Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Coquitlam, BC.

As a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor, I have extensive training working with children and teens. I use play therapy and a combination of other modalities that may fit the child's/teens needs. I use these methods to help children process difficult situations and find new healthy ways of coping. We also work with parents as we know how important their roles are on-going. We help them help their children.

As a family man, I'm seriously passionate about the importance of family and hope to support families in my private practice struggling with hopelessness, break downs in communication and lack of boundaries and clear expectations in the home. If you're looking for help improving the environment in your home, please reach out for a free consultation.

I have worked with many young children over the last 30 years and have developed tools to help them to express themselves. I encourage children to work through issues in a manner that is supportive yet enquiring, all the while allowing the child to lead. Young children are able to reap the benefits of brain training with Neurofeedback (NFB) and work through issues with desensitizing hurts through EMDR. As well, when utilizing the skill of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I offer many child friendly approaches such as games and drawing and have weighted blanks and animals to help comfort children with sensory integration / over stimulation challenges. My office is child friendly.

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.

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.

My approach to counselling children is rooted working with the parents. Incorporating principles of attachment theory, I recognize the significance of secure emotional bonds in a child's development. I aim to address any attachment-related concerns with parents directly which will support the child in developing healthy connections. I tailor interventions with the parents to meet the unique needs of each child. Through exploration of emotions, coping strategies, and building resilience, children benefit from a supportive environment that facilitates their emotional growth and overall well-being.

I have worked with young children for the majority of my career, specifically in a school setting. My primary goal in working with young children is establishing a safe, caring, trusting and fun environment in which children are able to comfortably be able to clearly articulate their emotions and feelings. Helping young children become aware of their behaviors, feelings and emotions are often key in guiding them further, and implement coping mechanisms to help them manage their presenting concern.

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.

Sessions can consist of art activities in person, expressive play interaction and learning how to regulate emotions as well as where they may come from. With children and youth I can provide a safe space for support and listening, help enlighten them on their feelings and thoughts. Challenges with anxiety, family stress and school issues can be looked at.

As a teacher and counsellor I have worked with children of all ages. By building a safe, caring, and trusting space I will help your child identify and express their feelings. Whether it be anxiety, relationships, anger, or family issues I will help guide them to understanding their emotions and to build their tool kit with coping strategies. Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation to learn more.

I will help guide the child towards what they find most comfortable in expressing how they are feeling and their thought process to help them cope with their problem. This may include story telling with figures/puppets, drawing, role playing, stuffed animals or with toys, creative visualization, arts and crafts. Situations can by acted out to understand their concerns and thoughts through play therapy based on their developmental level.