Youth Services
Youth therapy services are offered for children and youth between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. Therapy support is offered for a range of issues and needs including trauma, neurodivergence [ADHD, Autism, etc.], developmental concerns [feeding and eating, socializing, learning, communication, etc.] and emotional and behavioural regulation. Parent consultations/sessions are also offered as part of our Youth services.
If you’d like more information, please contact us and we would be happy answer any questions you may have.
Our Approaches
Play based, trauma informed, and/or somatic approaches are often used in Youth therapy services. The following elements are often used:
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a range of reasons why any individual, no matter their age, attends therapy. If you or your child are concerned about how they are thinking, feeling, or behaving, it may be a sign to address these concerns with a licensed therapist. Childhood can be more stressful than we realize with issues such as problems at school or with friends, grief and loss, bullying, difficult family dynamics, or even trauma. These types of concerns are not easy to navigate and needing the support of a professional is not a negative thing. Children can often find it difficult to express themselves or share their problems with a caregiver. Mental health is a crucial part of a child’s wellbeing as it can affect their feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and socialization. While this can be difficult to process, it is important to know that you and your child are not alone in this; we are here to help.
It has been estimated that 1 in 5 children in Canada experience mental health challenges and if you’re unsure if your child needs mental health support, here are some signs that can indicate it is time to talk to a therapist:
· Sudden or severe mood or personality changes, including regressions
· Changes in eating and/or sleep habits
· Social isolation or social problems
· Extreme or unusual feelings of anxiety, irritability, anger, sadness, or stress
· Extreme or unusual behaviours of aggression, defiance, substance use, picking skin/hair, or other harmful behaviours
· Life changes and transitions (examples include loss, parent separation, moving, etc.)
· Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomaches, that are associated with certain activities (school, bedtime, social events, etc.)
· Thoughts and discussions about suicide, self harm, or harming others
If left untreated, mental health concerns or other problems can often cause long-term effects that impact the wellbeing of the child. If you recognize any of the signs, or have any concerns, we recommend contacting us for a free consultation or speaking with your healthcare provider.
For children, the first session is held with the parents/guardians present to discuss goals, struggles, history, and any other important details. This also allows the family the opportunity to ensure that this will be a comfortable fit for their child. Depending on the needs, age, and stage of development of the child, parents are welcome to continue attending sessions with their child or to arrange individual sessions for their child.
For teens, it will be up to the family to decide how much (if any) parental involvement would be necessary during the first session. Parents are welcome to, but not required to, participate in the first session. Ongoing appointments for teens will be individual sessions, with parents being able to participate in sessions at the request of the teen.
For children and youth, the therapist can reserve time at the end of each session to provide a quick update for the parents on how the session went and how they can support their child at home. Parent sessions or check-ins can also be scheduled as needed throughout the therapy process.
Please note that at this time, we do not work directly with children under the age of four; however, we can offer parental support and coaching until your child is at an age where they can fully benefit from and engage in the therapeutic process. Family counseling, for families with young children, may also be recommended by the therapist if it is deemed a necessary or beneficial approach.
Child and adolescent therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on addressing the emotional, behavioural, and psychological needs of your child or teen. Children and teens have specific developmental needs, and our therapy services can offer support in all areas of development including cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural needs.
Child and adolescent therapy is intentionally designed to provide support and interventions that help you child navigate various challenges, process difficult emotions and thoughts, and develop coping skills and tools. Therapy can help children and their families understand the motives and reasons behind behaviours and emotions. By processing their emotions and developing skills and tools, therapy services are able to support the improvement of overall wellbeing and daily functioning.
We offer therapeutic services that utilize elements of evidence-based interventions including play therapy, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, DBT, ACT, somatic therapy, and EFT. All of our services are holistic, client centered, and trauma-informed which allows for children and teens to have a safe space to learn and grow.
Many parents/guardians often wonder how to approach the conversation about attending therapy with their children. It is best for parents to be direct and honest, but also age appropriate, in how they discuss therapy services. Young children often benefit from simple language and reminders about their appointments, while with teens it is often more important to emphasize that going to therapy does not mean something is wrong with them or that anyone is trying to “fix” them; therapy is about helping them.
Overall children will follow their parents lead, and if you can normalize the experience, they will likely see therapy as a positive process rather than a negative one. Just as we go to the doctor when we have a physical injury, we can go to a therapist when we are hurting emotionally.