Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Begin Therapy
“Summer days driftin' away..." — Grease
Longer days, sunny skies, playing on the beach, skipping rocks, reading in trees, picnics, lying in hammocks, canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking… there are so many images of a dreamy summer.
“Summer dreams ripped at the seams..." — Grease
Yet, summer can feel far from dreamy for some of us. If you are a parent trying to create a “perfect” summer for your kids, you might feel exhausted trying to do it all or feel guilty, that you are not doing enough. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by all the options of things to do in the summer leaving you feeling anxious or stuck, stopping you from planning anything.
Financial constraints may prevent you from having the summer you would like with your kids. You are fighting with your partner over the financial stress of paying for extra summer expenses such as vacationing, childcare or summer camps. You feel the strain on your relationship.
And then while trying to relax before bed, you see the social media posts of how many summers you have left with your kids, with the message to make the most of it. This can cause you to sink even further into despair that the summer days and years are slipping by.
Parenting stress can be higher in summer. The lack of routine, structure and predictability of summer break can cause our kids to become anxious, clingy, irritable and lead to melt downs. You may feel deep remorse if you are not showing up the way you want: calm, cool, collected, stronger, wiser and kinder.
Perhaps your family home doesn’t have the peace and joy you crave. You dream of your family getting along, laughing, hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. Instead, you feel deep pain watching them fight, isolate and withdraw.
Maybe you are going through a life transition, such as a separation or divorce. Summer used to mean more time with your kids and family traditions. Now summer can mean extended time away from your kids. The quietness of your empty house is jarring. You feel sad, grieving the loss of your family, wrestling with the ache of missing out and lonely in this painful adjustment.
If you are a university or college student, or a professional starting a new role this fall, your mind might be ruminating with worry from the uncertainty of what to expect. This can make it hard to enjoy the ease, warmth and fun of summer.
Summer Creates Space for Growth
“But, oh those summer nights!..." — Grease
The relaxed pace of life in summer can make it easier to set aside time for self-care activities, including therapy. If you are considering therapy in-person in Olds, Alberta or online across Alberta, summer can be an ideal time to begin or restart.
At Canopy Cove Counselling we offer support for individuals, couples, children, teenagers, and families. So you and your family can enjoy playing outside, having adventures, while also taking care of your mental health and relationships, to stay happy and healthy this summer.
The slow down of summer with it’s break from school, pause of sports and extracurricular activities, allows space to prioritize individual, couple or family therapy.
Therapy for Anxiety, Trauma, Children, Teens, Adults, Couples and Families
Children and Teen Therapy in Summer
It’s a great time for children and teenagers or young adults, who are home from school, university or college, to focus on preparing for the new fall semester. Maybe your child’s goal is increased sports performance, decreased social anxiety or test anxiety. Maybe your goal as a parent is to understand what’s behind your child’s anger, or to work on school refusal so the return to school in the fall is less stressful.
Child therapy can support emotional regulation, anxiety, behavioural challenges, and life transitions. Therapy helps children express emotions in safe, developmentally appropriate ways.
Teen therapy provides a confidential space to explore anxiety, identity, stress, relationships, and future uncertainty. Summer can reduce school related pressures and allow space for deeper emotional work.
Summer can also be a wonderful time to address challenges you noticed during the school year and build skills before fall routines return. This can create an easier transition for your family entering the new school year.
Adult Therapy in Summer
Adult therapy can support anxiety, trauma, burnout, depression, life transitions, and relationship stress. Summer creates space to finally address concerns that have been on hold. It was easy to distract yourself by staying busy but now in the slower days, you have space to notice what you have been trying to push aside and time to process it.
At Canopy Cove, we are excited to reconnect with our clients who are in seasonal industries, such as teachers, who take the summer as an opportunity to engage in therapy, to set them up for success in the busy fall season ahead.
Even outside of these professions, longer daylight hours and a slower pace, can make it easier to prioritize therapy. Summer can offer a rare opportunity to focus on your mental health, without the pressure of a full schedule. Starting or re-starting therapy in the summer allows you to build momentum before life becomes busier again in the fall.
Healing from Trauma in Summer
Trauma does not follow a seasonal pattern. In fact, summer can sometimes bring unexpected emotional responses due to family gatherings, anniversaries, or increased time without distraction.
Trauma therapy using Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, ART, Expressive Arts, Emotionally Focused Therapy, helps support the nervous system in processing stress and restoring a sense of safety and regulation.
Couples Therapy in Summer
More time together in summer can create opportunities for connection but it can also highlight relationship strain.
Couples therapy using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help partners:
Improve communication
Break negative interaction cycles
Rebuild emotional connection
Strengthen trust and understanding
Couples therapy can also be a proactive way to strengthen your relationship to get ready for the busy fall season.
Family Therapy in Summer
Summer often brings families into closer daily contact, which can highlight communication patterns and emotional dynamics.
Family therapy can support:
It provides a space for families to work together toward healthier relationships and secure bonds.
Preparation for the Busy Season Ahead
One of the key benefits of starting therapy in the summer is preparation for the months ahead.
Therapy can help you:
Build coping strategies
Strengthen emotional resilience
Improve communication skills
Create lasting change before life gets busier
This can make the transition into fall feel more manageable and grounded.
Therapy in Olds, Alberta & Online Across Alberta
We offer in-person therapy in Olds, Alberta and online therapy across Alberta, supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
Begin Therapy This Summer
“Summer lovin, had me a blast..." — Grease
You do not need to wait for a crisis to seek support. Summer can be a meaningful time to slow down, reflect, and begin therapy in a way that fits your life.
If you are ready to begin therapy in Olds, Alberta or online across Alberta, this season may offer the space and flexibility you need to take that first step.
Counselling in Alberta
If you are seeking, or ready to start therapy, Canopy Cove Counselling is here to help. Our compassionate therapists are experienced with working with children, teens, adults, couples and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, relationship challenges and more. We provide our services at our office in Olds, Alberta, or online to anyone in the province of Alberta. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and take the first step toward prioritizing your mental wellness and relationship.
