Child Therapy
Helping children (6-12) feel safe, understood, and confident in who they are. Child therapy in Belleville. Serving Quinte West, Prince Edward County, and surrounding areas with online child therapy across Ontario.
Helping your child feel safe, heard, and supported.
Build your child’s confidence from the inside out
Support healthy ways to manage big feelings
Help your child feel calm, not overwhelmed
It’s heartbreaking to watch your child suffer and not know how to help.
At Hope Harbour Psychotherapy, we offer child therapy in Belleville and online across Ontario to gives kids a safe space to express what’s going on inside using play, art, conversation, or quiet connection.
Does this sound like your child?
- They complain of frequent headaches or stomach aches
- They often have trouble sleeping, going to bed, or staying asleep
- They seem constantly worried, stressed, or overwhelmed, even when things are “fine”
- They get easily frustrated or shut down when things don’t go as expected
- They avoid group settings or social activities and seem lonely or left out
- They say things like “I don’t know what to do,” or get stuck making simple decisions
- They feel hopeless, “bad,” or broken, and you don’t know how to reassure them
- They seem to freeze up in social situations or lash out when they feel uncomfortable
Help your child move forward with child therapy in Belleville & online across Ontario.
Child Therapy in Belleville | Online Child Therapy In Ontario
What is Child Therapy?
What We Help With
Every child is different, and so are the ways they show us they’re struggling. At Hope Harbour Psychotherapy in Belleville, we support kids through a range of emotional, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental challenges—always with a personalized approach that meets them where they’re at.
Here are some of the concerns we work with in child therapy:
Worry & Generalized Anxiety
Frequent “what if” questions, clinginess, physical symptoms like stomach aches, and difficulty falling or staying asleep due to constant worry.
Trauma & PTSD
Big emotional reactions, nightmares, or intense fear responses that seem to come out of nowhere, often rooted in past experiences your child hasn’t fully processed.
Separation Anxiety
Tears, tantrums, or physical symptoms at drop-off, and ongoing fear of being away from loved ones, even in safe, familiar settings.
OCD & Repetitive Behaviours
Compulsions, rituals, or repetitive intrusive thoughts that cause distress or interfere with your child’s ability to focus, play, or enjoy daily routines.
Social Anxiety & Friendship Struggles
Avoiding social situations, hesitating to speak up in groups, or feeling rejected, invisible, or “different” around peers.
ADHD & Emotional Regulation
Challenges with focus, impulsivity, or restlessness, along with big emotional ups and downs that can leave your child (and you) feeling overwhelmed.
Autism & Neurodiversity Support
Therapy that honours your child’s unique wiring, helping them build self-understanding, strengthen communication, and feel more confident in social or sensory situations.
Grief & Loss
Helping children process the overwhelming emotions that follow the death of a loved one, a family separation, or other major changes so they can make sense of their feelings and feel safe again.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Online Child Therapy Is Also Available
We understand that bringing a child to a therapy office isn’t always convenient, and sometimes, being in a familiar space can help kids feel more at ease and be as effective as in-person therapy. That’s why we offer online child therapy, providing the same compassionate, professional support your child would receive in person, but with the flexibility and comfort of being at home. Being in a familiar environment can help some children feel more comfortable opening up, and using creative, digital tools keeps them engaged.
Benefits of Online Child Therapy:
- A safe, private space for your child to share their thoughts and feelings
- Flexible scheduling that fits your family’s busy life
- No travel time, making it easier to stick to regular sessions
- Access to our specialized Therapists, even if you live in a smaller community
- Creative, engaging approaches to keep your child connected and involved
Child Therapy in Belleville | Online Child Therapy In Ontario
Approaches We Use in Child Therapy
1:1 Child Sessions
Therapy sessions are designed to feel safe, supportive, and engaging for your child, whether that’s through play, art, sandtray therapy, or gentle conversation. These one-on-one sessions help children process emotions, explore what’s bothering them, and build coping skills in a way that feels natural to them.
Parent Collaboration & Assessments
We begin with a parent-only session to gather history, explore your concerns, and set goals together. As needed, we may use questionnaires or informal assessments to better understand what your child is experiencing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps kids understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through age-appropriate activities, we teach kids how to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more balanced ways of coping.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills
For kids who struggle with big emotions or intense reactions, DBT skills focus on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and building healthy relationships. We teach these skills in a playful and accessible way that sticks with them.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps children learn how to notice and accept their emotions without being overwhelmed by them. It encourages self-compassion and helps kids stay connected to what really matters to them, like friendships, creativity, or learning.
Play & Sandtray Therapy
Sometimes words aren’t enough, or aren’t accessible at all. Play therapy and sandtray work allow kids to express themselves nonverbally, using toys, stories, or art to communicate feelings they may not fully understand or be ready to say out loud.
Support your child’s emotional growth and well-being
At Hope Harbour Psychotherapy, we help children feel safe, confident, and understood so that they can thrive at home, at school, and within themselves. Book a child therapy consultation with us in Belleville or online anywhere in Ontario.
About Us
Why Work With Hope Harbour Psychotherapy
The truth is that therapy is hard. We don’t candy coat it, but we know that when you put in the work, a beautiful light shines in your life that can change how you live.
Results-Driven
Using research-backed therapies proven to improve mental and emotional health, with continuous evaluation to ensure optimal outcomes.
