There are many emotional issues that find a corner in our heart, and refuse to die down even with the little people in our worlds. Sometimes these issues can transform into concerns such difficulty with regulating emotions, behavioural escalations, having negative thoughts about self, aggression, struggles with self-control or social skills impacting friendships, family or school functioning. Other times the neurodiverse littles, those with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, in our world could benefit from some extra support.
Counselling services looks very different for children than it does with adults. One of the reasons for this to fit the intervention to the age and stage of development for the child. Children cannot maintain a strictly talk therapy session. Plus, if it was boring, no children would want to return. My role is to work as a consultant to the parents to determine how to best provide support. We address the root cause of the problem after carefully listening to the parent concerns in the first initial meeting. At that time we will complete a biopsychosocial assessment and any additional screenings that may need to occur. This gives us an opportunity to talk openly and honestly without little ears present. During this time we will work together to gather relevant information, establish goals and work towards achieving your child’s goals via various interventions that may include therapeutic play, stories, movement, arts and crafts, sand tray, music or more directive interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Remember you are the expert of your child’s life and know your child best. I cannot tell you or your child what to do but my role is to help you recognize the strengths and resiliencies within your child and family.
Extra considerations when working with minors
The child needs to be a willing participant of counselling services and cannot be forced. Have a child that refuses? Please do not despair. We can work collaboratively via parent sessions to provide support or learn strategies and skills.
The therapist needs consent of both biological parents/guardians in order to provide therapeutic services.
Parents/ Guardians or children 14 years and younger must day on location during the session time.
