My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to each young person's personality and goals.

An increase in behavioual problems at home, at school or with friends.

Changes in how they socialize and interact with friends or family, increased isolation or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Changes in academic performance or school attendance.

More frequent changes in mood with emotions seeming "bigger" than before.

Are you noticing some changes in your child? Here are some common changes parents see in their children when they begin to struggle: 

My Child Seems Different...

Feeling curious? I offer a 20 minute free consultation to explore your child's struggles and see how I can help.

Finding the right counselling for your child can be overwhelming. Let me support you as you make the best possible choice for your child.

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Emotional & Mental Health: Anxiety, worry, feeling constantly overwhelmed, low mood, sadness, loss of motivation, big emotions and mood swings, school stress and difficulty coping with change or uncertainty.

Friendships & Social Challenges: Conflict with friends or feeling left out, peer pressure or wanting to fit in, bullying or online drama, trouble with communication or setting boundaries, social anxiety or fear of judgement.

School & Performance: Academic stress or burnout, Trouble focusing or staying organized, perfectionism or fear of failure, motivation struggles and transitions (new school, grade etc)

Family & Life Changes:  Divorce, separation or family conflict, adjusting to new routines or moves, feeling misunderstood at home, sibling issues, grief or loss.

Identity & Self Esteem: Figuring out who they are and where they belong, confidence and body image concerns, values, goals and worry about the future and navigating independence vs. continuing to need support.

Digital Life & Modern Stressors: Social media pressure or comparison, gaming or screen balance, online safety and boundaries and sleep challenges tied to tech use.
 

Here are some of the common issues that often come up in Counselling with youth:

Let's Get Specific

Assessment/First Session: Getting to know your child (strengths, interests, personality), understanding what's bringing them in, exploring goals and reviewing confidentiality. 

Building Trust and Connection: creating a space that is comfortable, safe and non-judgemental through creative activities, following your child's pace, decreasing pressure, creating clear boundaries around confidentiality and conversational connection.

Theraputic Strategies: Skill-building through emotional regulation skills, anxiety and stress management tooks, cognitive-behavioural strategies, self-esteem and identity work, social and communication skills, play-based or creative interventions. 

Family Involvement: While your child's privacy is respected, you can expect: updates on themes and progress, strategy suggestions for support at home and the occasional parent-only session if needed.

Monitoring & Ongoing Support: Growth in therapy sometimes appears as increased emotional awareness, improved coping skills, greater confidence and healthier communication. Ongoing support evolves with your child's needs and can be weekly, bi-weekly or periodic check-ins.

How It Works...

Counselling can feel a little unknown and certainly intimidating at first - especially for youth and parents. Here's an overview of what you can expect. 

What To Expect

now what?

Counselling helps youth build confidence, strengthen copng skills, and learn healthy ways to express and regulate their emotions. It can also improve communication, problem-solving, and resilience - tools that support not only their current wellbeng, but ther future develpment.

With the guidance ofa compassionate therpaist, youth can feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease. 

Youth is a time of rapid growth and change. Counselling can offer young people a safe, supportive place to make sense of their thoughts, emotions and experiences wthout fear of judgement.

Benefits of Counselling for Youth

As a mother, myself, and A therapist for over 18 years, I bring evidence-informed experience paired with compassion and warmth to create a tailored approach for your child in a family-centered environment.

Are you ready to get started? Hit the button below to connect!

Why Riverside Counselling?

Yes! regular parent or caregiver involvement is important. This may include: regular check-ns or updates, guidance on how to support your child at home through strategies and tools and occasioal family sessions if necessary. 

Will I be involved in my child's therapy?

Yes, confidentiality is an important part of therapy. What your child shares is kept private unless there are concerns with safety with the youth or others. Limits of confidentiality will be clearly outlined at the start of counselling.

Is Therapy Confidential for my Youth?

The length of time in therapy depends on your child's needs and goals. Some youth benefit from short-term support, while others may engage in longer-term therapy for ongoing challenges. Duraton can also be influenced by youth engagement.

How long does counselling take?

You might consider therapy if your child: seems withdrawn, anxious or unusually irritable, is struggling at school or with peers, has experienced a major life change, has difficulty expressing emotion or is showing changes in sleep, appetite or behaviour.

How do I know my Child needs, or might benefit from counselling?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I talk to my child about starting counsellng?

What if my child is unsure about attending?

Keep it simple and supportive. You might say: 
"Sometimes it helps to have someone outside the famiy to talk to. This is a safe place just for you"
Normalize the exprience and reassure them they're not in trouble. 

This is common. Building trust takes time. I meet youth where they're at and create a comfortable, engaging environment. Sometimes starting with a gentle introduction or consultation can help.