The rate of mental illness among children is increasing, particularly anxiety and depression. With the increased use of technology and social media, children’s social and attention skills are declining, leading to a nationwide epidemic. As children are still growing and learning about themselves, other people, and the world, they often express emotions differently than adults. For example, anxiety may be felt more in the body (i.e., tummy aches, head aches, nausea) and expressed through behaviours (i.e., can’t sleep alone, avoids school) rather than words.

Counselling for children can take many forms, depending on the child’s developmental/maturity age and his/her needs. For younger children, sandplay, play and art based methods may be used to help children articulate their emotions and experiences using creativity and imagination. For older children, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will likely be incorporated into sessions to help them gain a better understanding of their inner world and pressures they’re facing. CBT is all about changing one's negative thoughts and behaviours to achieve more positive ways of thinking and healthier ways of living. EMDR may also be utilized to help children heal from traumatic experiences.

We believe in empowering children to safely express their emotions by teaching them helpful tools and skills that can be used at home, school, and anywhere else big emotions can pop up. Parenting counselling sessions are encouraged throughout the course of therapy as parents/caregivers are children’s best supports. Our Child Psychologists are happy to liaise with your child's teacher, pediatrician, and/or psychiatrist to provide top quality, comprehensive care.