%20(8%20%C3%97%208in).png)
Our Approaches
Our approaches rely heavily on input from you to guide us. We operate from a client-centered philosophy. This means that we strive to utilize approaches that are a “fit” for your family and the goals you wish to achieve. This also means our interventions' direction is based on your goals, not ours. There are no hidden agendas, and we constantly work towards what you want to achieve.
​
Our therapeutic approaches and interventions are effective and evidence-based. This means we use interventions that have been proven through quality research. Please feel free to click any of the therapeutic approaches links below to learn more about the evidence-based approaches we utilize regularly.
​
Typically, families will book two intake and assessment sessions. The first one is just for parents to attend. This lets you get to know your therapist before your child meets them. This also lets you speak freely while describing the problem and your goals. During this session, the counsellor will ask various questions to help them understand your child, their development, and the concerns. The second session will begin with your child meeting individually with the therapist. This allows the therapist to get to know them and assess some of the concerns you presented. During the second half of this session, the therapist will present some treatment or intervention options and, together with you will develop an intervention plan. This intervention plan will outline the interventions that will be used and will provide some structure in regard to the number and frequency of sessions.
​
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy is available to children, youth, and even adults. Individual psychotherapy can be an effective intervention or support for:
-
ADHD
-
Depression
-
Anxiety
-
Behavioural Challenges
-
Self-Harm
-
Suicidal Ideation
-
Trauma
-
OCD
-
Self-Esteem
-
Identity Development
-
Stress
-
Life Adjustments
-
And more
Family Psychotherapy
Sometimes families face stressful periods in life. These challenges can be the result of a variety of influences, but family psychotherapy is an option that can help families re-establish a sense of peace and unity. Family psychotherapy may be an option for your family to help address concerns related to:
-
Parent-teen conflict
-
Family illness
-
Grief and loss
-
Family stress and dysregulation
-
Parenting challenges
-
Separation, divorce, or parental conflict
-
And more
Group Psychotherapy & Therapeutic Recreation
Group programs help kids and teens thrive. We offer a variety of group programs that emphasize wellness, social development, and coping skills. Our group offerings change by semester and are based on expressed interest, so please let us know what you want to see. Our upcoming and current group offerings are:
-
Not Your Typical Teen Group -A low-demand therapeutic group for teens in grades 9-12.
-
The Gathering Spot - An active and engaging therapeutic group for grades 6-8
​
Our Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
We frequently utilize cognitive behavioural therapy with children and adolescents to address the following concerns: Depression, Anxiety, Phobias, School Refusal, Anger Management, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Conduct related concerns (lying, stealing, aggression etc.)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
We frequently utilize Dialectical Behaviour Therapy with children and adolescents to address the following concerns: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Lability (up and down mood), BiPolar Disorder, self-harming (cutting), binge eating, Anger, Suicidal Ideation, Explosive outbursts.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
While originally developed to assist with trauma healing, EMDR also has applications for addressing anxiety, nightmares, emotional dysregulation, ineffective patterns of behaviour, substance misuse, and more. We use EMDR with children, teens, and adults.
Parent Coaching
We frequently utilize parent coaching in children and adolescents to help address the following concerns: Opposition, tantrums, defiance, sleep problems, eating concerns, anger management, following directions, property destruction, running away, aggression, rudeness, swearing, and difficulties with homework & routines. Parent Coaching provides parents the skills and tools they need to understand their child's behaviour and provide the support they need to help experience more peace and harmony in the home.
Social Skills Support
We frequently utilize Social Skills Support with children and teens to address the following concerns: bullying, social isolation, anger management, Autism, developmental disabilities, difficulty making & keeping friends, difficulty sharing, and more. We approach social skills support from a neurodiversity affirming perspective. This means we emphasize helping kids and teens learn what works for them and understand what their unique needs are. We offer different perspectives to support kids and teens in navigating the complexities of social life, and build support based on the unique goals of the individual.
Collaborative Proactive Solutions
CPS is an evidence-based approach for supporting children with challenging behaviours. This collaborative and compassionate approach emphasizes developing an understanding of your child's skills and engaging in a collaborative process to problem solve challenging situations. We've found success utilizing this approach to address the following concerns: explosive meltdowns, inflexible thinking, difficulties with routines, low frustration tolerance, anger outbursts.
Expressive Arts Therapy (art, drama, play)
We frequently utilize expressive arts therapy to address the following concerns in children and adolescents: Trauma, abuse, self-esteem, difficulty expressing emotion, separation & divorce.
Family Therapy
We frequently utilize family therapy to address the following concerns in families, children and teens: Communication problems, behavior & discipline concerns, disrespect, defiance and more.