Navigating the pressures of school, extracurricular activities, peer relationships, social media and life transitions, all while trying to figure out your identity can be overwhelming and isolating. For caregivers, it can be confusing, stressful and even scary when a loved one is experiencing difficulties with their mental health or exhibiting challenging behaviours.

In my work with young people, I strive to help clients build awareness, identify their strengths, make sense of their internal experiences, and empower them to take steps towards change. The aim of youth counselling is always to help clients leave with a set of new tools and the confidence that they can face new challenges in the future. 

What can young people expect from sessions? Depending on the age and developmental level of the client, sessions may include a mix of talk therapy, activities, and/or play-based interventions that incorporate their unique interests.

Youth Counselling

Ages 10 years + up

  • Anxiety &/or perfectionism

  • Depression

  • Suicidal ideation

  • Grief

  • Behavioural concerns

COMMON CONCERNS CLIENTS BRING:

  •  Self-esteem

  • ADHD

  • Caregiver-child relationships

  • Life transitions & Identity exploration

Caregivers

I strongly believe that caregivers play an important role in their youth’s therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, when possible, I try to involve caregivers in the process from the beginning. At times I meet with caregivers separately from the youth, while on other occasions we might meet all together. I help caregivers “decode” a youth’s challenging behaviours, understand their youth’s needs better, and learn new ways of connecting with them.

I recognize that speaking with a therapist about your child’s mental health challenges can bring up strong feelings of guilt or shame. When these feelings arise, I encourage caregivers to view themselves in a more compassionate light. Caring for a youth is hard, caring for a youth with mental health concerns is even harder.