Child Psychology in Calgary

Child Psychologists in Calgary for Children & Families

Behaviours are a clue. We do the detective work.

When your child is struggling, it can affect their emotions, friendships, learning, behaviour, and family life. You may recognize that something isn't quite right without knowing what's behind it or how best to help.

At Creative Sky Psychology, we look beyond behaviour to understand each child's strengths, experiences, and needs. Our Calgary child psychologists use play, creativity, and evidence-informed therapy to support emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships. Above all, we create a welcoming space where children feel safe, understood, and valued.

Child psychologist supporting a young child through play-based therapy at Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary
Child exploring sensory play materials during a therapy session at Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary

How We Work

Child Therapy Designed Around Your Child

Children don't always have the words to explain what they're experiencing. Worry, frustration, sadness, or overwhelm may show up through behaviour, play, physical complaints, or changes in how they connect with others. Understanding what's underneath these responses is an important part of helping children feel supported.

At Creative Sky Psychology, our Calgary child psychologists consider each child's strengths, developmental stage, relationships, and individual needs when planning therapy. Rather than relying on one approach for every child, sessions may incorporate a combination of evidence-informed strategies, including:

  • Play therapy, helping children explore emotions, experiences, and relationships through a familiar and developmentally appropriate way of communicating.
  • Art therapy, offering creative opportunities for children to express feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helping children recognize connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while developing practical coping skills.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supporting psychological flexibility, emotional awareness, and actions guided by what matters to the child.
  • Narrative therapy, helping children understand their experiences, recognize their strengths, and see themselves as more than the challenges they face.
  • Parent consultation and coaching, giving caregivers insight into their child's needs and practical ways to support progress at home.

How We Help

How Our Calgary Child Psychologists Can Help

Every child experiences challenges differently. Some struggle with anxiety, attention, or big emotions, while others have difficulty with friendships, school, confidence, or changes at home. Our child psychologists help families understand what may be contributing to these difficulties and find support that fits their child's needs. You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out.

Anxiety, Fears & Worry

Helping children manage worries, face fears, and build confidence in uncertain situations.

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ADHD & Executive Function

Practical support for attention, organization, planning, emotional regulation, and everyday routines.

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Emotional Regulation

Helping children understand intense feelings and develop strategies for outbursts, frustration, and overwhelm.

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Friendship & Social Challenges

Supporting social confidence, communication, conflict resolution, and healthy peer relationships.

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Sensory Sensitivities

Understanding sensory needs and finding ways to make overwhelming environments more manageable.

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Autism & Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity-affirming support for emotional well-being, self-understanding, and everyday challenges.

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OCD & Repetitive Behaviours

Evidence-informed support for intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and anxiety-driven rituals.

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Low Self-Esteem & Confidence

Helping children recognize their strengths, navigate self-doubt, and develop a more positive self-image.

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Low Mood & Depression

Compassionate support for persistent sadness, withdrawal, loss of interest, and changes in mood.

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Family Changes & Grief

Helping children process loss, separation, family transitions, and difficult life experiences.

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Confusing or Intense Behaviour

Looking beyond aggression, defiance, or challenging behaviour to understand underlying needs.

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School Refusal & School Stress

Helping families navigate school avoidance, academic pressure, and anxiety about attending school.

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The Role of a Child Psychologist

What Does a Child Psychologist Help With?

A child psychologist helps children and families better understand emotional, behavioural, social, and developmental challenges. Rather than focusing on one symptom or behaviour, psychologists consider how a child's experiences, relationships, learning, and environment may be influencing their well-being.

The right starting point depends on your child's concerns and what your family hopes to understand or change. Some children benefit from therapy, while others may need an assessment to clarify learning or developmental differences. Parent consultations can also provide valuable support, whether or not a child attends individual sessions. Our goal is to help families choose a path that makes sense for their circumstances.

Areas a Child Psychologist May Explore

  • Emotions, anxiety, and mood
  • Behaviour and emotional regulation
  • ADHD, attention, and executive functioning
  • Learning differences and school challenges
  • Friendships and social development
  • Confidence and self-esteem
  • Autism, neurodevelopment, and sensory needs
  • Family relationships and life transitions

Why Creative Sky

Why Work With a Registered Child Psychologist

Finding the right support for your child means finding someone who understands both child development and the unique experiences shaping your child's world. At Creative Sky Psychology, our Calgary child psychologists bring professional training, clinical knowledge, and a thoughtful approach to working with children and families.

We recognize that progress looks different for every child. Our psychologists consider developmental needs, individual strengths, family relationships, and the environments where challenges arise. By combining evidence-informed approaches with creativity and collaboration, we help families develop a clearer understanding of their child's needs and practical ways to support their growth.

