Psychotherapist
CHILDREN
COMMON STRUGGLES
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Anxiety/Stress
Sadness/Depressed Mood
Excessive Fears & Worry
Impulsive Behaviors
Poor Grades/School Problems
Social Issues/Bullying
Traumatic Experiences
Attention Deficit
Developmental Deficit
Behavioural Deficit
Grief/Loss of Loved One
Parent/Child Relationship Issues
Regressed Behaviors
Abuse
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Separation/Divorce of Parents
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WHAT IS GOING ON?
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Children express themselves though activities and play, and it's important to attune to their play talk, body language and also what is not being said. It is every adult's obligation and privilege to protect children. Report any mistreatment to the authorities without hesitation. I treat children with varied presenting problems such as trauma, and developmental, behavioural and attention deficit disorders. Including family and friends into therapy is foundational for collaboration as well as mirror learning.
As children grow, they face many challenges and stressful situations as a typical part of their daily lives. They often have a difficult time comprehending the nuances of their social environment, and can benefit from guidance. Adding that to the frustration of not understanding the emotions they are feeling can lead to maladaptive behaviors. For parents, it can be difficult to determine if what our child is going through is a normal part of childhood or is there a more notable problem.
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Children often suppress or hide their emotions. Unable to effectively communicate what they are feeling, we will see kids acting out emotions with tantrums, complaining of unexplained pains, becoming anxious, withdrawn or experiencing fears. As parents, efforts to soothe a child in distress can seem difficult and we can become easily overwhelmed and frustrated adding unfortunately to an already stressful situation. Validation of any feelings is key to maintaining trusting bonds that enable further exploration and care. Our feelings always come with a message and it's the adult's responsibility to translate it into meaningful, comprehensible, well-rounded experience for the child that is never based on minimization or shame. The goal is to enable your child to thrive in his or her own best way and learn, discover and grow safely, keeping his or her childhood free from excessive and ongoing worry and grief. Report any physical, mental or sexual abuse to the police and/or social worker of the child's home district.
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I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
How Therapy for Depression Can Help
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We will work together to identify underlying causes of your depression that are rooted in past experiences and learned behaviors. Many times, we must Grieve and re-experience hard feelings that have been tucked away deep inside as a coping mechanism. We will do this together and along the way learn skills for more Authentic coping and managing emotions in a healthy way that prevents you from becoming numbed out emotionally. You can find relief and I want to help you on your journey to find a happier you.
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
How Therapy for Children Can Help
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Depending on the needs of the child and family, we will determine what intervention to use in working with your child.
Interventions may vary from play therapy and occupational therapy to individual therapy and family interventions.
Counseling for children looks and sounds different than with adolescents and adults. I work through play to help children communicate about their internal world and make sense of complicated emotions and experiences. E.g. Play, art, music, nature, animals, games and stories help kids to express their feelings and find validation, support and tools for managing confusing emotions, difficult problems, and overcoming sadness and loss. Through working with your child on social and emotional learning we can help them understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, and establish and maintain positive behaviour for improved quality of life.