Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Sun Peaks, BC.

As parents and caregivers, it can be scary when our children are showing signs of mental distress and illness. It can be overwhelming to know what to do and how to support children when their mental health needs start to exceed what parents learned from their parents and from other resources along the way. I work with school aged children to help them overcome anxiety and mood problems both through individual sessions and parent/child sessions. I offer both parent/child sessions and individual sessions as appropriate using talk and play therapy approaches.

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.

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.

Children do not typically process their problems using talk therapy. Using Sandplay therapy, Art, Bibliotherapy and other play techniques children can begin to process and make sense of their world and naturally, through play can begin to process some of their probems. My room is set up in a child friendly way with intentionally placed therapeutic toys. My office is a place where children feel safe, nurtured and cared for.

I have 16 years of experience working with children and youth in the education system. This includes extensive training in the areas of parent/children conflicts, anxiety and anger management. In my practice, I will provide children with strategies and tools that they can implement in their daily lives at home and school.

I strongly believe that counselling children requires special strategies beyond just talking and listening. In my practice I use play therapy, sand tray therapy and therapeutic story telling. Using all of the expressive arts helps children express their feeling when they aren't able or just don't feel like talking. As a certified trauma consultant trained with the Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, I have the skills and experience to counsel children of all ages in a comfortable, nurturing environment. I enjoy working with children and as a result they enjoy working with me.

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.

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We specialize in providing developmentally appropriate, experiential counselling options to children and youth which include play therapy, art therapy, farm-based therapy and walk & talk therapy. We work from a bottom-up approach which supports the neuro-sequential needs for a felt sense of safety, connection, and regulation in support of healing, growth and in cultivating resilience. We support from a holistic lens which accounts for mental, emotional and physiological 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.

Ferne uses play therapy to help young children express themselves, work out issues in their lives, learn boundaries, be more confidence and gain a positive self image. Play therapy works good with children who have behaviour challenges, learning challenges and developmental issues. Children learn through play therapy to work through traumatic events in the past and present. They learn healthy boundaries in a trust worthy accepting environment. They led the play and develop confidence which carries over to their daily lives. Play therapy helps many non verbal children express their needs and stress in their lives.

I specialize in working with children and youth of all abilities. My work with children and youth is often informed by the family system they are living in and their counselling will include individual sessions with parents, guardians, and caregivers as there are often environmental changes that are necessary in order for the child or youth to be successful in managing their struggles outside of the counselling room.

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.