Children & Youth

Counselling can be helpful for children and youth who experience challenging life situations that may cause emotional distress. Children can struggle with anxiety, sadness, anger, changes in family circumstances, school difficulties, friendships, self-esteem, or other challenges that affect their emotional, social, behavioural, or academic functioning.

Children experiencing emotional distress can sometimes be labelled with various diagnoses. Although diagnosis can be helpful and important in some circumstances, it is equally important to understand what a child's behaviour and emotions are communicating and to carefully assess and respond to their individual needs.

I work with children and youth to better understand their experiences and the impact those experiences have on their current functioning. I take time to understand their perspective, strengths, relationships, values, and circumstances so that appropriate goals and strategies can be developed.

For Catholic families who wish to include faith in the therapeutic process, I provide care that respects the Catholic faith and the dignity of each child. When appropriate and desired, therapy can help children and youth explore their relationship with God, prayer, forgiveness, compassion, virtue, and the challenges of living out their faith while navigating the difficulties of growing up.

My goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where children and youth feel heard, understood, and valued, while helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to flourish.