With the right support, children can flourish.
Children don’t always have the words to tell us what they’re feeling or what they need. Sometimes their emotions come out through play, behaviour, tears, worries, or simply seeming a little different than themselves. Therapy can give your child a safe space to be understood, express what’s going on in their own way, and develop the tools they need to feel more confident and capable.
And you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to support both your child and you along the way.
Child Therapy in the Waterloo Region
Child Therapy
Child Therapy
A Space for Your Child to Be Themselves
When your child is having a hard time, it can be difficult to know what they need — or how to help. Our therapists support both children and parents through challenges like big emotions, anxiety, friendship struggles, confidence, behaviour, and life transitions.
For children ages 3–11, therapy often happens through play rather than conversation. Our play-based therapists create a warm, child-focused environment where children can express themselves through toys, drawing, sand play, and other creative activities. We also work with parents to help you better understand your child, respond to their needs, and feel more confident supporting them outside of therapy. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
View our FAQ.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can give children a space to feel understood, build confidence, and learn how to navigate the big feelings and experiences that come with growing up. It can also give parents a better understanding of what their child may be communicating through their emotions or behaviour — and practical tools to respond in ways that strengthen connection.
Together, we can help your child:
Understand and express their emotions
Build confidence and self-esteem
Develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills
Navigate friendships, conflict, and social challenges
Build independence and resilience
Feel more comfortable expressing their needs
Work through changes and transitions
Strengthen their relationships with parents and others
And perhaps most importantly, therapy can help families feel more connected, supported, and confident moving forward.
A Note for Parents: To protect your child’s privacy and maintain a safe, trusting therapeutic space, we do not provide therapy, reports, or documentation for custody disputes, parenting assessments, or legal proceedings. Our focus is solely on your child’s emotional well-being and therapeutic needs.
What Does Child Therapy Look Like?
Child therapy doesn’t always look like traditional talk therapy. Depending on your child’s age, personality, and needs, sessions may include play, drawing, storytelling, games, sand play, movement, or conversation. Our therapists follow your child’s lead while gently helping them build emotional awareness, coping skills, confidence, and connection.
Parents are an important part of the process, too. Your therapist will work with you to understand what your child needs and offer guidance and strategies that can be carried into everyday life.
Therapists Offering Child Therapy
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Mais Haj-Ayoub (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Child Therapy
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Emily Doobay (she/her)
Registered Social Worker
Child Therapy
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Claudia Gracias (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Child Therapy
