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Services for Children and Teens

Play to Heal

The Play to Heal Program is a play-based program designed to support children’s social and emotional development. The goal is to support children in identifying emotions, communicating how they feel, and learn to regulate their emotions and behaviour. This is a personalized program, offering 1-1 support to children and families. This program is offered for children 2- 16 years old.

 

The objectives of the Play to Heal Program are:

 

  • to help children develop skills for emotional recognition, emotional expression and coping strategies for managing difficult life transitions/events 

  • to help children develop strategies for self-regulation in order to change difficult behaviours such as tantrums, aggression, and defiance

  • to empower children to develop resilience by teaching them how to bounce back from challenges and adapt to changes in their environment.

  • to help children develop social skills that foster positive interactions with peers and adults, including communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

  • to guide children in learning how to approach challenges and solve problems independently, building confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations.

  • to support children in understanding and modifying difficult behaviors, such as tantrums, aggression, and defiance, by teaching them alternative, constructive responses.

  • to equip children with a variety of coping mechanisms to handle stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, promoting long-term mental health.

Sessions are offered face-to-face in Studio, or virtually 

 

Fees:

  • Play to Heal 60 minutes $125 + tax

  • Play to Heal 45 minutes $100 + tax

  • Play to Heal 30 minutes $75 + tax (for children under 4)

  • Initial Family Consult $150 + tax

  • Discovery Call $20 + tax

 

At least one parent is encouraged to attend the Play to Heal sessions to observe what happens in session and implement the strategies at home. Parents will receive access to the child’s chart on our Jane Scheduling system which will include strategies to be implemented at home between sessions, as well as a summary of the session.

All materials are included

 

New clients must begin with a 1-hour Family Consult to review the challenges and goals for the family and to develop a timeline for Play to Heal sessions

 

Unsure if this program is right for you? Schedule a Discovery Call and learn more about the program

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Play to Grow

The Play to Grow program is a play-based program designed to support children with special needs. Depending on the diagnosis and the severity of the disability, children with special needs often require extra supports in all areas of their development including social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development. The goal of the Play to Grow program is to establish a set of goals with the child’s parents to provide extra learning through play; learning that amplifies the child’s strengths and enhances the areas that require some TLC. Play to Grow sessions are developed based on each child’s needs and abilities.

This program is offered for children 2- 16 years old.

 

Some objectives of the Play to Grow sessions may be:

  • to help children build self-help skills so that they can be independent during transitions

  • to help children learn interpersonal communication skills like active listening and responding in conversation to support their social development

  • to help children build emotional expression and self-regulation skills and tools

  • to help children build confidence and understanding of their own development and needs, to be able to advocate for themselves

Sessions are offered face-to-face in Studio, or virtually 

 

Fees:

  • Play to Grow 60 minutes $125 + tax

  • Play to Grow 45 minutes $100 + tax

  • Play to Grow 30 minutes $75 + tax (for children under 4)

  • Initial Family Consult $150 + tax

  • Discovery Call $20 + tax

 

At least one parent is encouraged to attend the Play to Grow sessions to observe what happens in session and implement the strategies at home. Parents will receive access to the child’s chart on our Jane Scheduling system which will include strategies to be implemented at home between sessions, as well as a summary of the session.

 

All materials are included

 

New clients must begin with a 1-hour Family Consult to review the challenges and goals for the family and to develop a timeline for Play to Heal sessions

 

Unsure if this program is right for you? Schedule a Discovery Call and learn more about the program

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Play to Heal Hearts

Play to Heal Hearts is a specialized, play-based program dedicated to supporting children through the complex emotions and challenges associated with grief and loss. This program is designed to provide a safe and nurturing space for children to explore and express their feelings of grief, whether due to the death of a loved one, significant life changes, or other forms of loss.

 

Play to Heal Hearts offers personalized, 1-1 support tailored to the unique needs of each child and their family, helping them navigate the grief journey with care and understanding. This program is offered for children aged 2-16 years.

Objectives of the Play to Heal Hearts Program is:

 

  • to help children understand and process their grief in a developmentally appropriate way.

  • to support children in expressing their emotions through play, art, and other creative outlets.

  • to provide children with tools and strategies for coping with the sadness, anger, confusion, or fear that often accompanies grief.

  • to foster emotional resilience in children, helping them build inner strength as they navigate their grief journey.

  • to assist children in developing self-regulation skills, enabling them to manage the overwhelming emotions and behaviors that can arise from grief.

  • to support children in finding ways to honor and remember their lost loved ones, helping them create meaningful connections to their memories.

  • to empower children and families with resources and guidance to continue healing outside of the program, fostering long-term emotional well-being.

Sessions are offered face-to-face in Studio, or virtually 

 

Fees:

  • Play to Heal Hearts 60 minutes $125 + tax

  • Play to Heal Hearts 45 minutes $100 + tax

  • Play to Heal Hearts 30 minutes $75 + tax (for children under 4)

  • Initial Family Consult $150 + tax

  • Discovery Call $20 + tax

At least one parent is encouraged to attend the Play to Heal Hearts sessions to observe what happens in session and implement the strategies at home. Parents will receive access to the child’s chart on our Jane Scheduling system which will include strategies to be implemented at home between sessions, as well as a summary of the session.

