Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Rockwood, ON.

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.

I do not work directly with young children, but I work with parents who are navigating the complexity of raising them. Parenting often surfaces unresolved dynamics — from one’s own upbringing, attachment history, or relational wounds. Together, we explore how your internal world interacts with the demands of parenting: how stress, burnout, or disconnection may influence how you show up for your children. This work supports parents in creating healthier relational systems at home — fostering emotional safety, attunement, and clarity for both themselves and their children.

When something is troubling your child, you want someone experienced and steady to turn to. I have worked with children facing a range of difficulties, most often those aged six and up. I draw mainly on cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic approaches, chosen to suit your child. I have been a psychologist since 1986. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Specifically bullying or behaviors caused by family, school related issues. I have counselled many young children and believe that they need to have a voice. Many children don't have a voice and many challenges come from this. Children often react in unhealthy ways because they aren't being heard. I offer a safe place for children to learn to express their emotions.

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

While I do not work with youth under the age of 18, our clinic has many child and family therapists who are availability to schedule a free consultation. Since children are often impacted by family dynamics, we often find the most effective way to work with children, ages 6-11, is within the context of family therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our child and family therapists by visiting https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/services/child-and-family-therapy

While I do not work with youth under the age of 16, our clinic has many child and family therapists who are availability to schedule a free consultation. Since children are often impacted by family dynamics, we often find the most effective way to work with children, ages 6-11, is within the context of family therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our child and family therapists by visiting https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/services/child-and-family-therapy

In my practice I work with children in conjunction with the parents and sometimes the whole family. Children are often the 'canary in the coal mine' of the family dynamic and become mirrors of challenges individual members or the family as a whole is experiencing. As it takes a whole village to raise a child, it takes a whole family to help a child in distress heal. That is where my working with children begins, addressing the issues of the family.The family is the garden in which they grow, lets make your 'family garden' as healthy as possible so your children will thrive.

Young children need an approach that is developmentally appropriate for them. We specialize in helping young children. Child centered play therapy helps children express and process their feelings and make changes. Creative therapy helps children express what they may have trouble verbalizing and also serves as a bridge to help children become more verbal. We partner with parents to construct an approach that is attune to where their child is at and what the needs are.

Counselling for young children can address challenges with behaviour and emotions, trauma, stress, self-expression and problem-solving. Children can face many stressors including bullying and other school stressors, as well as family-related changes such as divorce, a move, illness and death. I include many modalities in therapy with young children, including music, art, play and role-playing.

A number of associates at New Leaf Psychology Centre provide services to young children and youth. Dr. Brunet offers attachment based play therapy for parents and their children (ages 0 through 6). This approach facilitates connection between parent and child, and is ideal for parents who are frustrated and/or children who have behavioral difficulties. Dr. Saliba offers dialectical behavior therapy for school age children and teens. She works with children and youth who are anxious, depressed, and/or engage is self-harm behaviors.

Psychotherapists offer valuable support to parents with young children, helping navigate the challenges of family life. They provide a safe space to discuss parenting concerns, offer guidance on effective strategies, and assist in managing stress. Psychotherapists also address specific issues like postpartum depression, changing relationship dynamics, and work-life balance, fostering emotional well-being and stronger family bonds.

Working with children 6 + brings positive changes to the individual and families. Collaboratively, children and parents can learn to: manage strong feelings (anxiety, stress, sadness, frustration) Recover from and prevent meltdowns, tantrums, or aggressive behaviour Socialize, make and keep friends Learn coping skills, including developing resiliency, during stressful situations

We have worked with children as young as 3 years of age. We have helped client deal with parenting issues as well as with trauma issues. Often, parents need help understanding why their children are behaving in the manner in which they are and how to help their children cope. Parents need coping skills too, especially when dealing with childhood trauma. With the children I have used therapeutic play as well as social stories. Children are very resilient and can give us all hope for healing.

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.

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.