COUNSELLING WITH KIDS... WHY IT MATTERS

We get it—growing up can be tough. One minute you’re deciding which color pencil to use, and the next you’re navigating big emotions, social drama, and life changes that can feel like a plot twist you didn’t ask for. That’s where we come in. Our counselling services for children create a safe space where kids can share, process, and make sense of their feelings—whether they’re sitting cross-legged on a beanbag in our clinic, running barefoot at the park, or cozied up at home during a telehealth session (PJs optional but encouraged).

Why Counselling for Children? ahh such a good question, and one that I get asked alot (mostly from the therapy skeptics who believe they experienced similar things and 'turned out just fine"). Childhood isn’t always ice cream and playgrounds. Anxiety, friendship fallouts, family transitions, and learning differences can throw curveballs. Early support can help kids build resilience, boost confidence, and develop healthy ways to handle life’s ups and downs—so they can spend more time being kids and less time stuck in their worries.

Our Favourite Benefits of Child-Focused Counselling

• Emotional Regulation: Helping kids learn that it’s okay to feel mad, sad, or “ugh”—and showing them how to manage those feelings without turning into a mini tornado, and most importantly normalising these emotions. There is nothing worse then thinking we shouldnt be feeling a certain way. ALL emotions are good when we use them in the correct way.

• Improved Communication: Giving kids the words (and the courage) to say, “I need help” or “I feel upset” instead of just “I don’t know.” 

• Self-Esteem and Confidence: Showing kids their superpowers—whether that’s kindness, creativity, or resilience—and helping them feel proud of who they are.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Encouraging kids to become tiny detectives who can find solutions to tricky situations (bonus points if they wear a magnifying glass necklace for effect).

• Stronger Relationships: Helping kids build and maintain healthy friendships and family bonds without the drama (or at least less of it).

What Happens in Child Counselling? Counselling with kids isn’t just sitting and talking—it’s often a mix of giggles, games, and “a-ha!” moments. Here’s what you might find in our therapeutic toolbox:

• Play Therapy: Think of it as feelings with a side of fun. Through play, kids can work through their emotions in ways that feel safe and familiar—like building LEGO creations or turning their worries into an imaginary monster we can defeat together.

• Art Therapy Interventions: Whether it’s drawing their “happy place” or finger-painting their frustrations, creative outlets help kids express the things words can’t quite capture. (Pro tip: No art degree required—just a willingness to get messy!)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): When kids have their brains stuck on repeat with “I’m not good at this” or “This will never get better,” CBT helps hit the mental reset button and swap out those unhelpful thoughts for more encouraging ones.

• Solution-Focused Therapy: For the “let’s cut to the chase” kids, this approach helps them zero in on their strengths and map out small steps toward big wins—like a choose-your-own-adventure book where they get to pick the hero’s moves.

• Narrative Therapy: Every child is the main character in their story. We help them see that even the tough chapters don’t define them—they’re the resilient protagonist who can write their next page

Trauma-Informed Care- Above all, our approach is trauma-informed, which means safety, trust, and empathy come first. We let kids set the pace and never push them to explore emotions they’re not ready to face yet—because healing isn’t a race; it’s a journey.

A Flexible and Fun Approach- We believe that therapy works best when kids feel comfortable being themselves. Some of our most memorable sessions involve kids mid-cartwheel or wearing superhero capes. If they feel more like talking while building a block tower or going on a nature walk, we’re all in. (And if your kid wants to challenge us to UNO—game on, but we don’t go easy!)

Support for Families-We know that when it comes to supporting children, the whole family plays a role. We provide guidance, practical strategies, and insights to help parents and caregivers feel confident navigating the ups and downs of parenting. We also offer custom workshops for small groups (up to 10 participants) that cover topics like emotional literacy, positive parenting, and managing meltdowns.

Tailored Resources- In addition to our counselling sessions, we create custom therapeutic resources designed to suit each child’s unique needs. Some of these resources are available online for purchase, while others can be made-to-order based on what will work best for your child.

Your Child’s Journey, Their Way- No two kids are the same, and their therapy shouldn’t be either. Whether they’re shy, bubbly, adventurous, or quiet, our team is dedicated to helping them grow, thrive, and feel understood. If your child is ready to explore their emotions, find their strengths, and embrace their story, we’re here to help—snacks, silly moments, and all.

Let’s give your child the space to be themselves, the support to flourish, and maybe even a LEGO metaphor or two along the way