Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Welland, 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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.