Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Gatineau, QC.

Children and youth may need a neutral, safe place to express themselves. Therapy can help healing, develop coping skills, and relieve stress. If you notice a change of personality, loss of pleasure in enjoyable activities, sleep difficulties, withdrawal, fears and anxieties, or a behavioural regression, therapy might be recommended. When dealing with children and youth using the least invasive method is proven to be the most effective. Accordingly, if possible, I like to counsel the parent(s) to help the child, and only meet with their child if required or if it is requested by the child.

I have extensive experience working with young children and youth who are survivors of trauma and/or struggle with mental health. While I typically focus on clients 14+, I will gladly work with parents and their children who need support. I'll initially meet with the parent/guardian, and then parents are welcome to join initial sessions with the child if that is preferred. Parents are always part of mapping out plans for care for children/youth under 14.

Based on the evidence-based research, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is typically implemented when working with young children. EMDR is adaptable and suitable to children as young as two years old and has shown to be effective in treating a number of presenting concerns in children including anxiety, depression, trauma, pain and sleep disturbances.

One of our lovely psychotherapists, Anna, is passionate about supporting children, youth, and young adults, as well as their parents. As a psychotherapist and a teacher, she is interested in supporting children and adolescents with challenges related to school, including academic success, special education needs, bullying, self-esteem and peer relationships. She draws on various interventions, theories, experiences and techniques to support our young clients well, including art therapy, movement based psychotherapy and dialectical behavioural therapy.

Sandra Forbes, Relationship Solutions helps parents help their children. Challenges faced by children are addressed by understanding the child and people involved and the family. In some situations the children who come to Relationship Solutions have been diagnosed with for example aspergers syndrome, ADD or ADHD. They also may have no diagnosis and yet there are challenges identified. How parents work with their children in a way that works best for all family members (including themselves!) is where we focus. We are experts at Identifying family patterns that are working well and others that were once effective and may need now to shift.

Children need safety, nurturance, affirmation, structure, and guidance to gain a positive sense of self, of others, and of the world around them. Centre for Interpersonal Relationship psychologists and clinicians assist children to develop a positive self-concept. Through our work, we help children build a more positive view of themselves and improve their capacity to connect and relate effectively with others in their home and school environment.

I can work with children over the age of 6 to process difficult feelings that stem from situations of abuse, neglect or who have had a lack of consistency in their upbringing. I will utilize tools such as drawing pictures and I will use other objects to represent feelings to teach the skills to your child in a less traumatic way. I also work on the early teaching of anxiety reduction skills with your child to better allow them to cope with their feelings. I also believe in your involvement as a parent because you know your child best and all these skills need to be practiced at home with you and your child!

As a counselor working with children, my approach is centered on creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where kids feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. I understand that children's emotions can be complex and difficult to express, which is why I use age-appropriate techniques to help them communicate effectively. My goal is to empower children with the skills and tools they need to navigate life's challenges and build resilience. Whether it's addressing anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or other challenges, I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to develop a holistic treatment plan that meets the unique needs of each child. Through play ther