The childhood and youth years come with various unique developmental changes, with social and emotional learning curves in particular. Some of the changes are predictable and often consistent for their age. Others, however, raise the concerns of parents, teachers, and family.

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A little disclosure.

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Child development have been fascinating to me from the young age. I loved spending time with little ones as long as remember myself and was often like a magnet to the kids. This passion continued into my adulthood and prompted me to pursue educational psychology through the Pedagogical University of Belarus. I then worked and taught in a public school setting for 5 years until I moved to Canada and started to have my own children. I thought I was well prepared until I had my kids:)

 

Each stage have been an amazing journey of trial and error, ups and downs, tears and laughter. I can truly admit that the perfect book knowledge has been put to the real life test. And honestly, I had to go back to books all over again at each stage of life over and over again, as well as to take additional parenting training through challenging times. As you see, you don't need to be a perfect parent, you just need to reach for the right set of skills and knowledge at the right time. I am here to walk the parent walk with you, to help you understand what is behind your child's behaviour, to hold your hand as you gain your confidence back and to help you see you your child's life transformed.

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How does Child and Youth therapy look like?

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Therapy, also called counselling or psychotherapy, is a short or a long term intervention by a registered clinical professional. It is designed to assess all areas of a child's life, create an in depth understanding of the presenting concerns, and develop a comprehensive plan of intervention. It often involves homework that children and parents have to complete between sessions, and a regular measurement of symptoms to determine if there is an improvement.

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Parents play an important role in the lives of children and they spend the majority of the time with them. Therefore, the initial session is designed  to connect with parents, get their feedback on the situation and challenges in order to create the most comprehensive assessment. This allows the therapist to collaborate with the parents on the best treatment approach for the child. 

 

Child therapy is then based on the integration of several approaches such as psychoeducation, CBT, mindfulness, strength based approach as well as crafting, playing, storytelling through SandTray or drawing. This integrative format allows the therapist to meet children at their developmental level. Children often can express themselves better and faster through the world of play rather than trying to verbalize their thoughts and feelings through a conversation.

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Children under 10.

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I generally see children 10 and up. In cases when children are younger, parents are encouraged to attend therapy instead of a child. The process is then directed at providing guidance, consultation on the child's development and behaviour, and learning tools and strategies on supporting your child at home. This format is often used with families when teenagers resist or refuse therapy. 

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The FOCUS in therapy can on the following:

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• Mood Problems: Anxiety, Depression and the Related Disorders

• Fears/Phobias/Nightmares

• Trauma/PTSD

• Grief/Loss

• Relationship: family, friends, school

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Preventing Pathology.

 

EMOTIONS become PATHOLOGICAL when particularly intense, felt for prolong periods of time, unacknowledged, and not expressed. There is more mental health help available right now like never before. Your children can be helped. I am here to hold the space for your child to process their struggles and to support you as a parent!

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