Can OCD involve thoughts that are scary, weird, or taboo?

Yes. Many children experience intrusive thoughts that feel frightening or confusing (e.g., harm or moral themes). These are symptoms of OCD, not a child’s character. Therapy helps kids notice and detach from these thoughts without shame.

Do children with OCD know their rituals don’t make sense?

Often they do, but the anxiety feels unbearable without the ritual. Therapy explains the OCD cycle and teaches new responses so kids can tolerate uncertainty without compulsions.

Can OCD in kids go away on its own?

OCD rarely resolves without treatment. Early ERP-informed support makes it easier to interrupt the cycle and reduce impact on school, friendships, sleep, and family life.

How involved are parents in OCD treatment for kids and teens?

Parent involvement is essential. We coach families to step out of reassurance and accommodation cycles, respond calmly, reinforce progress, and reduce stress at home.

How does therapy help with OCD in children and teens?

The gold-standard is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a CBT method that helps youth face triggers without rituals. We pair ERP with emotion regulation and parent coaching for durable change.

What causes OCD in children and adolescents?

OCD arises from genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Some children have heightened sensitivity to uncertainty; others develop symptoms under stress or after illness. Therapy focuses on giving kids control over OCD—not the other way around.

How is OCD different from anxiety or perfectionism?

OCD includes distressing obsessions and compulsions aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing harm. Perfectionism involves high standards but not necessarily rituals. A child psychologist can clarify the pattern and treatment plan.

What are the signs of OCD in children and teens?

Common signs include intrusive thoughts, reassurance-seeking, checking, handwashing, arranging, counting, or needing things to feel “just right.” If these patterns interfere with daily life, OCD therapy can help.

Contact Our Calgary Child Psychologists

Let's Connect.

Reaching out is often the hardest part — and we've tried to make it simple. Fill out the contact form and we'll help connect you with the child psychologist who's the right fit for your family, your child's needs, and what you're hoping for.

You don't need a referral or a diagnosis to get started. Whether you have questions about child therapy, assessments, fees, or you're just not sure where to begin, a real person from our Calgary team is always happy to talk it through — no pressure and no obligation.

Prefer to reach us directly? Email info@creativeskypsychology.com or call our Office Administrator at (587) 331-4464 . We'll get back to you as soon as we can, usually within one business day.

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Address

Creative Sky Psychology
#5 – 2005 37th St. SW
Killarney, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5

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Hours

Monday–Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Parking

Free street parking is available on the far right side of the building along 19th Avenue, and behind the building on 38th Street. If you park on 19th Avenue, please watch for the two fire hydrants.

Email

info@creativeskypsychology.com

Phone

(587) 331-4464

The Creative Sky Psychology child and family therapy team in Calgary

Areas We Serve

Supporting Families Across Calgary.

Our clinic sits in Killarney in Southwest Calgary, welcoming families from across the city and surrounding communities — and offering online sessions to families throughout Alberta.

Killarney
Marda Loop
Altadore
Garrison Woods
South Calgary
Bankview
Richmond
Signal Hill
Aspen Woods
Springbank Hill
Glenbrook
Glamorgan
Lakeview
Rutland Park
Shaganappi
Westgate
Wildwood
Spruce Cliff
Mount Royal
Elbow Park

…and online across Alberta.