Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in West Point Grey, 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

In my practice, I work with preschoolers, school-age children, teens, and young adults. I conduct psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments for learning disabilities, giftedness, ADD and ADHD, organization problems, memory difficulties, developmental delays, FASD, head injuries, and other challenges. I also provide Cogmed training for attention and working memory difficulties. Cogmed can help children with ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and executive functioning problems. Cogmed can help your child to improve their short-term memory, stay on task, and concentrate in school. If you’re concerned about your child’s learning, I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Much of my experience early on as a psychotherapist was with teens (12-18). I found the most helpful tool was creating a safe and judgement free environment where they were able to explore themselves, their inner thoughts, and their values, free of pressures from the outside world. Once establishing a safe relationship, we were able to identify emotions, what they mean, and how to express them in a healthy way. I often bring parents into the counselling room to be a part of the process too. By offering compassion for their own struggles, and a bit of knowledge on the developing brain, we can work together as a team to help everyone reach their full potential.

Challenges with a young child can affect the whole family and put enormous pressure on parents and their relationship. While I don’t provide counselling directly to young children, I work with individuals and couples who need support navigating parenting concerns. We can explore differences in parenting styles, conflict between partners, difficult behavior at home, boundaries and discipline, or the stress and emotions that come with raising a young child. I help parents understand what may be happening underneath their own reactions, communicate more effectively and work together as a team while finding ways to respond to their child with greater connection and understanding.

I have worked with many young children over the last 30 years and have developed tools to help them to express themselves. I encourage children to work through issues in a manner that is supportive yet enquiring, all the while allowing the child to lead. Young children are able to reap the benefits of brain training with Neurofeedback (NFB) and work through issues with desensitizing hurts through EMDR. As well, when utilizing the skill of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I offer many child friendly approaches such as games and drawing and have weighted blanks and animals to help comfort children with sensory integration / over stimulation challenges. My office is child friendly.

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.

I have worked with young children for three decades in school therapeutic settings. I have counselled children and their parents through all sorts of difficulties. I have insider knowledge about schools, school behaviour problems, and special education. I am passionate about helping children find their tears, so they can release emotions safely and continue to grow.