ADHD and Anxiety Support for Children and Teens | Calgary Psychologists | Creative Sky Psychology
Understanding ADHD and Anxiety in Children and Teens
Parenting a child or teen with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or anxiety can feel like walking through uncharted territory. Some days are filled with laughter and progress; others may bring frustration, tears, or uncertainty. You’re not alone in this journey—and with the right strategies and support, your child can thrive.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we specialize in helping children and teens manage ADHD and anxiety through evidence-based, strength-focused therapy. Our compassionate psychologists work collaboratively with families to help children develop emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, and healthy coping strategies that last a lifetime.
ADHD and Anxiety: What Parents Should Know
ADHD and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges in children and teens. Though they are distinct conditions, they often overlap—meaning many kids experience both at once.
ADHD: ADHD affects a child’s ability to focus, organize, and regulate energy and emotions. Children with ADHD may:
Struggle to stay focused or complete tasks
Act impulsively or seem “on the go” all the time
Forget things or have difficulty following multi-step directions
Experience emotional ups and downs throughout the day
ADHD isn’t about lack of effort—it’s about how the brain processes attention and regulation. These children often have remarkable creativity, energy, and imagination; they just need support in harnessing those strengths effectively.
Anxiety: Anxiety can appear as persistent worry, physical symptoms, or avoidance behaviors. Children and teens may:
Avoid school, social events, or new experiences
Complain of stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
Struggle to sleep or have recurring nightmares
Feel overwhelmed by perfectionism or fear of mistakes
Every child’s experience is unique. The key is not just to reduce symptoms but to help them understand why these feelings happen—and how to manage them in healthy, empowering ways. Seeking ADHD and anxiety therapy in Calgary can provide your child with personalized, evidence-based strategies to build focus, self-regulation, and confidence.
Why ADHD and Anxiety Often Occur Together
It’s common for children with ADHD to also experience anxiety. When attention and impulse control are hard to manage, daily challenges—like staying organized, keeping up in school, or navigating friendships—can create stress and self-doubt.
Over time, this stress can lead to anxiety, as children begin to anticipate failure or criticism. Similarly, a child with anxiety may appear distracted or restless, leading to misunderstandings about ADHD-like symptoms. The good news? Understanding both conditions together allows for a more holistic, compassionate treatment plan that addresses the full picture of your child’s needs.
Practical Tips for Parents Supporting a Child or Teen with ADHD
Raising a child with ADHD can feel like a balancing act, but with structure, empathy, and consistency, progress happens—often in small, meaningful steps.
Create predictable routines: Children with ADHD thrive on structure. Visual schedules, checklists, or whiteboards can help make tasks feel more manageable and reduce morning or homework stress.
Encourage physical activity: Movement helps the brain focus. Activities like walking, biking, or sports give kids an outlet for energy while improving attention and mood.
Set clear expectations: Be specific and consistent with rules. Positive reinforcement—like praise, token systems, or small rewards—can help children stay motivated and feel proud of their efforts.
Collaborate with teachers: Communicate regularly with your child’s school. Teachers can provide valuable insights and implement classroom strategies like flexible seating or chunking assignments.
Consider professional ADHD therapy: Our Calgary psychologists use tailored therapy to build executive functioning, social skills, and emotional regulation. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps children learn to pause before reacting and create structure around challenging moments.
Practical Tips for Parents Supporting a Child or Teen with Anxiety
When your child is anxious, your calmness becomes their anchor.
Here’s how to help them feel safe and supported:
Validate their feelings: Instead of saying, “Don’t worry,” try, “I can see this feels really hard for you.” Validation builds trust and shows your child you understand.
Teach calming strategies: Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle stretches together. These grounding tools help regulate the nervous system and teach children that they can find calm in the moment.
Promote positive self-talk: Encourage phrases like, “I can handle this,” or, “I’m learning and improving.” Replacing negative thoughts helps children build emotional resilience.
Encourage gradual exposure: Avoidance often strengthens anxiety. Support your child in facing fears at their own pace—small steps lead to lasting confidence.
Seek professional therapy: Anxiety therapy for children and teens in Calgary focuses on understanding triggers, practicing coping tools, and building emotional awareness. At Creative Sky Psychology, therapy is gentle, collaborative, and empowering—never intimidating.
A regular bedtime and morning routine help the ADHD brain stay calm and focused. The brain loves predictability—it saves energy for learning and fun!
How Creative Sky Psychology Can Help
At Creative Sky Psychology, we take a strength-based and evidence-informed approach to treating ADHD and anxiety. Our Calgary psychologists use therapies designed to help children and families work together toward meaningful, lasting change.
Child Therapy: We use play-based, art-based, and movement-based activities to help younger children express emotions, develop self-awareness, and learn coping skills in a safe, creative space.
Teen Therapy: Adolescents face unique pressures—social media, academics, identity, and independence. Our Calgary teen therapy sessions help teens manage anxiety, ADHD, and self-esteem while encouraging confidence and emotional regulation.
Parent Child Therapy: We support parents and children together through guided sessions that strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and teach practical tools for everyday life.
Assessments: We offer ADHD, cognitive, and psychoeducational assessments to better understand your child’s learning profile, strengths, and areas needing support. Assessments help guide therapy and school strategies tailored to your child’s unique brain.
Therapeutic Approaches We Use:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for identifying and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build emotional flexibility and mindfulness
Positive Psychology to emphasize strengths, gratitude, and optimism
Parent Coaching for calm, consistent support at home
Final Thoughts
Parenting a child with ADHD or anxiety is not about eliminating challenges—it’s about helping your child learn strategies, build resilience, and discover their strengths. With compassion, structure, and professional support, children and teens can thrive. ADHD doesn’t mean kids aren’t trying—it means their brain’s regulation systems work differently. With support and structure, they can thrive just as much as anyone else.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, our psychologists provide specialized ADHD and anxiety therapy designed to support both children and their families. Together, we can help your child feel more confident, capable, and understood.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book online today to help your child thrive. 👋 Meet our team
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
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If your child’s struggles with focus, worry, or emotional regulation are interfering with school, friendships, or daily life, it may be time to seek support. A Calgary child psychologist can provide assessments and tailored strategies.
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Yes. ADHD and anxiety often occur together, and therapy can address both by teaching coping skills, improving focus, and building confidence. Calgary-based child therapy can provide integrated support for co-occurring conditions.
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Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and strength-based play or art therapy are proven effective. These therapies help children and teens build coping skills while fostering resilience.
