Child Therapy
Ottawa - Support for Lasting Healing
Take the first step towards healing. At Nūrish Psychotherapy, we offer to individuals supportive and specialized child therapy to Ottawa residents and beyond.
What is Child Therapy?
Child therapy is a supportive process that helps children understand and manage their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours in a safe and nurturing environment. Therapy approaches are adapted to meet them at their level of development.
Our services support children aged 4-17 and are delivered by therapists who also have a knowledge and background in education.
Why Child Therapy?
If your child is having a hard time, whether that shows up as acting out, withdrawing, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions they can’t put into words, therapy can provide support. Using play, creativity, and gentle conversations, we can work together to give your child a safe space to express themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their sense of security both at home and at school.
How Therapy Helps
Child therapy supports children in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It nurtures emotional growth, resilience, and connection, helping them thrive at home, in school, and in their relationships.
Some of the key benefits include:
Emotional Expression: Children learn safe and healthy ways to share their feelings, even when words are hard to find.
Coping Strategies: Therapy provides tools to manage stress, big emotions, and life’s challenges more effectively.
Stronger Relationships: By understanding their own needs and feelings, children are better able to connect with family, peers, and teachers.
Confidence and Self-esteem: Gaining skills and insight helps children feel capable, valued, and secure in who they are.
Holistic Growth: Therapy supports social, emotional, and cognitive development, helping children build a balanced foundation for future well-being.
Therapeutic Modalities, Approaches and Consultations:
Our work is grounded in evidence-based, compassionate care.
Approaches and services include:
Play Therapy
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Art and Creative Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Family Therapy
Systemic Family Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Therapists Specializing in Eating Disorders Therapy
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EMILY LIGHT
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
(QUALIFYING)
Children, Teens, & adults (5+)
CBT, ACT, ERP & Motivational Interviewing
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, OCD, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Intergenerational Trauma, & Self-esteem Challenges
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Book a session
Lets start the journey of healing together.
Child Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Children may benefit from therapy if they are struggling with big emotions, changes in behaviour, difficulties at school, social challenges, or experiences of stress, loss, or trauma.
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Sessions may include play, art, storytelling, or conversation, depending on your child’s age and needs. These activities help children express themselves and learn coping strategies in a safe and supportive space. For older children, various means of talk therapy are used to identify triggers and explore coping strategies.
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Parents and caregivers are important partners in the therapeutic process. Depending on the approach, you may be included in sessions, given strategies to support your child at home, or updated on progress.
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Every child is different. Some may benefit from short-term support, while others may need longer-term care. Together, we’ll set goals and regularly check in on progress.
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Yes. If a child expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this is taken very seriously. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space where these feelings can be explored with care and compassion. The focus is on understanding the child’s pain, building coping strategies, and working closely with parents and caregivers to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
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Yes. Every child deserves support that honours their unique strengths and challenges. Therapy is adapted to meet the individual needs of neurodivergent children or those with special needs, using approaches that foster self-expression, coping skills, and confidence.
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Yes! Many of our therapists have a background in education, including one who still practices as a teacher and is also a registered teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers.
