Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Summerland, BC.

Using multiple modalities we strive to help children with behavioral issues by encouraging open dialogue between a parent and child. This type of therapy focuses on establishing boundaries and fostering communication techniques that provide the child with a means of effective expression of their experiences and frustrations. Whether your child is experiencing a changing family dynamic due to divorce, self-esteem issues with peers, academic troubles, or sibling rivalry, we will work with the child to establish trust and communication in order to teach them to articulate their feelings in a constructive, productive manner.

I am a psychotherapist who has worked in community agencies serving children, youth and families for over 25 yrs. No matter the origins of a child's difficulties, the most effective way to work them out is in the parent-child relationship. In therapy Annette will provide a safe, non-judgemental environment to help parents apply principles of attachment to strengthen their parent-child relationship. This would include exploring ways to overcome the difficulties they have been experiencing as well as taking steps towards their family's goals.

We have a certified Expressive Play Therapist (EPT) Jennifer, in addition to several trained child and youth therapists that offer a range of skill and knowledge. The EPT approach incorporates cognitive to behavioural therapies based on your child’s or youth’s needs and abilities. Her specialized trainings are in; Holistic Expressive Therapy, CBT, EMDR specialization with children and youth. The office offers a creative and interactive learning space including a sand table, arts & crafts, sensory designed and room the move and get comfortable.

As the mother of four children Sheila has not only read about children she has experienced the language of children first hand. Sheila utilizes Expressive Play Therapy approaches. Whether with Play therapy on the sand table and/or EMDR Sheila supports moving through trauma and challenges gently with children. Sheila has taken several advanced trainings in play therapy including EMDR and theraplay and is gifted in developing rapport and establishing comfort quickly with youngsters.

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.

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.

Children are in a constant state of growing, and the patterns and practices that they start now will affect their trajectory for years to come. It is important to help children identify and articulate their emotions early. By doing so we give them a good base for their emotional health and regulation, and set them up for successful relationships down the road.

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 extensive training and experience working with young children. I am highly skilled and will make a difference in a very short period of time in the structure and routine in your home. Stop chasing after your kids and their behaviour and learn how to manage your home and your family. I will teach you how to have rules, order and consistency instead of chaos.

Underlying many children's behavioural "problems" lies an emotional need - for connection; perhaps to be seen, heard, comforted, or protected. My approach to counselling young children is by supporting parents and caregivers, so that they can feel more secure in their ability to support their children. As a registered "Circle of Security" parenting program facilitator (and Mum of 3 busy kids), I believe that recognizing our children's emotional needs doesn't have to be as hard as it seems. Together we can bring your own needs and triggers into awareness, and practice new ways of responding that can rebuild and strengthen your connection to your kids - no matter how old they are!

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.

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.

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*

Having young children and problems surrounding children can both result from distress in relationships and precipitate distress. Support in addressing these issues can have a signifiacant positive impact on overall relationship functioning. The fact that relationships are one of our primary coping mechanisms multiplies the potential distress when these are present as it impacts the very mechanisms we use to cope.

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 an Early Childhood Educator for almost 11 years, I bring a strong developmental approach to child counseling. Being able to understand the big emotions they are experiencing and what they need developmentally is a benefit. Children like adults have very big emotions and if they don’t know how to manage them, it can result in anxiety, anger, depression, and self-esteem issues.