Child and Youth Counselling and Support
What is Child and Youth Counselling and How Can It Help?
At our office, we offer counselling support for children (ages 7+) and teens (ages 12-19).
Our counsellors a safe, supportive place for children and teens to talk about what’s going on in their lives. They can open up about school stress, friendships, self-esteem, mental health, anxiety, gender, identity, sexuality, and just figuring out who they are.
With an experienced counsellor, children can learn to handle emotions, build resilience, and find better ways to cope with stress. It’s all about helping them understand their feelings and behaviours, especially in such a big time of change.
For teens dealing with anxiety, emotional regulation, depression, trauma, life changes, eating disorders, addictions (e.g., gaming, social media) and more, youth counselling offers practical tools and strategies.
Counselling is a way for people to feel more confident, make positive choices, and get through tough times with support.
Children and youth counselling can make a big difference, helping them feel more in control as they navigate life’s ups and downs.
Meet our Child and Youth Counsellors
Tory Vitaly (MSW, RSW) and Jennifer Bracke (MA, RCC) are our counsellors who support children (ages 7+) and teens (ages 12-19) through life’s challenges.
They also can provide support for parents, caregivers, and family members.
Tory and Jennifer provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space to support the growth and emotional well-being of family members.
They offer daytime and evening options for counselling sessions. Tory also offers Saturday appointments.
When Should You Consider Counselling for Your Child or Youth?
Consider counselling for your child or teen if you’re noticing concerning changes in their behaviour, mood, or daily habits.
Here are some things to pay attention to:
Persistent sadness, irritability, or withdrawal from family, friends and activities
Changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, or grades
Struggles with stress, anxiety, or handling daily challenges
Counselling can also help if your child or teen is:
Going through a tough life event, like a family change, bullying, or a major loss
Facing challenges with self-esteem, identity, or relationships
Child and youth counselling provides a safe space where children and teens can work through these issues with support and guidance.
It is especially useful if they’re dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, addictions, self-harm, trauma and more.
Addressing these issues early can prevent them from becoming larger challenges and help your child or teen develop healthy coping skills.
Getting support through counselling is a proactive step to encourage positive mental health and resilience as they grow.
What to Expect from Child and Youth Counselling Sessions
In child and youth counselling sessions, children and teens can expect a safe, private space to talk openly.
Here’s what to expect:
Building Trust: Sessions start with getting to know the counsellor, helping children and teens feel comfortable and understood.
Flexible Pace: Children and teens set the pace, starting with general conversations before exploring specific challenges.
Engaging Activities: Counsellors may use creative techniques like art, journalling, games, or problem-solving exercises to help children and teens express themselves.
Learning Coping Skills: Children and teens gain practical tools for managing stress, improving communication, and handling emotions.
Self-Understanding: Child and youth counselling helps children and teens explore their feelings and behaviours in a supportive way.
Sometimes, parents may be involved:
Parent or Family Sessions: If helpful, parent and family sessions can support better communication and understanding, focusing on solutions, not blame.
Child and youth counselling aims to meet each child or teen where they’re at.
The goal is to help them feel heard, valued, and equipped to handle whatever comes up in life.
Sessions give children and teens a strong and wider support system to build confidence and get to know themselves.