Children & Teens
Child and Youth Counselling
When your child or teen is anxious, withdrawn, angry, or struggling after a change at home or school, it can be hard to know how to help. Counselling gives young people a safe place to put feelings into words and build skills to cope, with parents involved where it helps.
In person in Burlington for clients from Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and Hamilton, and online across Ontario.
What is child and youth counselling?
Child and youth counselling is therapy designed for young people. We see children from age 3 and teens. Sessions are shaped to your child’s age and personality.
With children ages 3 to 12, that often means play therapy, drawing and stories. With teens, it often means talking side by side, using examples from their own life, and building practical skills. The goal is to help your child understand what they are feeling and find healthier ways to cope.
Common reasons families reach out
Worry, fears, or anxiety that get in the way of school, sleep or friendships
Big feelings, anger, or meltdowns that are hard to manage
Low mood, withdrawal, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy
Bullying, friendship problems, or low self-esteem
Attention and focus difficulties, including ADHD support
Adjusting to separation, divorce, a move, or a new blended family
Grief after a death or another loss
Stress after a frightening or painful experience
Play therapy for children ages 3 to 12
Young children often cannot explain what they are feeling in words, but they can show it through play. Play therapy uses toys, art, stories and games to help children express worries, make sense of changes, and practise new ways of coping. To a child it feels like play; for the therapist, it is a window into what the child is experiencing.
Play therapy can help with anxiety, big feelings, behaviour changes, family separation, grief, and adjusting after a difficult experience. Parents are included through regular check-ins, so the progress made in sessions can continue at home.
The parent’s role and privacy
Parents are an important part of the work. You will get general updates and ideas you can use at home. At the same time, young people need to trust that what they say in session is private.
At the start, your therapist will explain what stays between them and your child, what gets shared with you, and when safety means information must be shared.
What to expect
- Free consultationA 15-minute call with a parent or guardian to talk about what you are noticing and whether counselling is a good fit.
- Parent intakeA first session with parents to learn about your child’s history, strengths, and what you hope will change.
- Getting to know your childEarly sessions focus on building trust, so your child feels comfortable before harder topics come up.
- Building skillsSessions work on understanding feelings, coping with worry or anger, and problem-solving, using approaches suited to their age.
- Parent check-insRegular updates and practical ideas for supporting your child at home.
Pricing
Session rates are based on 50-minute appointments, in person at our Burlington office or online by secure video or phone anywhere in Ontario. Appointments are available days, evenings and weekends. Extended sessions are available on request.
Insurance and OHIP Coverage
Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist. Please confirm with your insurance provider before your first session. OHIP does not cover these services, but fees may be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return.
Children and teens are often covered as dependants under a parent’s plan.
Frequently asked questions
My child does not want to go. Should we still try?
Many young people are unsure at first. The first sessions focus on building trust at their pace, and many children warm up once they see it is not like school or being in trouble.
What ages do you see?
We see children from age 3 and teens. Play therapy is used with children ages 3 to 12.
Will I know what my child talks about?
You will get general updates and ideas for home. Your therapist will explain at the start what stays private, what is shared with you, and when safety means information must be shared.
Do both parents need to agree?
If parents share decision-making, it helps to talk about this before booking. Bring it up during the free consultation and we can explain what is needed for your family.
Can my teen book on their own?
Teens are welcome to reach out. Your therapist will talk with them about consent, privacy, and how parents may be involved.
Are sessions in person or online?
Both. Sessions can be in person at our Burlington office, or online by secure video or phone anywhere in Ontario. Many teens are comfortable online. Play therapy for younger children usually works best in person.
Related reading
Take the first step
You do not need to know exactly what is wrong to reach out. A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to share what you are noticing and ask whether counselling could help your child.
Safety disclaimer
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis, an assessment, or a substitute for individual care. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8, available 24/7 across Canada. Booking requests and messages to our office are not emergency services. You do not need to manage an emergency on your own.