Children are never a problem to be fixed.

Our work is about understanding your child more deeply, so the right support can follow.

We Understand Child Development

Children's emotional, social, and cognitive abilities change as they grow. Our psychologists consider developmental stages when choosing strategies, setting goals, and adapting therapy to each child's abilities.

We Look Beyond the Behaviour

Behaviour can communicate stress, unmet needs, developing skills, or difficulty managing emotions. We explore possible contributing factors rather than focusing only on stopping the behaviour itself.

We Make Therapy Engaging

Play, art, storytelling, and movement can help children participate in therapy in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful. Our psychologists adapt sessions to support connection, expression, and skill development.

We Recognize Strengths and Differences

Our strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach respects how children think, learn, communicate, and experience the world. Support is designed to build on their abilities while addressing challenges that affect daily life.

We Include Parents

Parents and caregivers bring valuable insight into their child's experiences. Through consultation, shared goals, and practical strategies, we help families reinforce new skills and support progress beyond therapy sessions.

Our Child Psychologists

Meet Our Child Psychologists in Calgary

The relationship between your child and their psychologist matters. Our Calgary team brings experience across different ages, concerns, and therapeutic approaches, from play-based support for younger children to practical strategies for school-age kids and teens. We help families find a psychologist whose experience and approach align with their child's needs.

Kirby Rees

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Ages 3–10

Learning Differences · ADHD · Anxiety · Executive Functioning · School Support

With a background in elementary education, Kirby brings an understanding of how learning, attention, and emotions can affect a child's school experience. She uses a warm, play-based approach to support children with ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences while helping families navigate challenges at home and in the classroom.

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Whitney Lodge

Registered Psychologist

Ages 6–12

ADHD · Anxiety · Emotion Regulation · Social Challenges

Whitney helps school-age children navigate anxiety, ADHD, strong emotions, and difficulties with peers. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and emotion-focused approaches, she works with children to better understand their feelings, practise coping strategies, and strengthen their social relationships.

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Danielle Nicholson

Registered Psychologist

Ages 3–12

Anxiety · OCD · ADHD · Selective Mutism · Parenting Support

Danielle focuses on childhood anxiety, OCD, and selective mutism, including fears that interfere with school, friendships, or everyday activities. Her collaborative approach helps children gradually face difficult situations while giving parents practical ways to understand and respond to anxiety.

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Kate Masters

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Ages 3–12

Play Therapy · ADHD · Autism · Parent Support

Kate works with young children experiencing emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges, including ADHD and autism. Through play-based and attachment-informed therapy, she helps children express themselves, strengthen emotional skills, and build secure connections with the important people in their lives.

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Karli Jahn

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Ages 3–13

Autism · Sensory Processing · Neurodiversity · Emotion Regulation

Karli offers neurodiversity-affirming support for children navigating autism, sensory differences, and emotional regulation challenges. Her creative, strengths-based approach respects each child's individual way of experiencing the world while helping families develop strategies that support everyday well-being.

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Braxtyn Horbay

Registered Psychologist

Ages 3–18

ADHD · Anxiety · Emotion Regulation · Executive Functioning · Self-Esteem

Braxtyn supports children and teens with ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem concerns. Combining CBT with creative, developmentally appropriate strategies, she helps young people understand their thoughts and emotions, manage everyday challenges, and develop greater independence.

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Getting Started

How to Get Started With a Child Psychologist in Calgary

Get Matched

Share a little about your child, the challenges you're noticing, and what you're hoping to find support with. Our team helps connect your family with a psychologist whose experience, approach, and age focus align with your child's needs.

Start With a Parent Consultation

Your psychologist typically begins by meeting with you to learn about your child's development, strengths, relationships, and current concerns. This conversation provides important context before beginning child-focused sessions.

Create an Individualized Plan

Based on what you share and what your psychologist learns, you'll work together to identify meaningful goals. The approach is tailored to your child's age, personality, strengths, and the areas where support is needed.

Build Skills Through Connection

Through play, conversation, creative activities, or practical strategies, your child develops ways to understand emotions, navigate challenges, and practise new skills. Sessions are adapted to what helps your child feel comfortable and engaged.

Collaborate as Your Child Grows

Your psychologist checks in with you about progress, shares observations and strategies when appropriate, and adjusts goals as your child's needs evolve. Parent involvement helps connect what happens in therapy with everyday life.

Located in Killarney, Calgary

Serving West & Central Calgary and Beyond

Creative Sky Psychology is located in Calgary's Killarney neighbourhood, where our child-friendly clinic welcomes children, teens, and families from across the city. Our registered psychologists provide individualized child therapy and psychological support for families throughout southwest, northwest, and southeast Calgary.

