Warm, caring, creative, and playful – supporting children as they express their emotions.
For me, success with children begins by engaging them in their world and meeting them where they are.
Child therapy gives kids a safe, caring space to express themselves and make sense of their feelings. I provide professional therapy for children of all ages, helping them navigate challenges such as anxiety, school-related stress, and difficult family transitions. My approach focuses on helping children manage big emotions while simultaneously providing dedicated support to parents, ensuring caregivers feel confident and equipped to respond to their child’s unique needs. By bridging individual child sessions with practical parenting strategies, I help families build stronger connections and find a healthier sense of balance.
Play therapy is a gentle, child-centered approach that supports kids with emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. Through activities like drawing, storytelling, and imaginative play, children can explore their feelings, build problem-solving skills, and grow their confidence.
It’s especially helpful for kids who have a hard time expressing themselves with words or who have gone through difficult experiences. Play therapy can also benefit the whole family by improving communication and strengthening the parent–child relationship.
Paul Cellarius (RCC, CCC, MA)
I work with children who are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of themselves and who need a calm, supportive space to express what they are experiencing. In child therapy, my focus is on meeting each child where they are and moving at a pace that feels safe and manageable for them.
My training is in depth psychology through Pacifica Graduate Institute, and I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing. I have worked with children and adolescents in school and community settings, and I am often described as steady and attentive when emotions are strong. I also involve parents in the process to help support children outside of therapy.
If you are seeking a counsellor who is present, warm, and genuinely committed to your child’s well-being, I would be glad to work with your family.
Child therapy is a form of counseling that helps children understand and express their emotions, build coping skills, and navigate emotional or behavioural challenges. Child therapists use age-appropriate approaches such as play therapy, expressive therapies, and art therapy to support children in a safe, supportive environment.
If your child is experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, difficulty with social interactions, sudden mood changes, or struggles in school, therapy may be beneficial. Other signs include difficulty coping with major life changes, such as divorce, trauma, or loss. A consultation with a therapist can help determine if therapy is the right step.
A child therapy session typically includes interactive and engaging activities like drawing, storytelling, or role-playing to help the child express their thoughts and feelings. The therapist may also work with parents to provide guidance on how to support their child’s emotional well-being at home. Sessions are tailored to each child’s unique needs and progress at a comfortable pace.
The best type of therapy for children depends on their age, personality, and the challenges they’re facing. Many children benefit from play therapy and expressive therapies, which allow them to explore feelings, experiences, and big emotions through play, art, and creativity rather than relying only on words.
