Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Abbotsford, BC.

In my approach to counseling and helping children, I prioritize creating a nurturing and safe environment where children feel heard, understood, and validated. Utilizing a child-centered approach, I employ age-appropriate therapeutic techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, and storytelling to facilitate self-expression and exploration of emotions. By building a trusting therapeutic relationship, I work collaboratively with children to address a range of concerns including behavioral issues, anxiety, trauma, and family dynamics. Through gentle guidance and empathetic support, children develop coping skills, resilience, and a sense of empowerment.

Counseling for children provides a safe and nurturing environment where they can express their thoughts and emotions freely. My approach emphasizes building trust and using age-appropriate techniques, such as play therapy, creative activities, and storytelling, to help children process their experiences. I focus on understanding their unique perspective and working collaboratively with families to support their growth. Children benefit from improved emotional regulation, enhanced self-esteem, and the tools to navigate challenges, fostering resilience and healthy development.

I have worked with young children my whole career. I love working with young children as I very much believe in early intervention and prevention. The earlier a young child receives treatment the higher the success rate! I began my career working at The Children's Foundation which is a residential treatment centre for behavioural and emotional issues. I learned so much and I have been able to transport that experience and knowledge to my private practise. I have also had training as a play therapist which is a wonderful tool to have!

Children, like adults, can be affected by anxiety, stress, pressure and self-esteem issues. It can be very challenging for children to balance a busy lifestyle of sports, school, friends, and personal growth. It can also be very challenging for parents to watch and support their child as they struggle. We use child play therapy as a great tool to support young children in expressing their inner thoughts and feelings, while also creating tools and strategies for how they can cope with things better. We will also work with the parents, as needed to better understand their child and learn tools on how to support them.

Critically important with youth is to build rapport through an interest shared by them and often this is better achieved through conversation. I work with kids who are verbal and who are open to counselling, usually youth or teens. Once rapport and trust are established it becomes possible for the child to share information very sensitive to them, and this openness allows problems such as depression, anxiety, ADHD to be understood and addressed.

Is your teen struggling with anxiety, substance use, or relationships with their peers? Do you see them withdrawing, acting out, or losing interest in things they once loved? Are you feeling helpless, worried, or overwhelmed as a parent, unsure of how to support them? I understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child suffer and feel like you can't reach them. As a clinical counsellor, I specialize in helping teens navigate these challenges. Together, we can improve their emotional well-being, boost their self-esteem, and strengthen family connections. Let's work towards a happier, healthier future for your teen. Book your free 15-minute consultation now. *I see clients ages 15 and up*

I treat children who present with ADHD. We would discuss strategies that work to provide support for your child to succeed in school, be happy socially, and improve their overall daily function. By accomplishing these goals, it would improve their self esteem and give them confidence in themselves to be successful. Additionally, we would use the creativity that comes with the ADHD brain to its full potential. Symptoms often include: struggle with time management, outbursts, talking excessively, being impulsive, forgetful, fidgeting, and many others. Using behaviour therapy techniques, such as CBT, we would jointly create a plan that is feasible, and address many symptoms.

I work with youth ages 13 and above to address their mental health concerns. I work with youth to help them work through trauma from adverse childhood experiences, family conflict, peer rejection, and other traumatic events that may occur due to life transitions, grief, and traumatic experiences. I help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, PTSD, BPD, grief, concurrent disorders, and self-esteem issues.

At the Cheam Centre for Counselling Therapy we have a full service play therapy centre We are located in East Abbotsford. We have experience in working with children and their families struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger. We also have experience working with children and their families through situations such as separation, divorce, loss, trauma, and abuse, We offer a supportive environment to help with parenting through variety of approaches such as attachment and Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT).

When working with young children, I do so as a secure attachment specialist. I typically work not just with the child(ren) but the family as an entire system of support and healing. My goal is to support the parent(s) of the child in learning secure attachment practices until the child begins to seek them out for support and guidance. When appropriate I co-counsel with my colleague Jamie Sabourin who also specializes in working with teens and children.

I offer children a safe place to express their feelings and provide guidance to support them in managing experiences that they are finding overwhelming. I focus on developing a healthy and trusting connection first and foremost and use a strength based lens in which children can feel empowered to grow. Children often need validation from a safe adult so being able to connect and listen non-judgementally is of crucial importance to me in this work.