Child counsellors are trained and experienced in approaches that make sense specifically to young children. This can include art or play therapy, and is aimed at helping children make sense of what is going on in their minds, bodies and lives in a way that they can understand. Counselling addresses issues specific to their growth, development, mental health and general wellbeing.
Adolescence is so much more than just a phase of a person’s life. It is a period of change in regards to biology and psychology, but usually also in a person’s social life, adaptive skills, economic dependence, education, and role in society. Adolescence is a time of experimentation, identity formation, emotion, and changing perspectives. An adolescent has so much to learn about themselves and the world around them while at the same time undergoing more change and taking on more responsibility than they have ever had before; it is not surprising that this can be a time of stress for many. It is also common that adolescents have more conflict with their parents/caregivers than they have had before as they explore who they are and how to express that.
Common Reasons to Seek Counselling
- Unprovoked aggression
- Leakage of urine
- Difficulty adjusting to social situations and/or new situations
- Recurrent nightmares, night terrors, and/or sleep difficulties like insomnia
- Low grades or a sudden academic decline
- Constant worry and anxiety
- Social withdraw from activities your child once liked or loved to do
- A noticeable and/or sudden loss of appetite and/or extreme weight loss
- Repetitively performing rituals and routines like hand-washing
- Suicidal ideations (thoughts) or attempts
- Your child responds to voices he/she hears in his/her head
- Spending most of his/her time alone or engaging in voluntary social isolation
- Alcohol and/or drug use, abuse, or addiction
- Increased physical complaints, despite a healthy report from a medical professional
- Engaging in self-harm practices, such as cutting oneself
Issues Commonly Treated in Children
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Grief/Loss
Divorce
When parents or guardians relationships end, it can be distressing for children and teens. It is common for children to blame themselves for the divorce. It is also common for these children to feel that because they caused the end of the marriage, they are unlovable.
Conversations around child custody are a common part of separation and divorce. Whether the child is old enough to choose or not, separation can cause children to feel uneasy, sad, anxious, guilty and overwhelmed. Counselling can help children cope, communicate and trust.
Change
Changing schools, moving to new city, adoption, remarriage, loss/grief, and change in social group can be difficult to navigate as a youth. Counselling can teach children to adapt and accept changes in a way that is healthy and effective.
Sexuality Concerns
Talking about sex and sexuality with your child can be awkward. If you’re unsure how, or they are not open to discussing it with you, counselling can be a really great option. We can offer age appropriate but accurate education and conversation for them.
Mental Health and Trauma
Counselling for children teaches them how to effectively manage emotional concerns and anxiety by themselves. Common mental health concerns include anxiety, depression, and ADD/ADHD.
Trauma in children can have negative effects including shock, detachment, emotional numbness, social issues, lasting fear, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Bullying
Bullying can happen in schools, online and even at home with siblings. This can impact self-esteem and confidence in all areas of life. This can lead to significant issues in future, including depression/anxiety, eating disorders, substance use and self-harm.