Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Kanata, ON.

Sandra Forbes, Relationship Solutions helps parents help their children. Challenges faced by children are addressed by understanding the child and people involved and the family. In some situations the children who come to Relationship Solutions have been diagnosed with for example aspergers syndrome, ADD or ADHD. They also may have no diagnosis and yet there are challenges identified. How parents work with their children in a way that works best for all family members (including themselves!) is where we focus. We are experts at Identifying family patterns that are working well and others that were once effective and may need now to shift.

With my many years in education I am able and skilled at working with and relating to children and adolescents. Childhood should be a time for healthy growth and development. For many children and teens, it is a time of great emotional stress. Children react to stress in many ways including withdrawal and acting out behaviors at home and school. I am here to help children and families learn the life skills necessary to be successful and happy. Family counseling may help to promote better relationships and understanding within your family. There is no shame in needing support. Family counseling during a divorce, or a child experiencing trauma can help all of you find some peace.

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 be impacted by transitions and traumas in their lives. When they don’t know how to cope, the stress can build up. I provide safe and compassionate counselling where the child can talk about their feelings without the fear of being judged, better understand why they feel this way and learn strategies to move forward. I help children express their feelings and emotions through the lenses of play and art therapy combined with cognitive behavioural therapy for children. examples of common problems that can be addressed in my therapy: -bullying -loss/grief separation/divorce -depression, anxiety and panic -attachment disorder -behavioural challenges -learning difficulties

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.

While I do not work with youth under the age of 16, 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