Anxiety Treatment for Children and Teens | Calgary Psychologists
As a parent, watching your child or teen struggle with anxiety can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, our team specializes in evidence-based anxiety treatment for children and teens. With a compassionate, strength-based approach, we help young people build resilience, confidence, and the coping tools they need to manage anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and can even be helpful in certain situations, such as preparing for an exam or performing in a school play. But when worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or starts to interfere with daily life, it may develop into an anxiety disorder.
In children and teens, anxiety can look like:
Avoiding school, social activities, or new experiences
Trouble concentrating or completing tasks
Physical complaints like stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Irritability, frustration, or emotional outbursts
If these signs sound familiar, you’re not alone—and effective support is available.
How Anxiety Impacts Children and Teens
Anxiety doesn’t just affect how kids feel—it impacts their learning, friendships, and family relationships. Left untreated, anxiety may lead to long-term challenges such as low self-esteem, depression, or ongoing stress in adulthood.
The good news? Early intervention matters. With professional support, children and teens can learn how to manage anxiety and develop skills that benefit them for life.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Anxiety Treatment in Calgary
At Creative Sky Psychology, we tailor therapy to meet your child’s unique needs. Our evidence-based treatments include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps children identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with constructive, realistic ones.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Teaches children to accept anxious feelings while focusing on actions that reflect their values.
Strength-Based Approach: Builds confidence by focusing on your child’s abilities and talents.
Play Therapy and Art-Based Therapy: Provides younger children with creative ways to explore emotions and practice coping skills.
These methods are designed to reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and help children and teens thrive.
How Parents Can Support an Anxious Child
Parents play a key role in their child’s journey. Here are some supportive steps you can take at home:
Encourage open communication: Let your child know it’s safe to share feelings without judgment.
Practice calming strategies together: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga can reduce stress.
Stick to routines: Structure provides a sense of security during uncertain times.
Celebrate progress: Even small steps forward are meaningful and should be acknowledged.
Our Calgary psychologists also offer parent coaching and parent counselling to help you feel confident in supporting your child.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s normal for children to feel anxious at times—but when anxiety is persistent, intense, or interfering with daily life, professional therapy can help. Signs your child may need support include:
Frequent avoidance of school or social settings
Ongoing physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) with no medical explanation
Excessive worry about everyday situations
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Outbursts of frustration linked to stress or worry
Seeking help early can prevent anxiety from worsening and give your child the tools they need to cope.
Exercise releases endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that boost mood and reduce anxiety. Even 10 minutes of movement—like dancing, biking, or walking—can help reset the nervous system.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your child’s future. With the right support, children and teens can learn to manage anxiety, build confidence, and thrive in school, relationships, and life.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment that empowers children and families. Together, we can help your child find calm, resilience, and hope.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book an appointment online to support your child’s journey with anxiety today.
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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Parents often notice persistent worry, avoidance of school, physical complaints like stomachaches, or sleep difficulties. If these affect daily life, it may be time to seek Calgary-based child therapy.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective therapy for child anxiety. In Calgary, psychologists may also combine CBT with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, and strength-based approaches.
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Treatment length varies, depending on your child’s needs. Some children benefit from short-term therapy, while others may need longer-term support. Calgary psychologists create tailored treatment plans to fit each child.
