Psychotherapy for Children

It's hard seeing your child upset, especially when you don't know what you can do to help.  And a child's life can be as complex as an adult's.  

For children, the most important relationships are within their family environment.  Children often do not have the emotional or cognitive ability to express their inner worlds using words.  They are more apt to tell their story by acting on and reacting to their environments.  I can work with you and your family to manage challenges.  Using a creative and playful approach, your child will learn to use their own internal resources and strengths to overcome problems, while at the same time learning how to express their feelings. As a parent, you will receive support in responding to your child's behaviours and emotions, while gaining a further understanding of your child's troubles.

Common concerns for kids include:

• Excessive worrying
• Separation Anxiety
• Fears and Phobias (including School Phobia)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Gender variant behaviours
• Perfectionism
• Trauma
• ​Self-esteem/Body image issues
• ​Changes in behaviour and/or mood
• Anger management
• Academic decline
• Peer difficulties
• Coping with loss
• Attentional problems
• Victims of/Witness to abuse

Psychotherapy for Teens

Adolescence is a turbulent and intense time for most.  It's normal for teens to feel misunderstood.  No longer children but not yet adults, adolescents struggle with issues of independence and self-identity, and the road to self-identity can be bumpy.  It is in adolescence that the world begins to change its expectations for teens, and this can lead to confusion and uncertainty inside.  

In therapy, teens begin to understand why they feel the way they do and how to manage their intense emotions. Because adolescence is a time to learn how to become independent in preparation for adulthood, teens can expect a high level of confidentiality in their sessions.  I am careful to respect their need for privacy as they develop independence.

Common concerns for teens include:

• Anxiety (e.g. excessive worries, phobias, panic attacks)
• Depression
• Peer relations
• Academic stress
• Anger management
• Communication between parents and teens
• Sexuality (including LGBTQ issues)
• Gender issues (dysphoria, transitioning, etc.)
• Self-Injurious Behaviour (Cutting)
• Emotional dysregulation
• Social isolation
• ​Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Self-esteem/Body Image issues
• Eating Disorders
• Trauma
• Substance use
• Victims of/Witness to Abuse

Psychotherapy for Adults

Life is hard.  Sometimes we need added support and guidance, or maybe just a listening ear.  I offer psychotherapy that is researched based and suited to your individual needs.  Psychotherapy is a completely confidential process where individuals can feel supported, listened to, and understood.  

Common concerns for adults include:

• Mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar disorder)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety (excessive worries, OCD, phobias, panic attacks)
• Self-injurious behaviour (Cutting)
• Guilt
• Relationship struggles
• Challenges in knowing oneself
• A sense of dissatisfaction with life
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Unhealthy patterns of relating
• Transitions and coping with life events
• Workplace stress/burnout
• ​Sexuality (including LGBTQ issues) 
• Gender issues (dysphoria, transitioning, etc.)
• Personal loss
• Childhood and family issues
• Separation and divorce
• Sexual, physical or emotional abuse
• Anger Management
• Parenting assistance