Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Port Moody, BC.

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.

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!

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.

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!