Emotion Regulation Therapy in Calgary

Helping Children, Teens, and Families Navigate Big Feelings With Confidence

Emotions are powerful. They help children and teens connect, react, and adapt — but when feelings become overwhelming or hard to manage, they can interfere with focus, relationships, and daily life.

At Ten Child Psychology, we provide emotion regulation therapy in Calgary for children, teens, and parents, helping young people understand their emotions, respond instead of react, and build calm through awareness and skill-building.

Calm isn’t about not feeling.
It’s about knowing what to do when feelings show up.

Calming resources used in emotion regulation therapy at Ten Child Psychology in Calgary

Understanding Emotion Regulation

When Feelings Take Over

Big emotions are part of being human — especially during childhood and adolescence, when brains and nervous systems are still developing. Sometimes emotions move faster than language, logic, or self-control.

Emotion regulation therapy helps children and teens slow things down, understand emotional patterns, and learn tools that work in real life — especially during stress, transitions, or uncertainty.

You might notice:

  • Sudden anger, tears, or emotional outbursts

  • Feeling “flooded,” overwhelmed, or shutting down

  • Difficulty calming down or staying focused

  • Trouble communicating feelings without conflict

  • Emotional overwhelm affecting school, friendships, or routines

Emotion regulation challenges often overlap with anxiety and ADHD. Families may also explore Anxiety Therapy in Calgary or ADHD Therapy in Calgary for integrated support.

With compassion comes care — support you can count on.

Our Approach to Emotion Regulation Therapy

Emotion regulation therapy at Ten Child Psychology blends insight, practice, and compassion. We help children and teens build emotional awareness and coping tools that fit their daily lives — not just therapy sessions.

Our psychologists may integrate:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Helping young people recognize thought patterns that intensify emotional reactions.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Supporting emotional awareness, mindfulness, and flexibility without judgment.

  • DBT-Informed Skills - Teaching practical tools for mindfulness, distress tolerance, and communication.

  • Play- and Art-Based Approaches - Especially helpful for children who express emotions through movement or creativity.

  • Parent Collaboration and Coaching - Helping caregivers reinforce calming strategies at home.

Each plan is tailored to age, strengths, and goals — balancing structure with curiosity and care.

With creativity comes capacity — new pathways emerge.

What Children and Teens Learn in Therapy

Emotion regulation therapy teaches children and teens that emotions are messages, not mistakes.

They learn to:

  • Recognize emotions early, before they escalate

  • Identify triggers and body signals

  • Use grounding and calming strategies

  • Manage frustration, sadness, and anxiety more effectively

  • Communicate emotions clearly and respectfully

  • Build flexibility, confidence, and self-compassion

Over time, emotional awareness turns into emotional confidence.

Emotion Regulation in Children

Learning Calm Through Play and Connection

Children don’t always have the words for what they feel — so therapy gives them safe, creative ways to show it. Through play, art, and movement, children learn how emotions work and how to calm their bodies when feelings feel “too big.”

You might notice:

  • Tantrums, meltdowns, or emotional shutdowns

  • Difficulty with transitions or routines

  • Perfectionism or strong reactions to mistakes

  • Sensory overload or trouble expressing needs

Therapy helps children name feelings, practice calming strategies, and ask for help — skills that support resilience across development.

Parents are actively involved so strategies are reinforced at home.

→ Learn more about Parent Counselling in Calgary for tools that support emotional growth between sessions.

With curiosity comes confidence — clear skies ahead.

Emotion Regulation in Teens

Stress, Sensitivity, and Self-Control

Teen emotions can feel intense and unpredictable. Social pressure, academic stress, identity development, and changing relationships can all amplify emotional reactions.

Emotion regulation therapy helps teens understand what’s happening beneath the surface and build tools to manage stress, disappointment, and pressure with awareness and balance.

You might notice:

  • Mood swings or emotional outbursts

  • Withdrawal, shutdown, or “I don’t care” responses

  • Anxiety, perfectionism, or self-criticism

  • Difficulty expressing needs or setting boundaries

Through conversation, creativity, and practical strategies, teens learn how to ride emotional waves without being overwhelmed by them.

→ Explore Teen Therapy in Calgary and Perfectionism Support for overlapping challenges.

With understanding comes steadiness — confidence grows from within.

Parent Collaboration and Family Support

Emotional Skills Grow Best Together

Emotion regulation develops through connection. Children and teens benefit most when caregivers understand emotional needs and respond with consistency and calm.

Parent and family sessions may include:

  • Understanding emotional regulation development

  • Coaching for calm routines and predictable responses

  • Reducing power struggles and reactive cycles

  • Supporting emotional literacy for the whole family

When parents feel confident responding to emotions, children feel safer learning new skills.

Collaboration builds bridges. Bridges create breakthroughs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

  • It’s therapy that helps children and teens understand emotions and develop practical tools to manage strong feelings effectively.

  • Yes. Sessions are tailored to developmental level and often include play or creative methods.

  • Yes. Parent collaboration is encouraged, especially for younger clients.

  • Yes. We offer secure virtual therapy for families across Alberta.

Why Families Choose Ten for Emotion Regulation Therapy in Calgary

  • Boutique, child- and family-focused clinic in Bridgeland / East Calgary

  • Psychologists experienced in CBT, ACT, and DBT-informed approaches

  • Creative, strength-based therapy for children and teens

  • Collaborative support with parents and caregivers

  • In-person sessions in East Calgary and secure online therapy across Alberta

  • No waitlist — begin when you’re ready

Supportive conversation during emotion regulation therapy at Ten Child Psychology in Calgary

Beyond Ten. Into Possibility.

Our Bridgeland clinic is bright, welcoming, and movement-friendly — with creative materials, flexible seating, and a judgment-free atmosphere that supports emotional safety.

Ten Child Psychology

172 9 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4H2

📞 403-727-7473

Serving families in Bridgeland, Inglewood, Riverbend, Crescent Heights, Tuxedo Park, Hillhurst, Douglasdale, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Seton — and online across Alberta.