Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in East York, ON.

Children learn by trial, error and parental guidance, and when faced with new situations or expectations, emotions will surface as a normal reaction. Young children have limited communication skills, and often a temper tantrum is the only means to communicate that they need help. However, when severe emotional symptoms develop into an unhealthy pattern, parents should seek professional help. As an Expressive Arts therapist, I enter the child's world of emotions and thinking through play, art and music. Children love to play. It is their language of communication. Let me offer you my help to explore goals, solutions, coping skills and support for your child. 905-842-3626

Growing up can be challenging and sometimes leave youth feeling confused, frustrated, or misunderstood. I strive to make them feel accepted for who they are and feel heard and validated. Promoting a safe and judgment free environment is a priority and necessary for youth to be able to let their guard down and communicate openly. Together we look at areas of life that are challenging for them and identify the factors that are contributing to the difficulties they are experiencing. We then work on managing those areas more effectively by developing positive coping strategies and emotions management skills. I have a passion working with youth and encourage you to book a free consultation.

It can be especially scary when a child struggles, because it can be so hard for them to communicate and as adults, we often want to protect them from the things that can hurt them. On top of that, we know that the struggles of childhood can go on to affect adulthood. Fortunately, through different types of counselling, such as play therapy and attachment therapy, young children are often able to find a means of communication and are able to express themselves and their struggles.

Early struggles with food and body image can be confusing and distressing for young children and their families. I provide a nurturing, age-appropriate space to gently explore these concerns, helping children develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Parents and caregivers are supported too, learning strategies to foster positive eating habits and self-esteem, promoting long-term wellbeing and emotional balance for your child.

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Young children often express their feelings through play, behaviour, and imagination. At Willow Tree Wellness, I provide a warm, safe, and playful environment where children can explore big emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. Using child-centered, evidence-based approaches, I support children in understanding their feelings, navigating challenges, and strengthening connections with caregivers. Therapy is gentle, engaging, and focused on helping your child feel seen, supported, and empowered as they grow.

I began my career working in the field of weight loss in 2002, and joined Wellspring Camps, a U.S. based organization focused on tackling the epidemic of adolescent obesity. In my role as clinical director, I was responsible for completing diagnostic assessments, designing and managing parent initiatives, managing and training the clinical team, and providing mental health treatment at the individual and group level. I work with adolescents ranging from fourteen years of age to twenty-one on a variety of issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression using the principles of psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Child therapy utilizes a number of techniques that allow children to express their thoughts, feelings, and conflicts in order to heal and change their maladaptive behaviours and modes of expression. In play, children learn how to express themselves in constructive ways, to control their behaviour, to make better decisions, and to accept responsibility for their actions. When children can communicate or play out how they feel to someone who understands and validates them, they feel better because their feelings have been released and transformed. This also allows them to form a positive and healthy attachment to a caring adult, further enabling them to develop positive feelings for others.

Adolescents face unique challenges as they grow and develop. I provide a supportive space to address issues such as behavioural problems, anxiety, and social struggles. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques and engaging with both the child and their family, we work together to build resilience and coping skills that support their emotional and psychological growth. Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how we can support your child or adolescent in navigating their challenges.

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.

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.

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.

Working with young children requires a gentle, playful, and creative approach that meets them at their developmental level. In counselling, I create a safe and engaging environment where children can express themselves through play, art, and other age-appropriate activities. These methods help them explore feelings, build coping skills, and develop healthy ways to communicate. I work closely with parents and caregivers to understand the child’s needs and provide consistent support at home. Whether addressing anxiety, behavioural challenges, social skills, or the effects of life changes, my goal is to help children feel understood and strengthen their emotional resilience.