Anxiety in Children
Anxiety in Children Counselling
When a child's worries stop passing (and start showing up as clinginess, irritability, and lost sleep), the help can be age-appropriate and practical.
When your child's worries don't let up
What anxiety in children can look like
Some fear is normal at every age: of the dark, of a loud noise, of a big dog. It becomes worth attention when a child doesn’t grow out of it, or when a pattern of stress, resistance, and avoidance starts showing up. Physically, it can look like a racing heart, shaking, sweating, or trouble sleeping. Behaviourally, it often shows up as clinginess, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
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How age-appropriate therapy works for anxious kids
A child therapist blends the strength of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with playful, age-appropriate interaction, so a child can build real coping skills rather than just receiving reassurance in the moment. Anxiety in children can come from several places (biological, genetic, learned from caregivers, or rooted in a stressful family situation), and a therapist helps figure out what’s driving it for your child specifically.
The outlook with early support
With early detection and treatment, most children find real relief.
Part of our wider work on Anxiety Counselling.
You might recognize some of this
You can start where you are.
- Rapid breathing or a racing heart in stressful moments
- Shaking, dizziness, or sweating
- Difficulty getting to sleep
- Clingy behaviour, especially around separation
- Persistent worry that doesn't ease with reassurance
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating or relaxing
This is a description of experiences, not a self-diagnosis checklist.
It may be time to talk to someone
You don't need to be in crisis to deserve support.
Consider reaching out if:
- Your child hasn't outgrown fears that are typical for a younger age
- Worry is starting to interfere with school, home, or play
- You're noticing physical signs like stomach aches, trouble sleeping, or a racing heart tied to worry
- Your child avoids situations out of fear more than seems age-appropriate
- Clinginess or resistance is becoming a regular pattern
You don't have to be sure it's more than "just a phase" before getting your child some support.
Approaches a therapist may draw on
We match the approach to you, not the other way around. Your therapist may draw on one or several, depending on what fits.
Practical tools for worry, taught through play.
Adapted for children through play and age-appropriate methods, helping them build practical tools to manage worry.
Therapists who work this way: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)A low-pressure way to work through worry without the words.
Gives a child a natural, low-pressure way to work through worry without needing the words to explain it directly.
Therapists who work this way: Play TherapyA therapist who fits your situation
Our registered therapists have real experience helping people through what you are facing.
Dr. Cathryn Harris
Registered Psychologist
PhD, C.Psych.
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Cathy Penny
Registered Social Worker
BA, BSW, MSW, RRP, RSW
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Rev. Chad Tomlinson
Registered Psychotherapist
MTS, MEd, MA, OCT, RP
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Dan Watterworth
Registered Psychotherapist
BTh, MDiv, RP
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Gretchen Savery
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
MA, BA, RP (Qualifying)
Families, Individuals
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Hanah Dimitrijevic
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
MA, RP (Qualifying)
Individuals, Families
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Lisa Bynoe-Stevens
Registered Psychotherapist
BASc, MDiv, CSFT, RP
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Michelle Hodgson
Registered Social Worker
SSW, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Michelle Pennells
Counsellor and Art Therapist
HBA, DTATI (Thesis Pending)
Families, Individuals
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Veesta Mavandadi
Registered Psychological Associate
MA, BSc, C.Psych.Assoc.
Individuals, Families
View profileCommon questions
Certain fears are normal at different ages. It becomes worth a closer look when a child doesn't grow out of typical fears, or when patterns of stress, resistance, and avoidance start showing up regularly.
Common signs include rapid breathing or heart rate, shaking or dizziness, sweating, difficulty falling asleep, clinginess, persistent worry, irritability, and trouble concentrating or relaxing.
Anxiety can come from several sources: biological factors involving brain chemistry, an inherited genetic tendency, a learned response from parents or caregivers, or family situations that have been stressful for the child.
Yes. The same principles that help adults with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy apply to children, adapted through play-based and age-appropriate methods.
With early detection and treatment, most children find major relief. Left unaddressed, anxiety can continue to affect development, concentration, academic performance, and relationships.
Start by connecting with a therapist who works specifically with children. Early, age-appropriate support helps a child build skills they'll continue to use throughout life.
Care you can lean on
Sessions with our registered therapists are covered by most extended health and workplace benefit plans. Not sure what yours includes? We're happy to help you check before you book.
Sessions typically start at $150 and vary by therapist. Not sure where to begin? Our Intake Specialists can talk through fees, coverage, and which therapist fits what you are facing. Call (905) 319-1488 during business hours.
Ready when you are. We're here to listen.
Browse our registered therapists and reach out when you're ready. We'll usually reply within one business day.