Support for Your Child
When you sense that your child is struggling, it’s not always clear whether it’s a phase or something that needs support.
You might notice increased anxiety, frequent emotional outbursts, difficulty with attention or behaviour, or challenges at school or with peers. Tasks that should feel manageable start to become stressful, and patterns begin to repeat without much improvement. Sometimes there isn’t a single issue at all; just a feeling that your child is facing more challenges than might be expected for their age.
The earlier you understand what’s going on, the easier it is to support change and healthy growth.
At Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic, we work with children and families to understand what’s driving these challenges. Our work helps children make sense of what they’re feeling, while developing the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviour. Our therapists offer in-person sessions at our Toronto clinic, along with virtual options for older children and teens when it’s a good fit.
When a Child May Benefit from Therapy
As a parent, you might find yourself questioning if therapy is right for your child. Should you give it time to see if the situation improves, or is it time to look for help?
When those questions keep coming up, it can help to get a clearer sense of what’s going on and what to do next.
You might recognize your child in some of these experiences:
Frequent Anxiety, Worry, or Fears
They may seem on edge, ask for reassurance often, or avoid situations that feel overwhelming to them.
Emotional Outbursts or Difficulty Regulating Emotions
Reactions can feel bigger than expected, with frustration, anger, or tears that are hard to settle once they start.
Behavioural Challenges at Home or School
You might be noticing more pushback, difficulty following rules, or feedback from teachers about behaviour in the classroom.
Social Difficulties or Withdrawal From Peers
They may struggle to make or maintain friendships, avoid social situations, or seem more isolated than before.
Trouble Focusing, Following Instructions, or Staying Organized (Including ADHD-Related Concerns):
Tasks may feel challenging to complete, attention may drift easily, or routines can be difficult to stick to.
Sleep Issues or Noticeable Changes in Mood
You might see trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or shifts in mood that feel out of character.
Struggling to Adjust to Life Changes
Transitions like starting school, family changes, or loss can influence feelings of stress, regression, or emotional overwhelm.
Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, or Easily Frustrated
Things that used to feel manageable may now lead to shutdown, avoidance, or frequent frustration.
Our Approach to Child Therapy
In child therapy, our goal is to help children make sense of feelings that can be confusing, overwhelming, or hard to put into words. Many children don’t say “I’m anxious” or “I’m struggling.” It often shows up in their behaviour or reactions. Your child’s therapist’s role is to understand what’s underneath those moments, and help your child build the skills to manage them differently.
At Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic, we start by understanding how these challenges are affecting your child’s everyday life at home, at school, and in their relationships. From there, we work at a pace that fits your child, focusing on practical, age-appropriate strategies that feel accessible to them.
How We Help
Age-Appropriate, Engaging Therapy
Children need to feel comfortable before they can open up. Sessions are adapted to your child’s age and personality, using approaches that feel natural to them, including play-based methods when helpful.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children begin to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and gives them tools to respond in ways that feel more in control.
ADHD-Informed Support
When ADHD is part of your child’s experience, we adapt our strategies to support that reality. Our team includes therapists who have ADHD themselves, offering insight that comes from both professional training and lived experience.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT supports children in learning how to handle difficult thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them, while building resilience over time.
Building Confidence and Problem-Solving Skills
As children begin to feel more capable of handling challenges, their confidence grows. Child therapy supports them in approaching situations that once felt overwhelming with more flexibility.
Support for School and Social Challenges
We work with children on navigating expectations, peer relationships, and situations that can feel stressful or discouraging.
Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
We help children recognize what’s happening in their bodies and emotions, and give them practical ways to calm, reset, and move through those moments.
Parent Guidance and Collaboration
You won’t be left guessing what to do at home. We provide practical guidance so you can support your child in ways that are consistent, realistic, and effective.
Why Parents Choose Us
Therapists Who Understand Children
Our clinicians have specific experience working with children and understand how emotional and behavioural challenges develop at different ages.
ADHD-Informed and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
We take into account how each child’s brain works, adapting our approach to support their strengths as well as their challenges.
A Space Where Children Feel Comfortable
Children are more likely to engage when they feel safe and understood. Child therapy sessions are designed to take the pressure off and build trust over time.
A Collaborative Process with Parents
You’re part of the process. We work together so that what’s happening in therapy connects to what’s happening at home.
In-Person and Virtual Child Therapy in Toronto
We offer in-person sessions at our Toronto clinic, with virtual options available for older children and teenagers when appropriate.
Thoughtful, Individualized Therapy
Our sessions are shaped around your child’s needs, pace, and personality. Our approach evolves as your child grows.
What to Expect in Child Therapy
Child therapy centres around how children naturally communicate and learn. Rather than expecting them to talk through everything directly, sessions help them express themselves and build skills in ways that feel more comfortable.
