Social Skills Therapy for Children and Teens in Calgary

At Creative Sky Psychology we understand that making friends, joining a group, and navigating awkward moments can be challenging moments. At times children and teens benefit from learning these skills, Social success isn’t about teaching manners — it’s about building self-awareness, flexibility, and emotional safety. Therapy at Creative Sky Psychology helps children and teens feel more confident, connected, and ready to face the social world.

When Social Challenges Affects Daily Life

We work with kids and teens who are experiencing:

  • Difficulty making or keeping friends

  • Avoiding social situations or group activities

  • Awkwardness, disconnection, or being “on the outside”

  • Aggressive, impulsive, or rigid responses in play

  • Challenges with sharing, turn-taking, or perspective-taking

  • Selective mutism or high social anxiety

  • Trouble interpreting body language, humour, or emotional cues

These challenges often show up in children with ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or emotional regulation difficulties — but also in kids who just haven’t had the chance to develop these skills yet.

Our Approach to Social Skills Support

We believe social success starts with connection and confidence — not compliance. Our Calgary-based psychologists take an age-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approach.

For Preschoolers (Ages 3–5):

  • Play-based therapy using art, role play, and imaginary play

  • Social stories to build empathy and flexibility

  • Coaching around joining play, cooperation, and emotional cues

Children who struggle with play often struggle socially — and play is a skill that can be taught.

For School-Aged Children (Ages 6–12):

  • Creative strategies that blend modelling, CBT, and role-play

  • Tools from the Social Thinking® framework

  • Problem-solving activities to strengthen flexibility and empathy

  • Support for navigating school, friendships, and group dynamics

For Teens:

  • Collaborative sessions focused on confidence, communication, and social stress

  • Strategies for managing social anxiety, misreading signals, or self-doubt

  • Space to explore identity, peer pressure, and what healthy connection looks like

Supporting Neurodiverse Kids with Social Learning

Neurodiverse children may need to learn social interaction the same way they learn math — through direct teaching, repetition, and support. Our team is trained in supporting children and teens with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • ADHD and executive functioning challenges

  • Giftedness with asynchronous social development

  • Sensory sensitivities that affect play or group engagement

We use a strength-based lens, focusing on what your child can do — and helping build new tools from there.

Why Parents in Calgary Choose Creative Sky

Specialized child psychologists who understand social development

Flexible, creative approaches that match each child’s needs

Affirming care for neurodivergent learners

Collaborative coaching and feedback for parents

A belief that kids who feel better, do better

We help kids feel capable, connected, and confident — in their own way, at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are signs that my child is struggling with social skills?

Kids with social challenges may have trouble starting or keeping conversations, reading social cues, joining group play, sharing, or handling rejection. They may seem bossy, shy, overly silly, or isolated. If friendships feel difficult or distressing for your child, therapy can help build confidence and connection.

How does therapy help improve my child’s social skills?

Therapy creates a safe space to practice communication, turn-taking, empathy, emotional awareness, and flexible thinking. At Creative Sky Psychology, we use play-based learning, role play, CBT, problem-solving games, and narrative tools tailored to your child’s age and personality—helping them learn how to connect without shame or pressure.

Is it normal for kids to have trouble making friends?

Some children take longer to develop social skills—that’s okay. But if your child feels lonely or anxious around peers or repeatedly misreads social situations, they may need extra support. Early intervention can boost their confidence and help prevent long-term isolation or self-esteem struggles.

Can social difficulties be linked to ADHD, autism, or anxiety?

Yes. Neurodivergent children (with ADHD, autism, or anxiety) often struggle with things like reading body language, handling unstructured play, managing sensory input, or recovering from social slip-ups. We offer neurodiversity-affirming support that helps your child build skills without forcing them to mask or conform.

  • Not always. Many children benefit from 1-on-1 therapy first, where they can build confidence without the pressure of peers. Once ready, they may join a social skills group to practice in real time. Our Calgary psychologists will guide you to the right path based on your child’s needs.

  • We target skills like: reading social cues, perspective-taking, managing big emotions in friendships, joining play, problem solving, compromising, assertiveness, and emotional regulation. We also support deeper issues like friendship anxiety, rejection sensitivity, or masking. Therapy is always matched to the child’s developmental level and social goals.

  • Having friends doesn’t always mean things are going smoothly. Your child might be overly dependent on one friend, struggle with conflict, or feel left out in groups. Therapy helps kids navigate the nuances of friendship, from boundaries and conflict resolution to navigating cliques and inclusion.

  • Some kids develop stronger social skills naturally with time, but others need guidance—especially if they’ve experienced rejection, bullying, or ongoing frustration. Without support, social challenges can impact confidence, school performance, and mental health. Therapy offers a proactive way to help your child feel successful and connected.