Child & Youth Counselling
Helping children navigate challenges in an uncertain world
Children and youth are often uncertain and worried about what to expect when they come to therapy for the first time. It is important that parents reassure their child or youth that the first session will be about getting to know each other. The parent or guardian should share with the child or youth that they do not need to discuss the reason for coming to therapy until they feel comfortable with their therapist. It is important that parents or guardians discuss with their child or youth why they are attending therapy and the benefits of coming to therapy.
This communication time prior to attending therapy can help prevent children or youth from being surprised when issues are discussed in session. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s therapist for additional support to prepare their child or youth for therapy.
We assess your child’s presenting concerns by assessing his/her history, developmental stage, strengths and the child or youth’s interests. We work in consultation with the parents or guardians as the attachment relationship is integral in the healing and change process. We utilize the following therapeutic methods with children and youth:
• Play therapy
• Sand tray therapy
• Theraplay or parent/child therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol that utilizes attachment strategies, sand tray therapy, play therapy, and EMDR.
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
• Mindfulness Strategies
It is important to recognize that the therapeutic plan is adjusted to address the evolving therapeutic needs and progress of the child or youth.
Click here for the Canadian Association for Play Therapy’s
description of the benefits of play therapy.
Click here for an explanation of Sand tray/play therapy.
Click here for the EMDR International Associations description
of EMDR and its therapeutic benefits.
Click here for an explanation of the Integrative Attachment Model.