Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Anmore, BC.

I have over twenty years of experience in working with children. I understand that children process information at different rates and often in different ways than adults. My Counselling approach is gentle, warm and age and stage appropriate. I help young children and elementary-aged children to manage their emotions, build friendships, organize their school life, improve their academics, cope with anxiety, understand death, grief and loss, as well as deal with family dynamics e.g., separation/ divorce. I use play, art, narrative and cognitive behavioural therapy as some of my therapeutic tools. I really enjoy working with my young clients and seeing how happy they become!

Watching your child struggle with anxiety is heartbreaking. If your little one is battling fears, OCD, or selective mutism, I provide guidance and support to help them—and you—find relief. Through evidence-based strategies, I empower parents to understand their child’s anxiety, respond in ways that build confidence, and create a home environment where your child feels safe and supported. You’re not alone in this, and help is available. Let’s work together to give your child the tools they need to thrive.

Children often suffer from anxiety, depression and worry. I work with children of all ages, who are experiencing worry, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Aspergers/Autism and separation issues. I can also assist with parenting issues. Angry outbursts, tears, worry about being alone are all indicators that your child may be suffering from anxiety or depression.

Children are resilient. They have an amazing way of adapting to change in the world around them. When a child has lost their ability to adapt or is no longer able to cope and manage their world, a multitude of behaviors can manifest. This can be scary and frustrating for the parent or caregiver and can be equally difficult for the child. We understand and appreciate the struggles that children face today and how challenging parenting can be. We will work together to uncover the underlying issues and recreate harmony for both the child and/or parent. In a warm and understanding environment we will use a variety of techniques, customized to your child'd individual needs.

Children, like adults, can be affected by anxiety, stress, pressure and self-esteem issues. It can be very challenging for children to balance a busy lifestyle of sports, school, friends, and personal growth. It can also be very challenging for parents to watch and support their child as they struggle. We use child play therapy as a great tool to support young children in expressing their inner thoughts and feelings, while also creating tools and strategies for how they can cope with things better. We will also work with the parents, as needed to better understand their child and learn tools on how to support them.

Is your child bullied or isolated from others? Is your child reluctant to go to school, has trouble making friends, or seems withdrawn and lonely? Many children have trouble with self confidence, anxiety or social skills. Improving self esteem, emotional regulation, and social skills deficits in the younger years reduces difficulties later. We all want the best for our children, and as a parent myself I know how it can hurt to watch your child suffer and not know how to help. Find out how your child can be helped by in-person counselling, online coaching, or online educational programs.

I love working with children, we have fun with toys, colouring, art work, and games to help the child. This is called play therapy and it is different than any other kind of therapy. Children usually act out their emotions rather than talk about them as adults do. I usually meet with the parent(s) at the first appointment and then either later at that appointment or at the next appointment, I meet with the child and the parent and eventually work into play therapy. Often the child's play mirrors the anxiety or stress that the child is dealing with.Play therapy helps children get better, feel more secure and confident to be able to grow up happy and healthy.

As a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor, I have extensive training working with children and teens. I use play therapy and a combination of other modalities that may fit the child's/teens needs. I use these methods to help children process difficult situations and find new healthy ways of coping. We also work with parents as we know how important their roles are on-going. We help them help their children.

I have worked with young children for the majority of my career, specifically in a school setting. My primary goal in working with young children is establishing a safe, caring, trusting and fun environment in which children are able to comfortably be able to clearly articulate their emotions and feelings. Helping young children become aware of their behaviors, feelings and emotions are often key in guiding them further, and implement coping mechanisms to help them manage their presenting concern.

Young children are a very sensitive group when it comes to counselling. In counselling with young children, we use play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy. We believe it is through these therapies that we can work through deeper emotions with children and understand their stories. Sometimes, children are able to narrate their stories, and by increasing their insights through play and art therapy, we can help them re-narrate their stories. We also include parents in therapy by providing them with appropriate feedback to modify their behaviour toward their children or help their children modify their behaviour at home.

With young children, I utilize play-based therapy, which allows them to express their emotions and fears in a natural way. I make therapy enjoyable and effective by incorporating games, stories, and art, helping children learn to communicate their feelings and needs while also developing emotional regulation skills. I provide a safe and supportive environment, guiding them until they can navigate their emotions independently.