Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Nanaimo, BC.

As a registered play therapy supervisor I have advanced training and clinical experience in using developmentally appropriate tools and strategies for addressing children's emotional difficulties. When children struggle with their emotions, relationships and life events, play and creative interventions act as the language for children to process in ways that traditional, adult-oriented talk therapies simply cannot. Children look forward to their counselling and experience psychotherapy as a positive in their lives. These play-based interventions, along with parenting supports transferred from the play therapy room to home, ensure families experience the long term changes they need.

Registered Clinical Counsellors, interns, and Child and Youth Care Counsellors provide one to one counselling for children with a focus on reducing anxiety, improving mood, enhancing social skills. Using directive and non-directive methods, children can express their innermost thoughts and feelings through a language that feels most natural to them: play. Expressive play therapy and art therapy can be useful tools for children with limited verbal abilities. Counselling can also be focused on regulating big emotions through mindfulness techniques, emotion identification, and coping skills. We enhance the service with parent participation options, including conjoint sessions.

Children are unique and precious. At Great Life Counselling, I provide a safe environment for children to express themselves using a wide range of methods, some of which include; play, art role playing and writing. I offer a kind and gentle approach and aim to offer each child an opportunity to grow and heal at their own pace. Each child is gifted and I will help your child to gain self confidence, recognize their own talents and skills; while offering them support to problem solve and overcome challenges.

As children use play as a natural means of expression, the most effective mode of therapy for children is play therapy. I have developed Holistic Expressive Therapy, an integrated approach which addresses the unique physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs of a child. I tailor design carefully chosen play and other expressive materials to help your child bring into the open the behaviours and blocked feelings that have interfered with healthy emotional growth. Through this active expression, inner strengths are discovered that can help your child deal with past experiences and cope with present situations. The result is an increase in confidence and strength to meet challenges.

Children are resilient. They have an amazing way of adapting to change in the world around them. When a child has lost their ability to adapt or is no longer able to cope and manage their world, a multitude of behaviors can manifest. This can be scary and frustrating for the parent or caregiver and can be equally difficult for the child. We understand and appreciate the struggles that children face today and how challenging parenting can be. We will work together to uncover the underlying issues and recreate harmony for both the child and/or parent. In a warm and understanding environment we will use a variety of techniques, customized to your child'd individual needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.