Child & Youth Therapy in Cambridge, Ontario
Helping children and youth feel understood, supported and confident navigating life’s challenges
Growing up can come with big feelings, unexpected challenges, and experiences that are difficult to understand or put into words. Sometimes, children and youth need a little extra support as they navigate what is happening in their lives.
At Wiidookodaadiwin, we offer compassionate, age-appropriate therapy for children and youth in Cambridge, Ontario, and virtually where available.
Our team includes Registered Psychotherapists and social workers who work with young people using approaches tailored to their individual needs. Depending on the clinician, this may include play therapy and other therapeutic approaches.
Whether your child is having a hard time managing emotions, navigating changes at home or school, or finding it difficult to express what they are experiencing, we’re here to help you explore the next steps.
When Might a Child or Youth Benefit From Therapy?
Children and youth don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Sometimes, their experiences show up through changes in behaviour, emotions, relationships, or everyday routines.
You might consider therapy if your child or teen is experiencing:
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Frequent worry, anxiety, or fears
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Big emotions or difficulty managing frustration
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Behavioural challenges or changes in behaviour
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Difficulty with friendships or social situations
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Low confidence or self-esteem
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Challenges at school or difficulty with transitions
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Family changes, separation, or other major life events
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Grief, loss, or difficult experiences
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Withdrawal, sadness, or changes in mood
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Difficulty communicating feelings or needs
You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. Therapy can also offer a supportive space for children and youth to better understand themselves, build skills, and work through challenges.
Play Therapy: Helping Children Express What Words Can’t Always Explain
Children don’t always have the words to describe what they’re feeling or experiencing. Sometimes, play provides a more natural way for them to communicate.
Play therapy uses play-based activities within a therapeutic relationship to help children explore emotions, experiences, and challenges in a developmentally appropriate way.
Depending on the child’s needs and the therapist’s approach, sessions may incorporate toys, creative activities, storytelling, games, and other forms of play.
Through this process, children may have opportunities to:
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Explore and express difficult emotions.
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Develop emotional awareness.
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Practice coping and problem-solving skills.
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Build confidence and self-esteem.
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Work through challenging experiences.
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Develop healthier ways of communicating and relating to others.
Play therapy isn’t simply playing with a child. It is a therapeutic approach guided by a trained clinician who considers the child’s developmental stage, individual needs, and treatment goals.
Therapy for Youth: A Space to Be Heard and Understood
As children grow into adolescence, their emotional and social worlds become more complex.
Youth may experience increased pressure around friendships, school, identity, family relationships, and expectations. Having a supportive space outside of these everyday environments can make a meaningful difference.
Our therapists work collaboratively with youth to explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, strengthen self-understanding, and navigate the challenges they’re facing.
Youth therapy may support concerns such as:
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Anxiety and stress.
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Depression and low mood.
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Self-esteem and identity.
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Peer and friendship challenges.
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Family and relationship difficulties.
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Emotional regulation.
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Life transitions and adjustment.
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School-related stress.
Our goal is to create a supportive environment where young people feel respected, heard, and involved in their therapeutic journey.
Different Therapies, Tailored to Each Child or Youth
There is no single approach that works for every child or young person. Our clinicians consider each individual’s age, experiences, strengths, needs, and goals when determining how therapy may look.
Depending on the clinician, services may include:
Play Therapy
Play-based activities can help children express feelings, explore experiences, and communicate in developmentally appropriate ways.
Behaviour Therapy Background and Approaches
Some clinicians bring experience in behaviour therapy and supporting children with behavioural challenges. Ummehani, for example, has a background in behaviour therapy. The specific strategies offered will depend on her training, role, and clinical assessment.
Other Therapeutic Approaches
Our team may draw on additional therapeutic approaches based on each clinician’s qualifications, experience, and areas of practice.
We’ll work with you to explore which clinician and approach may be a good fit.
Meet Our Child & Youth Therapists
Our team includes clinicians who work with children and youth using approaches suited to their individual training and experience.
Whether your child may benefit from play therapy or a different therapeutic approach, we’ll help you explore the right fit.
Desiree Bertrand, Registered Psychotherapist
Bio can be found here
Ummehani Rehmani, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Bio can be found here
Shannon Pride, Registered Social Worker
Bio can be found here
Start with a free 20-minute consultation. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just come as you are.
FAQ
What age can a child start therapy?
The appropriate age depends on the child, their needs, and the therapist’s training and experience. Contact our team to discuss which services may be appropriate.
Does my child need to talk during therapy?
Not necessarily. Depending on their developmental stage and needs, therapists may use play, creative activities, games, and conversation to help children express themselves.
Do parents participate in child therapy sessions?
Parent and caregiver involvement depends on the child’s age, treatment goals, and clinical needs. Your therapist will discuss what involvement may look like and how confidentiality is handled.
Is play therapy the same as regular play?
No. Play therapy is a therapeutic approach facilitated by a clinician with appropriate training. Play is used intentionally to support emotional expression, exploration, and therapeutic goals.
How do I know which therapist is right for my child?
You don’t have to figure that out alone. Our team can learn more about your child’s needs and help identify an appropriate clinician based on their experience, approach, and availability.