 

All materials are included

 

New clients must begin with a 1-hour Family Consult to review the challenges and goals for the family and to develop a timeline for Play to Heal sessions

 

Unsure if this program is right for you? Schedule a Discovery Call and learn more about the program

Developmental Screening Services

Our Developmental Screening Services are designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s developmental milestones and overall progress. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, our screenings help identify areas where your child may need additional support. Dr. Elena Merenda, a specialist in children’s mental health and child development, conducts these assessments with a compassionate and holistic approach, ensuring that each child’s unique strengths and challenges are recognized.

 

Through our screening process, we aim to give parents a clear understanding of their child’s developmental status and offer guidance on the next steps, whether that be additional assessments, early intervention strategies, or ongoing support. This service is especially valuable for children with disabilities or those who may be showing signs of developmental delays.

Service Goals:

Early Identification: Detect potential developmental delays or concerns at an early stage to facilitate timely intervention.

Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluate key areas of development, including cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and communication skills.

Strength-Based Approach: Highlight each child’s strengths while identifying areas that may require further support or development.

Parental Guidance: Provide parents with clear, actionable recommendations to support their child’s development at home and in educational settings.

Collaboration: Work closely with families, educators, and healthcare providers to create a coordinated plan that addresses the child's unique needs.

Empowerment: Equip parents with the knowledge and resources needed to advocate for their child’s developmental and educational needs.

Fees:

  • Initial Consultation: A preliminary meeting to discuss concerns, review developmental history, and plan the screening process.
    Duration: 30-45 minutes 
    $150 + tax

  • Comprehensive Developmental Screening: A detailed assessment covering cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and communication development.
    Duration: 1.5-2 hours
    $250 + tax

  • Follow-Up Consultation: A meeting to review screening results, discuss findings, and provide recommendations.
    Duration: 45-60 minutes
    $150 + tax

  • Report Preparation: A detailed written report outlining the screening results, recommendations, and action plan.
    $75 + tax

  • Additional Support Sessions (if needed): Additional meetings for ongoing support, discussion of interventions, or further assessments.
    Duration: 45-60 minutes per session
    $150 + tax per session

     

At least one parent is encouraged to attend the Play to Heal Hearts sessions to observe what happens in session and implement the strategies at home. Parents will receive access to the child’s chart on our Jane Scheduling system which will include strategies to be implemented at home between sessions, as well as a summary of the session.

 

All materials are included

 

Unsure if this program is right for you? Schedule a Discovery Call and learn more about the program

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Teen Coaching

At Children’s Healing Studio, Ltd. we provide one-on-one teen coaching that aims to foster meaningful conversations with teens about what’s important to them.

 

Teen coaching helps teens to improve their interpersonal skills, self-awareness, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities. Sessions are offered in-Studio, online, or in the family home. During a session, Dr. Elena Merenda takes the teen’s lead, actively listening to what supports they require, and working together to develop goals. Dr. Merenda offers strategies and support that fosters communication, coping skills, confidence, and decision making.

 

Dr. Merenda works with teens as a team to develop mutually agreed upon goals. Typically, the larger goal is to understand themselves, build autonomy, and navigate their dynamic world , which is achieved through the application of smaller goals like improving communication, providing suggestions and guidance in meeting their needs, improving problem solving strategies, fostering  confidence, and developing solution-focused thinking.

 

Teen coaching can help with a multitude of issues including (but not limited to):

  • Confidence building

  • Time management skills

  • Coping strategies for stress

  • Navigation peer relationships

  • Developing problem-solving skills

  • Social media awareness and balance

  • Body image

  • Healthy eating and movement

  • Mindfulness

 

Fees:

  • Teen Coaching 60 minutes $125 + tax

  • Teen Coaching 45 minutes $100 + tax

  • Teen Coaching 30 minutes $75 + tax

  • Initial Consult $150 + tax

  • Discovery Call $20 + tax

 

Teens will receive access to their chart on our Jane Scheduling system which will include strategies to be implemented at home between sessions, as well as a summary of the session.

All materials are included

 

Unsure if this program is right for you? Schedule a Discovery Call and learn more about the program

A Supportive Hug

Resource Consulting

Emily strives to support families for both the short and long term

after a diagnosis is made. She empowers families to be the best

advocates for their child by directing them to the appropriate funding and resources. Emily works collaboratively with the child and family to create a caring and comfortable environment where all feel cared for and heard.

Brief Resource Support

A new diagnosis can lead to many questions and uncertainty with next steps. Spend time discussing what potential resources, funding, and services are available for your child or family.

Funding Application Support

Complete various funding applications with support from Emily. Length of meeting will vary based on funding application.

 

SSAH - 1 hour

ACSD - 1 hour

OAP - 30 minutes

Access2 - 30 minutes

Easter Seals - 30 minutes

 

Fees:

60 minute sessions $85 + tax

30 minute sessions $55 + tax

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