Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Whitby, ON.

I work with each child at their own pace, using creative, playful and meaningful strategies to understand and address their emotional and behavioural needs. If appropriate or necessary, I might also incorporate parents/guardians into the therapeutic work. I can also suggest resources and strategies alongside the individual work with the child to assist parents in supporting the child's therapeutic process and personal growth.

Children explore and make sense of their world through imagination and play, so why should therapy be any different? Your child will experience upbeat, playful, and engaging ways to tackle even the most difficult/serious problems. My hope is that our sessions will be a place where your child experiences themselves as capable, knowledgable, and clever. And hey, let's still find a way to have some fun too! I've been told by many parents that their kids are so excited for the next session they can't wait to come back... A far cry from feeling like you have to convince them to do something. *Please note, I work particularly well with children from the ages of six years old and up.

Our therapists will provide a safe and supportive space for children to express their thoughts and emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. Children will receive help in navigating challenging life experiences, such as divorce, trauma, or loss, and develop healthy ways to process and manage their feelings. It can also address behavioral issues, social skills development, and academic challenges. Additionally, this can help support parents in understanding their child's needs and provide strategies to enhance their relationship and communication.

Children are often impacted by family dynamics and for that reason, at Psychotherapy Collective our approach to working with children aged 6-11 is a family based approach. While I do not work with children under the age of 12, we have many therapists on our team who work with children aged 6-11. I encourage you to view our approach to child and family therapy (https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/services/child-and-family-therapy) and schedule a consultation with one of our family therapists to see if they are the proper fit for your journey.

Here at JP&A we offer counselling approaches for children, drawing upon art and play therapy modalities to assist children with the challenges they may be facing. We also work with parents to coach steps and strategies you can use at home to assist your child with recovery, coping and enhancing their level of functioning (e.g. social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional etc.)

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

My approach when working with children under 12 years old is to ensure that they are provided with a positive and safe experience of therapy. I prefer to tailor therapy to their developmental stage by creating a fun environment that may involve play, art, and activities during sessions. Discussions about their interests, skills, and special talents and abilities are at the forefront of our therapeutic conversations to help build confidence and feelings of positivity. My background in relational therapy may invite parents or siblings into sessions as well. Please contact me for a free consultation if you are interested in determining if I would be a good fit for your child/children.