Therapy Services at Tikvah Family Services
At Tikvah Family Services, we recognize that every child and family is unique. Therapy cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we provide evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized therapies for children, teens, and families in Vaughan, Thornhill, and across York Region. Whether your child struggles with anxiety, emotional regulation, social skills, or behavioral challenges, our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where children and parents feel empowered, understood, and supported.
Below is an overview of the different types of therapy services offered at Tikvah Family Services. Each approach is grounded in clinical research, tailored to the child’s developmental stage, and aligned with family values, including culturally sensitive care for Jewish families.

1. Individual Child Therapy
Individual child therapy provides one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist to help children explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Sessions may include talk therapy, play-based activities, role-playing, or mindfulness techniques, depending on the child’s age and needs.
This therapy is particularly helpful for children experiencing:
Anxiety or separation anxiety
Emotional outbursts or anger management difficulties
Low self-esteem or confidence issues
Academic stress or learning challenges
Grief, loss, or major life transitions
Through consistent sessions, children gradually learn to understand their feelings, strengthen self-regulation, and practice healthier ways to express themselves.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Children
CBT is an evidence-based approach adapted to be engaging and child-friendly, using games, stories, and creative exercises to teach skills. CBT helps children recognize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns.
We provide CBT for children with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Learning disabilities
Anxiety disorders and phobias
Depression or mood difficulties
CBT is typically short-term and goal-oriented, offering practical tools that families can reinforce at home.

3. Play Therapy
Play therapy is central to our work with younger children, offering a natural way to express emotions when words are difficult. Sessions may include art, storytelling, puppets, or LEGO-based therapy, depending on the child’s needs.
Play therapy is helpful for children:
Coping with trauma or stressful events
Experiencing anxiety or social difficulties
Showing behavioral challenges at home or school
Needing support with emotional regulation
Through play, children can safely express feelings, practice problem-solving, and strengthen social and emotional development.

4. Social Skills Development Programs
Children benefit from structured social learning environments. We offer group therapy programs and social skills training to teach conversation skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
LEGO-Based Therapy is one of our popular approaches, encouraging collaboration and communication through fun, motivating projects. Social skills groups are especially effective for children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety.

5. Emotion Regulation Groups
These groups help children manage “big feelings” and learn coping strategies appropriate for their age. Techniques include mindfulness, CBT strategies, role-playing, and parent involvement to reinforce skills at home.

6. Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Therapy
Mindfulness therapy teaches children practices like deep breathing, body scans, and guided imagery to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and support emotional regulation. This is particularly helpful for children who:
Experience stress or worry
Have difficulty focusing in school
Struggle with impulsivity or hyperactivity
Need support calming after conflicts

7. Parent Support & Family Counseling
Therapy works best when parents are involved. We provide parent coaching, family counseling, and workshops to help caregivers confidently support their child’s growth.
Topics include:
Behavior management strategies
Family communication improvement
Coping with parental stress
Building family resilience
Parents often report feeling less isolated and more empowered in guiding their child’s development.

8. Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for OCD
For children with OCD, ERP therapy gradually exposes children to feared situations in a structured, safe way. This reduces compulsions and teaches coping strategies without engaging in rituals.

9. Trauma-Informed Care
Children who have experienced trauma, loss, or ongoing stress benefit from trauma-informed therapy that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. Techniques may include play therapy, mindfulness, and gentle CBT interventions.

10. Culturally Sensitive Care for Jewish Families
Tikvah Family Services offers culturally sensitive care that respects religious practices, holidays, and community values for Jewish families in Vaughan, Thornhill, and York Region. Therapy aligns with family life while providing a safe space to discuss identity and belonging.

11. Insurance & Coverage
While services are not covered by OHIP, many programs may be reimbursable through extended health insurance. We also offer guidance for direct billing and support with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) for eligible families.

Why Choose Tikvah Family Services?
Personalized care: Every therapy plan is tailored to the child’s unique needs.
Evidence-based approaches: CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, ERP, and more.
Family involvement: Parents are empowered to actively participate in their child’s progress.
Community focus: Specialized, culturally sensitive services for Jewish families and inclusive care for all backgrounds.

Final Thought
Tikvah Family Services provides a wide range of therapy services to help children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. From individual CBT sessions to playful social skills groups, mindfulness exercises, and family counseling, our goal is to support children and parents at every stage.
If you’re unsure which therapy is best for your child, schedule an intake consultation with our team. Together, we’ll create a supportive, personalized plan that helps your child grow with confidence and resilience.