Here’s what that typically looks like:
Parent consultation: We start by meeting with you to understand your concerns, your child’s history, and what you’re hoping to address.
Child therapy sessions: Your child meets with their therapist in a way that fits their age and personality. This might be more structured or more play-based, depending on what works best.
Skill-building: Sessions focus on building usable skills, such as managing big emotions, handling anxiety, improving focus, or navigating social situations.
Parent involvement: You’ll receive guidance and strategies to support your child between sessions. For many families, this is a key part of progress.
Ongoing check-ins: We regularly review what’s improving, what still feels challenging, and how to adjust the approach as needed.
Who We Help
Our therapists work with children starting from age 6 through the teen years, supporting emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. For some families, there’s a clear reason to begin therapy. For others, it’s more of a feeling that something has shifted, and their child may need a bit more support.
Young children (ages 6–9)
Big feelings can be hard to manage at this stage, especially as children are learning routines, expectations, and how to relate to others.
Children experiencing anxiety or emotional challenges
Worry, fears, or overwhelm may start to take up more space, or make everyday situations feel harder than they used to.
Children struggling socially or academically
Friendships might feel challenging, confidence may drop, or school may become a source of stress.
School-aged children
As expectations increase, some children begin to feel more overwhelmed, whether that shows in emotions, confidence, or keeping up at school.
Children with behavioural difficulties
Reactions can feel out of proportion, frustration can build quickly, and the same patterns may keep playing out at home or in the classroom.
Adult children still finding their footing
Making decisions about school, work, or independence doesn’t happen as expected, and may come with uncertainty, avoidance, or feeling stuck.
Pre-teens and teens
This stage often brings more complexity, with growing independence, identity, and social dynamics in the mix.
Kids adjusting to life changes
Transitions like divorce, moving, school changes, or loss may affect your child in subtle or unexpected ways.
Families exploring or managing ADHD
Attention, organization, and follow-through might feel like ongoing challenges, especially without strategies that fit how your child’s brain actually functions.
Common Issues Therapy Can Help Children Manage
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re going through. You might notice changes in their behaviour, mood, or how they interact with others.
We commonly support children with:
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Anxiety, worry, or fears that keep coming up
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Big emotions that are hard to manage
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Anger, frustration, or repeated outbursts
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Difficulty with focus, impulsivity, or follow-through (including ADHD)
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Challenges with friendships or feeling left out
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Stress around school or avoiding certain situations
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Adjusting to changes like divorce, moving, or loss
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Low confidence or being hard on themselves
Resources for Parents
If you want to better understand your child’s needs and what might help, these resources are a good place to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions About our Child Therapy
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Many parents contact us feeling unsure, noticing that something feels off but not knowing if it’s “enough” to seek help. If things aren’t improving, or your child seems to be struggling more than usual, child therapy can be worth exploring. You don’t need to be certain: starting with questions and simply looking for guidance on what the right next step might be is completely okay.
How involved are parents in the process?
You’re an important part of the process. The level of involvement depends on your child’s age and what they’re working through. With younger children or behavioural concerns, parents are often more involved. As children get older, sessions may become more independent, with regular check-ins to keep you supported and informed.
Do you collaborate with schools or teachers?
When it’s helpful and with your consent, we can collaborate with your child’s school or teachers. This can help create more consistency and support across environments, especially when challenges are showing up in the classroom.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
We know this is an important practical consideration. We provide receipts that can be submitted to your extended health insurance provider. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so it’s best to check directly with your provider.
What happens in a child therapy session?
Every child is different, so sessions are adapted to their age, personality, and comfort level. Some children prefer talking, while others engage through activities or play. The focus is on helping them feel at ease while gradually building skills to manage emotions, behaviour, and everyday challenges.
How long does child therapy take?
This can vary depending on what your child needs. Some families come in for support with a specific challenge, while others work through patterns that have been building over time. We check in regularly so you have a clear sense of what’s helping and what the next steps might look like.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, we offer both in-person and virtual sessions. For younger children, in-person is often more effective, as it’s easier for them to engage. Older children and teens can often do well with virtual therapy, depending on their needs and preferences.
Find A Registered Therapist Who Specializes In Child Therapy
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Not Sure Where To Start?
Our intake coordinator is here to help. They can answer your questions, guide you through our 15-minute consultation, and help you find the therapist that’s the right fit for you.
Denise Sacramento
Hello, I'm Denise.
I can help guide you through our ADHD therapy process and find the right therapist for your needs.
Where to Find Us
Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic
Address: 3910 Bathurst Street, Suite 300 (Palm Medical) Toronto, ON M3H 5Z3
Email: admin@angerandanxiety.com
Phone: +1 (289) 801-4133
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