Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Pitt Meadows, BC.

I work with youth ages 13 and above to address their mental health concerns. I work with youth to help them work through trauma from adverse childhood experiences, family conflict, peer rejection, and other traumatic events that may occur due to life transitions, grief, and traumatic experiences. I help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, PTSD, BPD, grief, concurrent disorders, and self-esteem issues.

Growing up is hard. Even if you’ve done everything possible to give your child the best life, it doesn’t mean they won’t struggle or experience setbacks. Whether it’s making new friends, finding purpose, determining their sexuality or coping with unexpected trauma like death or divorce - there are many building blocks that come into play on our way to becoming adults. I offer friendly suggestions to override their negative thinking. With my sense of humour, I open up their hearts to face the true way to solve. I encourage and reinforce positive energy for them. I have a long experience as a children’s pastor and therapist. With Christ's compassion, let's figure it out together!

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.

My Approach to Counselling Children may include but is not limited to: * Acquiring general information * Talk therapy * Art Therapy * Behavioural Therapy * Play therapy * Relaxation techniques * Solution focused * Cognitive Behavioural Therapy * Attachment-based psychotherapy If you do not see a specific approach that you are looking for Please feel free to call and ask.

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.

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 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.

Children often express feelings through behavior rather than words. Using play therapy and other child-focused approaches, we provide a safe space for children to explore emotions, build coping skills, and work through challenges. Therapy supports children with anxiety, grief, behavioral issues, and more. We also partner with parents to foster growth and healing beyond the sessions.

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.

My approach to counselling children is rooted working with the parents. Incorporating principles of attachment theory, I recognize the significance of secure emotional bonds in a child's development. I aim to address any attachment-related concerns with parents directly which will support the child in developing healthy connections. I tailor interventions with the parents to meet the unique needs of each child. Through exploration of emotions, coping strategies, and building resilience, children benefit from a supportive environment that facilitates their emotional growth and overall well-being.

As a family man, I'm seriously passionate about the importance of family and hope to support families in my private practice struggling with hopelessness, break downs in communication and lack of boundaries and clear expectations in the home. If you're looking for help improving the environment in your home, please reach out for a free consultation.

Counselling children and adolescents requires an understanding of the physical, emotional and cognitive stage of development through the life span. It is critical for a counsellor to address the issues of children on all levels of development. Young children, for example, are less verbal and cognitively developed than teenagers, and therefore, may benefit from play therapy and/or expression of thoughts and feelings through more concrete modalities such as art, music or dance therapies. When working with younger children, parents are typically a part of the counselling process. Adolescents, on the other hand, typically benefit from psycho-education and role play. Confidentiality is key.

When working with young children, I do so as a secure attachment specialist. I typically work not just with the child(ren) but the family as an entire system of support and healing. My goal is to support the parent(s) of the child in learning secure attachment practices until the child begins to seek them out for support and guidance. When appropriate I co-counsel with my colleague Jamie Sabourin who also specializes in working with teens and children.