Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Waterloo, ON.

There are a wide range of issues that affect children - they are vulnerable to many kinds of maltreatment and increasing stressors in our culture. However children often find it difficult to express their feelings and fears, which means that problems can be left undetected and unresolved. It is helpful then, to seek professional help if a child seems unhappy or distressed. With children, the construction of a trusting relationship between counsellor and client is especially important. Sometimes the counsellor will use puppets or sandboxes or play therapy to allow the child to tell their own story. In a safe trusting environment, the child can find their way towards emotional health.

Children can often exhibit externalizing or internalizing behaviors when they are unable to express themselves or process/cope with their feelings and emotions. Therapy can be a safe space for children to make sense of their feelings through creative and engaging means. Depending on age, working with young children can entail working with parents on how to best support their child in what they are going through and to give parents a space to reflect on the kind of parent they want to be while expressing concerns or personal challenges they may be experiencing. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

[I OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND ONTARIO]. I have seen children with various disorders, but mostly those who are 6 years of age and older. I have been a psychologist since 1986, and I have expertise in several approaches. My main approaches include cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Children’s behaviour is often a reflection of their internal experience. Including parents/caregivers in therapy can provide the opportunity for parents to help their child better understand their emotional experiences, to facilitate helpful communication, and to provide an environment that fosters both security and independence. I work with individuals, couples, children and families. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit for therapy.

With my many years in education I am able and skilled at working with and relating to children and adolescents. Childhood should be a time for healthy growth and development. For many children and teens, it is a time of great emotional stress. Children react to stress in many ways including withdrawal and acting out behaviors at home and school. I am here to help children and families learn the life skills necessary to be successful and happy. Family counseling may help to promote better relationships and understanding within your family. There is no shame in needing support. Family counseling during a divorce, or a child experiencing trauma can help all of you find some peace.

Through play, art, and talk therapy tailored to their developmental needs, children can express themselves freely in a safe and nurturing environment. Therapy helps children build resilience, develop coping skills, and understand and regulate their emotions. It provides a space for them to explore and make sense of challenging experiences, such as family changes, trauma, or school difficulties. By addressing issues early on, therapy can prevent them from escalating into more significant challenges later in life. Ultimately, therapy empowers children to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence and emotional intelligence, setting the stage for healthier relationships and brighter futures.

Children can be impacted by transitions and traumas in their lives. When they don’t know how to cope, the stress can build up. I provide safe and compassionate counselling where the child can talk about their feelings without the fear of being judged, better understand why they feel this way and learn strategies to move forward. I help children express their feelings and emotions through the lenses of play and art therapy combined with cognitive behavioural therapy for children. examples of common problems that can be addressed in my therapy: -bullying -loss/grief separation/divorce -depression, anxiety and panic -attachment disorder -behavioural challenges -learning difficulties