Counselling for Children living with Diabetes - Edmonton
When Your Child Has Diabetes, You’re Navigating More Than Just Numbers.
Raising a child with diabetes? You already know it’s about way more than blood sugar.
It’s navigating anxiety over finger pokes, fears about sleepovers, worries about long-term health, and helping your child just be a kid—all while managing a 24/7 medical condition.
At Pineapple Therapy, we offer mental health and counselling support for children living with diabetes, because their emotional world matters just as much as their A1C.
Diabetes in Childhood: It’s a Lot for Little Minds
Even if your child seems like they’re “handling it,” living with diabetes can bring up big feelings that are hard to express—especially for younger kids.
You might notice:
More meltdowns, worry, or clinginess
Fear around needles or low blood sugar episodes
Sadness or frustration when they feel “different” from friends
Resistance to diabetes tasks like checking blood sugar
Trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
Anxiety about going to school or being away from you
Research shows that children with type 1 diabetes are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges, especially within the first few years of diagnosis. (Source: ADA)
Therapy Can Help Your Child Feel Emotionally Safe and Supported
Our therapists work with children in age-appropriate, gentle ways that make space for:
Talking about feelings around their diagnosis and daily care
Reducing fear, anxiety, or stress related to blood sugar management
Learning healthy coping strategies through play, art, or stories
Expressing frustration or sadness in safe, non-destructive ways
Rebuilding confidence and emotional regulation
Supporting identity development (so diabetes doesn’t feel like everything)
We often include parents or caregivers in the process too, because this journey is a shared one.
You're Doing So Much. Let Us Help Carry the Load.
You’re already doing everything you can to care for your child’s physical health. We’re here to support the emotional side—for both of you.
Mental health support now can help your child grow up feeling more confident, secure, and emotionally resilient, no matter where their diabetes journey leads.
Our child-specific counselling services currently have a waitlist. To join the list, please complete the form below. We’ll reach out as soon as a therapist becomes available.