Children and youth
Help them grow stronger than what they are facing.
Talk therapy for kids and teens, with a trusted adult alongside them. Here is what we look at before we begin, so the work can really help.
- Session
- 50 minutes of talk therapy
- With
- A trusted adult on site
- Approach
- Talk therapy, with play woven in
- Where
- The Cottage on Dawson
What to expect
We proudly provide counselling to children and youth when our approach, talk therapy, fits their needs and goals. Our clinicians often bring play into sessions with younger clients, but we are not play therapists.
Children and youth need to be able to sit through a session and take part in talking. Here is what we consider before taking on a young client.
Children and youth
Before we begin
Informed consent
Like adults, young clients need to consent. They are willingly taking part, understand what counselling is, and know they can stop at any time. A parent can consent on their behalf, but the child themselves needs to be engaged.
Comprehension
Our main tool is talking. Young clients need to be able to talk on their own, understand their goals, and have the attention and energy for a 50-minute session. We take breaks and play games to help.
Custody
If there is a custody agreement or child welfare involvement, we need to know who can access records, who brings the child, and who can consent. In high-conflict separations, legal custody must be established first.
Support during sessions
A trusted adult, ideally a parent or guardian, is available through each session and stays on site. Adolescents who manage their own transportation can be an exception.
Support at home
Most of the important work happens at home. Children do best with a trusted adult who supports and reinforces what they are learning.
Young people come to us for
- Anxiety and worry
- Grief
- Big emotions
- ADHD and learning differences
- Self-esteem
- Identity and belonging
- Changes at home
Approaches we draw on
Clinicians
Who you might work with
Questions, answered
More in the full FAQ.
Why does a parent need to be there?
A trusted adult gives the therapist the background they need and learns how to support the work at home. An adult on site also keeps your child safe and supervised.
Do you do play therapy?
Our clinicians often use play and art in sessions with children, but we are not play therapists. Our main intervention is talk therapy.
Ready when you are.
Book online any time, or call and a real person will help you find the right clinician.
Wondering about cost? See coverage options.