Compassionate Care
Offering a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel supported and validated throughout your healing journey.
Authentic Communication
Providing clear, honest guidance while respecting your perspective and incorporating your feedback to enhance the therapeutic relationship.
Meet Our Child Therapists
We have a diverse team of professional child therapists in Belleville. Some are available for online child therapy across Ontario. Find the right fit for you.
When you're ready to take the first step towards change, we'll guide you to healing and lasting inner peace.
Child Therapy in Belleville | Online Child Therapy In Ontario
How Our Child Therapy Works
Start with a parent session
We begin with a parent session to understand your concerns, your child’s history, and your hopes for therapy. It also gives you space to ask questions and feel supported from the very beginning.
Create a personalized plan
From there, we gently introduce your child to therapy and build trust at their own pace, through play, art, stories, or conversation. We develop a therapy plan that aligns with your child’s needs, whether they’re coping with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism, grief, or emotional regulation.
Adjust as your child grows
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. We continuously adapt our approach as your child grows, makes progress, or encounters new challenges. You’ll be included every step of the way, with regular check-ins and opportunities to support your child’s progress at home.
Child Therapy in Belleville
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
How do I set up a space for online therapy at home?
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
Yes, as a parent or caregiver, your involvement is an essential part of the process. We begin with a parent-only session to better understand your concerns, share relevant background, and discuss your goals for therapy. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates and include you in sessions when it supports your child’s progress.
A key part of effective therapy is giving your child a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings. To support this, we offer age-appropriate confidentiality. While we will always inform you of major concerns, such as safety issues, we do not share every detail of your child’s sessions. This helps them feel respected, safe, and in control of their own healing.
We encourage open communication and are happy to discuss ways you can support your child between sessions. Your child’s therapist in Belleville may also invite you into sessions when it helps reinforce new skills or strategies.
What happens during a child therapy session?
Each child therapy session is tailored to your child’s age and individual needs. Younger children often take part in play-based therapy using toys, art, and games to express thoughts and emotions. Older children may talk more directly about their experiences.
We use techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), emotional regulation tools, and mindfulness strategies to build insight and skills. Every session takes place in a safe, supportive environment where your child can feel seen, heard, and accepted.
How do I talk to my child about starting therapy?
Keep the conversation simple, calm, and age-appropriate. You might say something like, “We’re going to meet someone who helps kids with their thoughts and feelings, kind of like a coach for your heart and mind.” Let them know it’s a safe space where they can talk, play, draw, or just be themselves.
Avoid presenting therapy as a punishment or something they need because something is “wrong.” Instead, explain that everyone needs help sometimes, and therapy is one way to feel better. If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, we’re happy to help you find the right words.
What if my child doesn’t want to go to therapy?
It’s normal for kids to feel unsure about therapy, especially if they’re not sure what to expect. We start with a gentle, low-pressure approach to help them feel safe and build trust through play, art, or conversation.
If your child is strongly resistant, we won’t force it. Instead, we may begin with parent-only sessions to support your child indirectly through strategies at home. Often, as you feel more confident, your child becomes more open to engaging in therapy at their own pace.
What is infant mental health and how do you support parents?
Infant mental health refers to the strengthening of the parent-child relationship, which is the cornerstone of healthy social and emotional development in babies and young children.
When a mother receives psychotherapy, it can improve her mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, or help her process past traumas. This, in turn, enhances her capacity to be sensitive, attuned, and responsive to her infant’s needs and cues, which is vital for building secure attachment. Therapies often aim to help parents understand their child’s feelings and their own reactions, allowing them to regulate the child’s emotions more effectively.
A strong caregiving bond is the foundation for infant and child emotional regulation, secure attachment, and long-term well-being.
If you’re a mom or mom-to-be feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or emotionally drained, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Liza van de Hoef, a retired midwife and psychotherapist, provides gentle, informed support to women during pregnancy and in the early stages of motherhood. Her work helps nurture maternal mental health, which in turn supports infant mental health.
Child Therapy in Belleville | Online Child Therapy In Ontario
Possible Outcomes of Child Therapy
Every child is different, and so is their path through therapy. While we can’t guarantee exact outcomes or timelines, many families begin to notice meaningful shifts when a child feels safe, supported, and understood.
With time and consistent support, your child may begin to:
- Experience fewer physical complaints like headaches, stomach aches, or sleep issues
- Feel more confident and less overwhelmed by their emotions
- Communicate more openly instead of acting out or shutting down
- Handle stress, frustration, or transitions with more ease
- Build stronger friendships and feel a greater sense of belonging
- Express pride in who they are and how they see the world
- Enjoy day-to-day life without constant fear, frustration, or self-doubt
When we support a child’s emotional world, we support their whole future.
therapy in belleville & across ontario
Get In Touch With
Hope Harbour Psychotherapy
Start with Hope Harbour Psychotherapy by booking a free 20-minute consultation. Please complete the form or call us directly, and we will schedule you. We’re here to help you find the ideal Therapist for you and your family.
289-482-1221
info@hopeharbourpsychotherapy.com
*Hope Harbour Psychotherapy cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media, including emails. I request that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss therapeutic content and/or request assistance for emergencies.
Child Therapy in Belleville | Online Child Therapy In Ontario
Hope Harbour Psychotherapy
Creating space for healing, growth, and a more peaceful childhood.