Visit Our Calgary Psychology Clinic
#5, 2005 37 Street SW
Calgary, AB T3E 3A5

Families visit us from neighbourhoods including:

  • Aspen Woods
  • West Springs
  • Cougar Ridge
  • Arbour Lake
  • Evergreen
  • Mount Royal
  • Lakeview
  • Mahogany
  • Auburn Bay
  • Wildwood
  • Tuscany
  • Rocky Ridge
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Exterior of Creative Sky Psychology at 2005 37 Street SW in Calgary's Killarney neighbourhood

Free Parking

Convenient, complimentary parking at our Killarney clinic makes arriving for your child's appointment a little easier.

Family-Focused Rooms

Thoughtfully designed therapy spaces with comfortable seating, playful details, and room for children to feel at ease.

Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Calming areas and sensory supports help children with different needs feel more comfortable during their visit.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Child Therapy or an Assessment?

Child therapy focuses on helping children navigate emotional, behavioural, and social challenges. It can be a helpful starting point when your child is experiencing anxiety, big emotions, low confidence, or difficulties at home or school.

A psychological or psychoeducational assessment takes a closer look at how your child learns, thinks, and functions. Assessments can help clarify concerns related to ADHD, learning differences, autism, cognitive abilities, academic performance, or emotional and behavioural functioning.

Not sure which approach makes sense? You don't need to decide on your own. Our team can help you explore the options and identify an appropriate next step for your family.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ages Do Your Calgary Child Psychologists Work With?
Our Calgary psychologists work with children and teens, from early childhood through adolescence. Individual psychologists specialize in different age groups and concerns, allowing us to help families find someone whose experience and therapeutic approach fit their child's developmental stage and needs.
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Therapy?
Child therapy may be helpful when emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties begin affecting your child's daily life. Common reasons families seek support include persistent worry, frequent emotional outbursts, withdrawal, friendship difficulties, school avoidance, or changes in mood. You don't need a diagnosis or a clear explanation for these challenges before reaching out. A psychologist can help you better understand what your child is experiencing and whether therapy would be beneficial.
How Do I Choose the Right Child Psychologist for My Child?
Consider the psychologist's experience with your child's age, concerns, and preferred style of interaction. A comfortable therapeutic relationship is also important, particularly for younger children who may communicate through play rather than conversation. At Creative Sky Psychology, our Get Matched process considers your child's needs, personality, and family preferences to help you choose an appropriate psychologist.
Do I Need a Referral to See a Child Psychologist in Calgary?
No, a doctor's referral is generally not required to book an appointment with a private child psychologist in Calgary. Parents and caregivers can contact Creative Sky Psychology directly to inquire about therapy or assessments. Some extended health insurance plans have specific reimbursement requirements, so checking your benefits before booking is recommended.
What Is the Difference Between a Child Psychologist and a Child Therapist?
A child psychologist is a regulated mental health professional with specialized education and supervised clinical training in psychological assessment, development, and treatment. The term "child therapist" is broader and may describe professionals with different qualifications or professional registrations. Both may provide valuable support, but their training and scope of practice can differ. When choosing a provider, consider their credentials, experience with children, and suitability for your child's concerns.
Are Child Psychology Sessions Covered by Insurance?
Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for psychological services, including child therapy with a registered psychologist. Coverage amounts, annual limits, and eligibility requirements vary between providers and plans. Creative Sky Psychology is a private clinic, and families can use their receipts to request reimbursement where their benefits allow. We recommend confirming your coverage directly with your insurer.
Do You Offer Online or Virtual Child Psychology in Calgary?
Yes. Creative Sky Psychology offers in-person appointments at our Killarney clinic in Calgary, along with secure virtual psychology sessions for families across Alberta. Online therapy can be suitable for some children and teens, depending on their age, needs, and comfort with the format. Our team can help you explore which appointment option may be most appropriate.
Are Parents Involved in Child Therapy Sessions?
Parent involvement is an important part of our approach. Therapy often begins with a parent consultation to understand your child's development, strengths, and current challenges. As sessions continue, your psychologist may offer caregiver check-ins, practical strategies, or parent-focused appointments. The level of involvement depends on your child's age, therapeutic goals, and privacy needs.
Do You Communicate With Schools or Teachers?
When appropriate and with the necessary consent, our psychologists can collaborate with teachers, school staff, and other professionals involved in your child's care. This may help families better understand classroom challenges, coordinate support strategies, or address concerns involving learning, attention, behaviour, and school attendance. Collaboration is guided by your child's needs and applicable confidentiality requirements.
Sky filled with various white and beige clouds surrounding a large dark cloud in the center

Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe, Understood, and Valued

If your child is struggling, you do not have to figure it out alone. Our Calgary child psychologists are here to help you understand what is underneath the behaviour, and what comes next.