Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Unionville, ON.

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.

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.

While I do not work with children, 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

I work in tandem with parents and families to provide individual therapy for children and youth over the age of 7. Through talk therapy with elements of play and creativity, we can work together to learn more about improving wellness, conflict resolution, school progress, and more. With over twelve years of experience as an educator in addition to my recent therapeutic work, I hope to create a safe, fun, and rewarding therapeutic experience for you and your child.

Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses the medium of play to help children express their thoughts and feelings. Play therapy can be a powerful tool for helping children cope with various stressors and feelings. Children often find it easier to express themselves through toys or play than they do through words. The toys that are used in play therapy are carefully chosen as they have an emotional meaning for children. The goal of play therapy is to help children understand themselves and others better, while also developing tools and coping skills. Play therapy can be used with children who have experienced trauma or abuse, as well as those who have been bullied.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Is your child bullied or isolated from others? Is your child reluctant to go to school, has trouble making friends, or seems withdrawn and lonely? Many children have trouble with self confidence, anxiety or social skills. Improving self esteem, emotional regulation, and social skills deficits in the younger years reduces difficulties later. We all want the best for our children, and as a parent myself I know how it can hurt to watch your child suffer and not know how to help. Find out how your child can be helped by in-person counselling, online coaching, or online educational programs.

Growing up is a unique phase of life, filled with new experiences, challenges, and developmental changes. Navigating this period can feel overwhelming and intense. Our work together will involve exploring these aspects of yourself and processing the emotions that arise along the way. Many young people can struggle to express their feelings and may not feel comfortable sharing with family so speaking with a therapist can feel reassuring, as it offers a safe, compassionate environment where you can express your emotions freely, without judgment or expectations. Book a free 15-minute consultation with me to see if I’m the right fit for you.

When doing therapy with young children, my primary goal is to first make them feel safe and comfortable. I use Play Therapy and Emotion Focused techniques to address concerns and help them regulate their emotions to be able to navigate significant changes in their lives. I find that it is helpful to collaborate with parents for a smoother transition of therapy tools into their lives at home. These younger years can greatly impact their adulthood, which makes therapy a useful tool in building long-term resilience. Call today to see if your child’s needs and my expertise are a good fit.