Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Thorold, ON.

Imagine how your life would have turned out if someone helped heal your fears, traumas, and insecurities experienced as a child. I enjoy working with children because I believe it's an opportunity to help heal things that have no purpose in carrying through into adulthood. I'm grateful for the opportunity to see the world through a child's lens and understand they ways in which we as adults can work to better care for future generations. My work with children borrows from play therapy, art therapy and narrative therapy.

Since the pandemic, many youths are struggling personally, socially, and academically. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I spent 10 years working with children and youth as a guidance counsellor helping youth navigate their challenges and direction in life. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me to see if I am the proper fit for your journey.

Growing up is a unique phase of life, filled with new experiences, challenges, and developmental changes. Navigating this period can feel overwhelming and intense. Our work together will involve exploring these aspects of yourself and processing the emotions that arise along the way. Many young people can struggle to express their feelings and may not feel comfortable sharing with family so speaking with a therapist can feel reassuring, as it offers a safe, compassionate environment where you can express your emotions freely, without judgment or expectations. Book a free 15-minute consultation with me to see if I’m the right fit for you.

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.

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.

I provide support for youth and adolescents (age 16+) affected by mood disorders, psychosis, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, helping young clients build resilience, manage emotions, and develop coping strategies. Using CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I create a safe, supportive space where they can express themselves, gain confidence, and navigate challenges with guidance and care.

When doing therapy with young children, my primary goal is to first make them feel safe and comfortable. I use Play Therapy and Emotion Focused techniques to address concerns and help them regulate their emotions to be able to navigate significant changes in their lives. I find that it is helpful to collaborate with parents for a smoother transition of therapy tools into their lives at home. These younger years can greatly impact their adulthood, which makes therapy a useful tool in building long-term resilience. Call today to see if your child’s needs and my expertise are a good fit.

There are a wide range of issues that affect children - they are vulnerable to many kinds of maltreatment and increasing stressors in our culture. However children often find it difficult to express their feelings and fears, which means that problems can be left undetected and unresolved. It is helpful then, to seek professional help if a child seems unhappy or distressed. With children, the construction of a trusting relationship between counsellor and client is especially important. Sometimes the counsellor will use puppets or sandboxes or play therapy to allow the child to tell their own story. In a safe trusting environment, the child can find their way towards emotional health.

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.

In supporting children and youth through therapy, Nicole offers a unique approach to each child. Nicole is a Registered Social worker and a trained kids yoga instructor. Combining these specialties offers a unique opportunity to help children explore and understand their experience, feelings and emotions. Through body movement, play, art and other approaches, Nicole focuses on building a relationship of safety and trust with each child, understanding that this is key to supporting a child through therapy.

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.