Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Mississauga, ON.

Having young children of my own and being a single mother I have come to know the difficulties children can face at home and school. Children experience numerous issues that impact how they act, feel or learn. Children can experience concerns at school, with bullying, family and health problems. Children also face difficulties with depression, anxiety, ADHD, self injury, eating disorders, disruptive behaviors, anger and sadness. The importance of learning healthy thought patterns at a young age can lead to a happy and fulfilling adult life, creating good interpersonal relationships, better self-esteem, communication skills, and confidence.

Children can be impacted by transitions and traumas in their lives. When they don’t know how to cope, the stress can build up. I provide safe and compassionate counselling where the child can talk about their feelings without the fear of being judged, better understand why they feel this way and learn strategies to move forward. I help children express their feelings and emotions through the lenses of play and art therapy combined with cognitive behavioural therapy for children. examples of common problems that can be addressed in my therapy: -bullying -loss/grief separation/divorce -depression, anxiety and panic -attachment disorder -behavioural challenges -learning difficulties

[I OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND ONTARIO]. I have seen children with various disorders, but mostly those who are 6 years of age and older. I have been a psychologist since 1986, and I have expertise in several approaches. My main approaches include cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

I am a former school teacher who has co-parented and worked with children around the world. I especially am interested in the happiness of children of divorce, or of two-home families. I have written the Imagine Program (click on View Profile) in order to help parents understand the world through the eyes of children, practise age appropriate parenting plans, and contribute to their children's success in school and life.

My approach builds on supporting parents’ mental health and increasing parents’ attunement and sense of connection to their children. This process also helps parents identify and learn new ways to meet their children’s emotional needs. My services also include working with parents facing perinatal/postpartum challenges and concerns about becoming a parent. I also work with adopted children and their parents with a view of supporting their attachment relationship and children’s overall development. My approach integrates play therapy along with other evidence-based techniques. Children can’t express themselves effectively with words when it comes to worries and other big feelings.

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.

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

Children and adolescents have their own stressors, challenges and mental health they live with. We are here to provide support for them to manage their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours in an effective way to be most successful.

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.