5970 Centre St S, Unit 100 Calgary, AB, T2H0C2
Formerly known as SMILE Therapy for Kids Calgary
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Behavioural Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to helping children and teens overcome challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, and behavioral issues. By focusing on understanding and changing specific behaviors, this therapy equips children with practical tools to improve their emotional regulation, social skills, and daily functioning. It also provides parents with strategies to support progress at home, fostering long-term success and confidence.
All behavioural therapy services are provided in our facility, in families homes and/or out in the community in Calgary, Alberta and the surrounding areas.
Behavioural Therapy services are often combined with psychology, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services.
What is behavioural therapy?
Behavioral therapy is a structured form of treatment that focuses on identifying and modifying problematic behaviors while encouraging positive ones. It is rooted in the understanding that behavior is learned and can be reshaped through reinforcement, practice, and support. Techniques such as positive reinforcement, modeling, and structured goal-setting are commonly used to teach children new skills, replace negative habits, and build confidence. This approach is adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of developmental and emotional needs.
Who can benefit from behavioural therapy?
Behavioral therapy is beneficial for children and teens facing various challenges, including:
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ADHD: Improving focus, impulse control, and organization skills.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder: Enhancing communication, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors.
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Anxiety: Developing coping strategies and managing fears or worries.
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Behavioral Issues: Addressing defiance, tantrums, and other challenging behaviors at home or school.
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Emotional Regulation: Helping children manage big emotions and respond calmly to stressful situations.
Parents and caregivers also benefit from behavioral therapy by learning effective strategies to support their child’s progress at home and reinforce positive changes.
Strategies used in behavioural therapy
Behavioral therapy employs a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to the child’s needs. Common strategies include:
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Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desired behaviors to encourage repetition and build motivation.
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Modeling: Demonstrating appropriate behaviors for the child to observe and replicate.
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Skill Building: Teaching essential life skills such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social interactions.
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Behavior Charts and Token Systems: Using visual tools to track progress and reward milestones.
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Parent Training: Equipping caregivers with tools to manage behaviors and create a supportive environment at home.
These techniques are designed to empower children with practical skills they can apply in everyday life.
What a behavioural therapy session can look like:
A behavioral therapy session is carefully structured to address the child’s specific goals. Sessions may begin with a brief review of progress since the last meeting, followed by activities designed to practice new skills or behaviors. For example:
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Younger children might engage in play-based activities that incorporate skill-building and emotional expression.
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Older children and teens may participate in role-playing exercises or discuss real-life situations to practice problem-solving and social skills.
Throughout the session, the therapist provides guidance, encouragement, and immediate feedback. Parents are often involved to learn how to reinforce these skills at home. Each session is tailored to the child’s needs, ensuring they feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
Behavioural Therapy and FSCD coverage
In Alberta, behavioral therapy for children with disabilities can be covered under the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program. FSCD provides financial assistance to families to access essential services, including behavioral therapy, to support their child’s development. The funding categories that include funding for behavioural therapy are called 'Specialized Services' and 'Behavioural Developmental Supports' (BDS).
FSCD therapy funding can help address challenges associated with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and developmental delays by funding evidence-based interventions tailored to the child’s needs. Behavioral therapy services can include skill-building, emotional regulation, and strategies to improve social and behavioral outcomes.
Families working with an FSCD-approved provider can receive personalized care with minimal financial burden, ensuring their child gets the support they need to thrive. The Canadian Centre for Development is an FSCD-approved provider and can even provide direct-billing services to FSCD.