Depression & Low Mood Therapy in Calgary
Supporting Children, Teens, and Families Through Heavy Moments
Depression can make even the simplest moments feel heavy — for children who don’t have the words, for teens carrying quiet pressure, and for parents watching their child lose energy or joy.
At Ten Child Psychology, we provide depression and low mood therapy in Calgary for children, teens, and parents, helping families understand what’s happening beneath the surface and take steady steps toward reconnection, hope, and balance.
Therapy here is not about pushing positivity.
It’s about understanding, connection, and rebuilding emotional energy at a pace that feels safe.
Understanding Depression in Children and Teens
When the Light Feels Dim
Everyone feels low sometimes. Depression becomes a concern when sadness, irritability, or emptiness linger and begin to affect daily life at home, school, or with peers.
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. In children and teens, it often shows up as withdrawal, frustration, exhaustion, or loss of interest in things that once mattered.
Common signs of depression in children and teens include:
Low motivation, energy, or focus
Irritability or emotional withdrawal
Changes in sleep or appetite
Loss of interest in play, hobbies, or friends
Negative self-talk or hopelessness
Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Therapy helps families make sense of these changes and gently restore balance, connection, and emotional resilience.
Depression and anxiety often overlap. Families may also explore Anxiety Therapy in Calgary for integrated support.
With compassion and care — support you can count on.
Our Approach to Depression Therapy
At Ten Child Psychology, depression therapy is strength-based, evidence-informed, and deeply human. We focus on helping young people reconnect with meaning, routine, relationships, and self-worth.
Our psychologists may use:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Helping children and teens recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Supporting emotional flexibility, values, and motivation.
Behavioural Activation - Small, realistic steps that increase daily engagement and energy.
Narrative Therapy - Helping young people re-author stories shaped by loss, change, or self-doubt.
Therapy becomes a space for reflection and renewal — where progress doesn’t have to be perfect, just possible.
With creativity comes capacity. Strong roots and brighter skies.
What Children and Teens Learn in Therapy
Through conversation, reflection, and gentle structure, children and teens learn skills that support both mood and long-term emotional health.
They learn to:
Recognize and manage unhelpful thought patterns
Build daily structure through small, achievable actions
Reconnect with strengths, interests, and values
Develop emotional regulation and self-compassion
Strengthen communication and boundaries
Rebuild confidence after burnout, stress, or loss
Change happens gradually — clarity grows one step at a time.
With care comes calm. Calm opens doors to change.
Depression in Children
Quiet Struggles, Growing Support
In children, depression often appears through behaviour rather than words. Low mood may show up as irritability, clinginess, withdrawal, or loss of interest in play.
Common signs of depression in children include:
Reduced interest in play or activities
Increased frustration or emotional outbursts
Fatigue or frequent complaints of boredom
Changes in sleep or appetite
Negative statements about themselves
Therapy helps children express emotions safely through conversation, creativity, and connection — rebuilding confidence and emotional safety over time.
With understanding comes strength — steady ground returns.
Depression in Teens
Pressure, Identity, and Emotional Exhaustion
Teen depression often hides behind irritability, burnout, academic pressure, or withdrawal. Teens may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to explain what’s wrong.
You might notice:
Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or school
Isolation or emotional shutdown
Declining motivation or grades
Perfectionism and harsh self-criticism
Changes in sleep or eating
Teen therapy at Ten offers a space to slow down, feel understood, and rebuild motivation without pressure. The focus is on balance, self-trust, and reconnecting with meaning.
→ Learn more about Teen Therapy in Calgary and Anxiety Therapy in Calgary for overlapping concerns.
With courage comes clarity — growth begins again.
Supporting Parents and Families
You’re Not on the Sidelines
When a child or teen feels low, the entire family is affected. Parent involvement is an essential part of depression therapy at Ten Child Psychology.
Parent and family sessions may include:
Understanding depression and how it shows up behaviourally
Communication strategies that support connection
Guidance for gentle structure and routine
Coaching for encouraging independence and confidence
Tools for managing caregiver worry and burnout
When parents feel more confident, children and teens feel safer.
→ Learn more about Parent Counselling in Calgary for practical, supportive guidance.
Collaboration builds bridges. Bridges create breakthroughs.
When to Reach Out for Support
It may be time to seek therapy if you notice:
Persistent low mood or irritability
Emotional exhaustion or withdrawal
Difficulty managing school, friendships, or routines
Feeling disconnected or “not like themselves”
Ongoing negative self-talk or loss of hope
Early support can change the trajectory — helping families build strength and clarity before patterns deepen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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If low mood is affecting motivation, relationships, school, or daily routines, therapy can help restore balance and emotional resilience.
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Yes. Parent involvement supports long-term progress and helps changes carry into everyday life.
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Yes. Therapy and medication often work well together, especially when focused on skill-building and emotional understanding.
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Yes. We offer secure virtual therapy for families across Alberta.
Why Families Choose Ten for Depression Therapy in Calgary
Boutique, child- and family-focused clinic in Bridgeland / East Calgary
Psychologists experienced in supporting childhood and teen depression
Compassionate, collaborative care
Integrated support for anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional regulation
In-person sessions in East Calgary and secure online therapy across Alberta
No waitlist — begin when you’re ready
Beyond Ten. Into Possibility.
Ten Child Psychology
172 9 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4H2
📞 403-727-7473
Our Bridgeland clinic was designed for comfort and clarity — bright natural light, open spaces, and quiet corners that encourage peace.
Located near Inglewood, Riverbend, Crescent Heights, Tuxedo Park, Hillhurst, Quarry Park, Douglasdale, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, and Seton. We also offer secure online therapy for clients across Alberta, creating flexibility for those managing busy schedules or low energy days.
