Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Niagara Falls, ON.

Raising children can bring great joy, however parent-child relationships can be extremely challenging at times. It is important to create and model healthy boundaries for our children. It is also important to promote our children’s emotional health. In therapy I work with you and your child or children to find positive ways to address difficulties and develop healthy relationships.

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 explore and make sense of their world through imagination and play, so why should therapy be any different? Your child will experience upbeat, playful, and engaging ways to tackle even the most difficult/serious problems. My hope is that our sessions will be a place where your child experiences themselves as capable, knowledgable, and clever. And hey, let's still find a way to have some fun too! I've been told by many parents that their kids are so excited for the next session they can't wait to come back... A far cry from feeling like you have to convince them to do something. *Please note, I work particularly well with children from the ages of six years old and up.

Children and teens are growing up in a fast-changing world. Life can be overwhelming. How can counselling help? Younger children express themselves best through play. Both parents and therapists may learn a great deal by watching children play or from their art work. We ask questions to explore the child’s feelings and support the child’s own problem-solving. Older children may like workbooks, exercises. Family Therapy is yet another approach. With help from the therapist, all family members can express themselves and hear each other in ways that usually do not happen in today’s busy households. Family Therapy works better if the children are old enough to stay focused for an hour.

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.

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

Growing up can be challenging and sometimes leave youth feeling confused, frustrated, or misunderstood. I strive to make them feel accepted for who they are and feel heard and validated. Promoting a safe and judgment free environment is a priority and necessary for youth to be able to let their guard down and communicate openly. Together we look at areas of life that are challenging for them and identify the factors that are contributing to the difficulties they are experiencing. We then work on managing those areas more effectively by developing positive coping strategies and emotions management skills. I have a passion working with youth and encourage you to book a free consultation.

Children’s behaviour is often a reflection of their internal experience. Including parents/caregivers in therapy can provide the opportunity for parents to help their child better understand their emotional experiences, to facilitate helpful communication, and to provide an environment that fosters both security and independence. I work with individuals, couples, children and families. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit for therapy.