Child Therapy In Ontario

Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling. Sometimes changes in behaviour, emotions, relationships, or routines can be their way of communicating that something isn't quite right.

At Gibson & Associates, our therapists provide compassionate, trauma-informed child therapy in Ontario. We create a supportive, age-appropriate space where children can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop a better understanding of themselves.

We offer child therapy in London, Toronto, and Barrie, as well as virtual therapy across Ontario where appropriate.

about the modality

A Space Where Children Can Feel Safe

Therapy looks different for children than it does for adults.

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Children may not sit down and talk about their feelings for an entire session. Depending on their age and needs, therapy may involve play, creative activities, conversation, movement, or other ways of helping them express themselves.

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Our therapists meet children where they are and build a relationship based on trust, curiosity, and safety.

how it works

Therapy for When Your Child Is Having a Hard Time

You may notice that your child seems different from usual.

They might become more withdrawn, have bigger emotional reactions, struggle with sleep, have difficulty at school, or seem to be having a harder time managing everyday situations.

Sometimes there's a clear reason. Other times, it's difficult to know what's changed.

You don't have to figure it out on your own.

Child therapy can provide another layer of support while helping you better understand what your child may be experiencing.

How Do I Know If My Child Could Benefit From Therapy?

You don't need to wait until you're certain something is seriously wrong.

It may be worth exploring child therapy if your child is:

  • Having frequent or intense emotional reactions
  • Experiencing persistent worry or anxiety
  • Struggling at school
  • Having difficulty with friendships
  • Going through a significant family change
  • Experiencing grief or loss
  • Showing changes in behaviour
  • Becoming more withdrawn
  • Struggling to manage emotions
  • Having difficulty adjusting to a new situation

Sometimes therapy is simply another supportive relationship in a child's life.

understanding somatic therapy

Child Therapy in London, Toronto & Barrie

Gibson & Associates offers child therapy in London, Toronto, and Barrie, with virtual therapy available throughout Ontario where appropriate.

Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, changes in behaviour, school challenges, grief, family changes, or difficulties with emotions and relationships, our therapists can provide a supportive space to work through what's happening.

how it works

Our Approach to Child Therapy

Depending on the therapist and your child's needs, therapy may incorporate:

  • Play-based approaches
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Attachment-based approaches
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Trauma-informed therapy
  • Other evidence-informed approaches

Your child's therapist will determine an approach based on their developmental stage, needs, and goals.

Find a Child Therapist in Ontario

Finding the right therapist for your child matters. Explore our therapist directory to learn more about our team, their areas of focus, therapeutic approaches, and availability.

Leanne Eby

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Child Therapy (Under 8)
Child & Youth Therapy (8-12)
Adolescent Therapy
Anti-Oppressive, Anti-Racist and Culturally Sensitive
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
EMDR
Gottman Method
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing
Solution Focused
Strengths-Based Counselling
Trauma Focused
Virtual
Direct Billing
Program Support (NIHB, VQRP+, other)
Sliding Scale
$150–$180
Anxiety & Stress
Mood & Emotional Health
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Professional Identity & Career
Occupational Stress
Neurodiversity & ADHD
Relationships
Parenting
Addiction or Substance Use
Change & Personal Growth
Compulsive Behaviours
Women's Health & Experiences
Men's Health & Experiences
Disability, Health, Illness & Pain
Sex & Intimacy
Military & Veterans
First Responders & Healthcare Professionals
Trauma & Abuse
PTSD & CPTSD
Sleep & Insomnia
Depression & Low Mood
Accepting New Clients

Sarah Doan

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Individual Therapy
Child & Youth Therapy (8-12)
Adolescent Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Mindfulness
Narrative Therapy
Virtual
In-Person (London)
Direct Billing
Sliding Scale
$150–$180
Anxiety & Stress
Mood & Emotional Health
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Professional Identity & Career
Occupational Stress
Neurodiversity & ADHD
Relationships
Parenting
Addiction or Substance Use
Change & Personal Growth
Compulsive Behaviours
Identity & Culture
Women's Health & Experiences
Men's Health & Experiences
Disability, Health, Illness & Pain
Sex & Intimacy
Sexuality & 2SLGBTQIA+
Military & Veterans
First Responders & Healthcare Professionals
Trauma & Abuse
PTSD & CPTSD
Sleep & Insomnia
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating
Depression & Low Mood
Accepting New Clients

Stacey Jasinski

MSW Student & Intern
Individual Therapy
Child & Youth Therapy (8-12)
Adolescent Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Body Oriented/Somatic Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Mindfulness
Strengths-Based Counselling
Trauma Focused
Virtual
Student/Intern Services (Low to No Fee)
Anxiety & Stress
Mood & Emotional Health
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Professional Identity & Career
Occupational Stress
Neurodiversity & ADHD
Relationships
Parenting
Change & Personal Growth
Compulsive Behaviours
Women's Health & Experiences
Disability, Health, Illness & Pain
First Responders & Healthcare Professionals
Trauma & Abuse
PTSD & CPTSD
Sleep & Insomnia
Depression & Low Mood
Accepting New Clients

FAQs

What is child therapy?

Child therapy is counselling adapted to a child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs. It can help children understand emotions, work through difficult experiences, develop coping skills, and navigate challenges.

What age can children start therapy?

There isn't one age that determines when therapy is appropriate. The right approach depends on the child's developmental stage, needs, and circumstances.

Does child therapy involve parents?

Parents and caregivers can play an important role in supporting a child's therapy. The level and type of involvement will depend on the child's needs and the therapist's approach.

Does child therapy involve play?

It can. Depending on the child's age and therapeutic approach, play and creative activities may be used to help children communicate and explore their experiences.

Do you offer child therapy in London, Toronto and Barrie?

Yes. Gibson & Associates offers child therapy in London, Toronto, and Barrie, as well as virtual therapy throughout Ontario where appropriate.

Can children attend therapy online?

Virtual therapy may be appropriate for some children. Your therapist can discuss whether online counselling is a good fit based on your child's age, needs, and circumstances.

Still have questions?

Finding the right therapist for your child can take time. If you're unsure where to start or have questions about child therapy, we're here to help.