregivers in the process. Children do not stuggle in isolation, and support at home is often a key part of healing. We work collaboratively with familys so that progress carries into everyday life. 

Your child isn't broken, they don't need to be fixed. They need support, understanding, and the right environment to grow. 

What to Expect in Child Therapy

We believe in creating a safe, compassionate space; not just for your child, but for you too.
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Parent Intake Session

Your child’s therapy journey starts with a parent intake session or consultation, where we gather background information, understand what has been happening, and learn more about your concerns and goals as a family.
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Trusting Relationship

From there, we begin to gently build a trusting relationship with your child in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.
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Skill development

We help your child build the skills they need to face challenges with confidence. Sessions are tailored to their unique needs, with regular check-ins to keep you informed and supported.

Why Families Choose Foothills Integrative

Choosing support for your child is a big step. Families often come to us because they are looking for care that feels both warm and clinically grounded.

At Foothills Integrative, we offer:

  • A compassionate and child-friendly environment
  • Therapists trained in evidence-informed approaches
  • Developmentally appropriate care that meets children where they are
  • A trauma-informed lens and focus on emotional safety
  • Collaboration with parents and caregivers, when appropriate
  • A personalized approach that honours each child’s unique needs
  • A clinic culture rooted in integrity, respect, and deep care

We believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and empowering. Our goal is to help children feel more confident in themselves and more connected in their world.

Take the first step, for you and your child

Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, especially when it is your child who is struggling. Whether you are ready to begin now or simply want guidance on what the next step could look like, we are here.

We offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you explore what’s right for your family. No pressure, just presence. 

In-person sessions in Okotoks and virtual therapy across Alberta

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION ASK US A QUESTION

Our Child Therapist

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—your involvement is an important part of your child’s success in therapy. For younger children, we may start with more parent involvement to understand the concerns and goals. As therapy progresses, we focus on creating a space where your child feels safe and comfortable to share. We’ll keep you updated when it’s helpful or necessary, while also respecting your child’s growing sense of privacy and independence.
We protect your child’s confidentiality to help them feel safe and open in sessions. That said, if there are safety concerns or important updates that impact your child’s well-being, we will always communicate with you. We also encourage your child to include you in their progress when possible.
With younger children, yes. It’s common for parents to join in at the beginning to share concerns and build rapport. As trust grows, we often move to working one-on-one with your child. You’ll always be supported and kept appropriately informed.
Therapy helps children identify and express emotions, build coping skills, improve self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships. It can also support better communication at home and school, and help with challenges like anxiety, behaviour concerns, or family changes.
It depends. Children usually need a few sessions (around 4–5) to feel comfortable and begin building a trusting relationship. The overall number of sessions varies depending on your child’s needs and progress.

Some families notice small shifts within the first few sessions, such as improved mood or fewer meltdowns. Therapy takes time—especially with younger kids—but early sessions lay the groundwork for long-term growth.