Children’s Counselling
Helping Children Feel Safe, Seen, and Supported
At Thrive Therapy, we offer children’s counselling that meets kids (ages 3 - 12 years) where they are, through play, creativity, and connection. Children often don’t yet have the words to explain big feelings or challenging experiences. Play-based counselling provides a natural, developmentally appropriate way for children to express themselves, build emotional skills, and grow confidence.
What Is Play-Based Counselling?
Play-based counselling uses toys, games, art, movement, and storytelling as tools for communication and healing. Through play, children can:
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Express thoughts and emotions safely
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Process experiences at their own pace
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Develop emotional regulation skills
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Strengthen problem-solving and social skills
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Build self-esteem and resilience
Play is a child’s natural language—and therapy works best when it speaks that language.
We use play-based, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed approaches to help children make sense of their world and learn healthy ways to cope with big emotions and daily challenges.
Who We Support
Our child counselling services may be helpful for children (Ages 3 - 12 years) who are experiencing:
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Big emotions (worry, anxiety, sadness, anger, frequent overwhelm)
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Emotional or behavioural changes
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Children who have experienced developmental trauma
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History of abuse and/or neglect
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Disruptions to attachments with caregivers
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Low confidence or self-esteem
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Friendship or social challenges
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Family transitions (separation, loss, new sibling, move)
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Neurodiversity-related challenges (Autism, ADHD, sensory needs)
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Sleep, regulation, or separation struggles
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School-related stress or refusal
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Difficulty identifying or communicating feelings
No concern is “too small.” If your child is struggling, or you’re simply looking for extra support, we’re here to help.
How We Support Children
We meet children where they are.
Sessions are tailored to each child’s developmental stage and may include:
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Family Centred
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Play-based counselling
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Emotion coaching
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Storytelling and creative expression
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Cognitive-behavioural strategies (CBT)
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Mindfulness and calming tools
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Social-emotional skill building
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Parent coaching and support
Our approach is strength-based and child-led, meaning the relationship and connection come first. We focus on helping children feel safe, seen, and understood.
Parents and caregivers play an important role in a child’s emotional health. With your permission, we work closely with families to:
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Understand what your child is experiencing
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Share strategies to support them at home and school
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Build routines that support emotional regulation
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Strengthen connection and communication
Our services are available at our Halifax clinic, and through virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility for all individuals (children, youth and adults).
Book a Free Consult
Book a free consultation today to discuss your child's needs, goals, and to find the right therapy approach to support you or your families well-being!
If you’re unsure if counselling is the right fit for your child, thats okay! We offer free consultations with our therapists to talk with you about your concerns and help you decide whether counselling, occupational therapy, or a combination of supports may be helpful.