Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Etobicoke, ON.

I have years of experience working with young children (5-12) and their parents. I use a variety of techniques (play therapy, art therapy) to help children process their emotions and learn to express themselves in a healthy manner. I also help children understand (in a developmentally appropriate manner) how to make sense of their anxiety and any possible trauma or event that may have been associated with it. I also work very closely with parents of children as I believe that parents can be the most effective therapeutic ally as they have the greatest source of influence on their young children. I provide parents with tools to understand and effectively communicate with their children.

Children are often impacted by family dynamics and for that reason, at Psychotherapy Collective our approach to working with children aged 6-11 is a family based approach. While I do not work with children under the age of 12, we have many therapists on our team who work with children aged 6-11. I encourage you to view our approach to child and family therapy (https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/services/child-and-family-therapy) and schedule a consultation with one of our family therapists to see if they are the proper fit for your journey.

I work virtually and in-person with children and adolescents. Parents have told me that their children are more emotionally regulated and, overall, happier, as a result of therapy. The initial session is free so there is little risk in reaching out to schedule a session to determine if I am a good fit for your child. I offer in-person therapy in Orangeville (Mondays) and Inglewood (Fridays and Sundays). I offer virtual appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings as well as Sunday mornings and afternoons.

Child therapy utilizes a number of techniques that allow children to express their thoughts, feelings, and conflicts in order to heal and change their maladaptive behaviours and modes of expression. In play, children learn how to express themselves in constructive ways, to control their behaviour, to make better decisions, and to accept responsibility for their actions. When children can communicate or play out how they feel to someone who understands and validates them, they feel better because their feelings have been released and transformed. This also allows them to form a positive and healthy attachment to a caring adult, further enabling them to develop positive feelings for others.

While I do not work with children, our clinic has many child and family therapists who are availability to schedule a free consultation. Since children are often impacted by family dynamics, we often find the most effective way to work with children, ages 6-11, is within the context of family therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our child and family therapists by visiting https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/services/child-and-family-therapy

My approach when working with children under 12 years old is to ensure that they are provided with a positive and safe experience of therapy. I prefer to tailor therapy to their developmental stage by creating a fun environment that may involve play, art, and activities during sessions. Discussions about their interests, skills, and special talents and abilities are at the forefront of our therapeutic conversations to help build confidence and feelings of positivity. My background in relational therapy may invite parents or siblings into sessions as well. Please contact me for a free consultation if you are interested in determining if I would be a good fit for your child/children.

Children can often exhibit externalizing or internalizing behaviors when they are unable to express themselves or process/cope with their feelings and emotions. Therapy can be a safe space for children to make sense of their feelings through creative and engaging means. Depending on age, working with young children can entail working with parents on how to best support their child in what they are going through and to give parents a space to reflect on the kind of parent they want to be while expressing concerns or personal challenges they may be experiencing. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.