The teenage years includes rapid growth in multiple areas of development which can sometimes become a tricky and difficult time for some teens, especially in today’s day and age. It is not uncommon for parents to seek out services for their teenager and say, “I am struggling to relate to and understand my teen’s thoughts and feelings” and for teenagers to say “I don’t even know what I am thinking and feeling.” Increasing self-awareness, learning skills for mood regulation (anxiety and depression), increasing self-esteem, identity development, relationship skills and emotional support for life transitions, grief and loss is something that many of us wish we had as support available to us when we were teenagers ourselves.

Taking a family system approach, the initial appointment is often scheduled with the parents present. This is due to the fact that minors cannot provide consent until 18 years of age, having parental involvement is essential and parents also provide payment for the services. During this time we will review service agreement, discuss privacy vs. confidentiality of sessions and we will work together to gather relevant information regarding the teenagers life. Believe it or not, teenagers might also have a different perspective than their parents on matters of the heart. Especially when developing their own identity, autonomy and independence are often highly valued. Thus, review of client rights, information gathering and goal development is also completed in the second appointment with the teenager as well. It is often at the end of this session that we come back together to clarify confidentiality, review established goals and communication moving forward. At that time, we will establish whether individual youth counselling, family or parent support might best fit the needs of the teen and the therapeutic goals established at that time. From that point, it is the role of the therapist to create a safe, welcoming environment where youth feel heard, validated and learn more about their feelings, thoughts and coping mechanisms. We work collaboratively to fine tune the strengths, resiliencies and life skills that your teenager already has within them.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy -- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy -- Emotion Focused -- Family Therapy -- Expressive Arts --Sand Tray -- Mindfulness