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Youth

Adolescence is a time for self discovery, identity development and increased independence. While this can be an exciting time it can also be a challenging developmental stage to navigate.
 
For many it can become increasingly difficult to cope with social pressures, expectations, and relationships. Accessing a counsellor may be a helpful resource for your teen as they process past and present struggles and look to the future.​
 
Through talk, expressive, mindfulness and somatic therapies, I support youth to process their experiences, strengthen their self compassion, understand their symptoms, identify their needs, gain new perspective and strengthen their coping strategies.
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Common concerns that youth seek out counselling support for:
Depression, low mood, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, panic, stress, emotional regulation, relational struggles, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem, attachment issues, organization, focus, planning for the future.

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Children

While adults often turn to language to process their experiences, children use play. Play is your child's most natural form of expression and engaging in play can support children to make sense of their experiences, their world, and their body.

"Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet."
                                                                   - Virginia Axline     

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​​When children face challenges their distress may show up as behaviours, aggression, withdrawal, regression, or other maladaptive coping skills. I draw on play and expressive therapies to invite children to engage their imagination and emotions, while also regulating their nervous system through sensory activities and a nurturing environment. hrough reflection, observation, conversation, and exploring new perspectives together, I support clients in connecting with their inner world. This process helps them transform the meaning they assign to their experiences, strengthen their confidence, develop coping strategies, and resolve challenges.​

​​Play and expressive therapy may involve:​​

  • Art 

  • Pretend play 

  • Visualization

  • Storytelling

  • Games

  • Music

  • Sandplay

  • Sewing /Felting

  • Movement

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Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers want the best for their children, though it's often overwhelming and confusing to determine what that is.  From endless books and the internet to opinions from family and friends, it's hard to know which way to turn and what resources to trust.  In my years supporting families, I have come to learn that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.

 

I have seen families experience greater ease and stronger connections with their loved ones when they shift from focusing on how to respond to the behaviour and instead nurture their child's unique qualities and needs. When we consider that all behaviour has meaning, we often have greater access to the resources we need to support our loved ones, validate their experiences, and to grow as caregivers. 

 

Parents play a vital role in their child's development and wellness, and I welcome parents to participate in the therapeutic process, when possible. I aim to support parents to make sense of the challenges their child is experiencing and uncover ways to support them to experience more ease, fulfillment and connection.

 

Parent involvement will look differently depending on the needs of the child / youth. In some circumstances parent support will be the primary intervention and in other circumstances I will meet with caregiver(s) and child, or primarily with the child / youth.

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