Depression Therapy in Calgary for Children and Teens

Not all sadness is depression — but when the weight won’t lift, it’s time to reach out. At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we support children and teens struggling with depression through evidence-based, deeply personalized therapy. Whether your child is feeling hopeless, withdrawing from others, or having trouble getting through the day, our experienced psychologists can help them move from stuck to supported.

drawing emotions in depression therapy Calgary child psychologist

What Does Depression Look Like in Children and Teens?

Depression doesn’t always show up as crying. Especially in kids and teens, it can appear as:

  • Irritability, anger, or defiance

  • Isolation or avoiding social interaction

  • Low energy or trouble focusing

  • Loss of interest in hobbies

  • Physical complaints like stomach aches or fatigue

  • Saying things like “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter anymore”

These signs may not always be obvious, and they often overlap with anxiety or emotional dysregulation — both of which we address through Emotion Regulation Therapy. Our Calgary child psychologists are trained to understand the unique ways depression shows up at different developmental stages — and to respond with sensitivity, insight, and skill.

Therapy That Supports Healing, Confidence, and Hope

We don’t just treat symptoms — we support the whole child.

At Creative Sky, we use a blend of:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reframe unhelpful thought patterns

  • Play therapy to help younger children express what words can’t reach

  • Narrative and art-based techniques to explore identity, emotion, and hope

  • Mindfulness and emotional regulation tools

  • Parent involvement to reinforce connection and coping at home

Therapy is adapted to fit your child’s age, personality, and experience. Our focus is always on creating a safe space where children feel heard — and empowered.

Calgary child psychologist Jennifer Hawkins that specializes in the treatment of childhood depression

How We Tailor Depression Therapy by Age

Preschoolers (3–5)

Young children may not say “I’m sad,” but they show it through clinginess, withdrawal, or aggression. We use play-based approaches and parent collaboration to nurture safety, trust, and expression.

School-Age Children (6–12)

Kids in this age group often benefit from play, CBT, art, and storytelling. Therapy focuses on identifying feelings, building skills for emotional expression, and reconnecting with joy.

Teens (13–18)

For adolescents, depression may center around self-esteem, friendships, pressure to succeed, or identity struggles. Therapy may include ACT, narrative therapy, and work around coping, self-talk, and meaning-making.

Parent Support: You Are Not Alone

We understand how helpless it can feel when your child is hurting.

That’s why our Calgary therapists offer:

  • Joint parent-child sessions

  • Psychoeducation about depression and brain-based responses

  • Communication strategies that don’t overwhelm

  • Tools for managing emotional shutdowns, meltdowns, or flat responses

  • Guidance on school support, accommodations, and advocacy

You’re not expected to fix everything. But with the right tools and support, you can make a huge difference.

Why Choose Creative Sky for Depression Support?

Specialized Child & Teen Psychologists
Our team is trained in child development and adolescent mental health — not just adult therapy adapted down.

Creative, Developmentally Matched Interventions
We don’t expect kids to talk like grown-ups. Our therapists use play, art, metaphor, and movement to meet them where they are.

Parent-Centered Collaboration
Therapy often works best when families are part of the process. We involve parents when appropriate - with insight, guidance, and collaboration.

Calgary child at creative sky psychology learning to manage depression and emotions