Child Counselling
Child Counselling at Willow and Sage Counselling
We understand that every child is unique, and their mental health journey deserves an approach as individual as they are. Our child counselling services provide a warm and supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves and develop essential skills to cope with, express, and process different emotional experiences.
What to Expect
Our process begins with a parent intake session to gather history, discuss concerns, and understand your family’s needs. This helps us create a supportive foundation for your child. Parent involvement in counselling is essential at the beginning and continues periodically throughout the counselling process. We welcome increased involvement when needed or upon request to ensure your family is fully supported.
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In the first session with your child, we focus on building rapport, supporting regulation, and exploring their goals if appropriate. Our priority is to create a comfortable space where they feel seen and heard. Parents sometimes join the start or entire duration of this session, depending on the goals discussed.
During initial sessions, we continue to strengthen the relationship while working on cooperation, emotional awareness, and regulation. We help children become more aware of their emotional experience and develop openness to trying new things.
As we move into the middle stage, we focus on skill-building, identifying triggers, and working towards specific goals. Homework or strategies may be introduced when appropriate to support progress beyond the counselling room.
In the end stage, the emphasis shifts to maintaining these skills in everyday life. We gradually reduce session frequency, processing experiences and celebrating growth.
Areas of Focus
Our sessions incorporate play-based and directive approaches tailored to your child’s developmental stage.
We support children aged 2 to 12 years through various challenges, including:
- ADHD/ASD
- Anxiety
- Attention and Behavioural Concerns
- Depression
- Emotion Awareness and Regulation
- Emotional Processing of Big Events
- Executive Functioning
- Food Aversion
- Grief and Loss
- Learning Disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.)
- Life Transitions
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Medical Procedures (blood draws, dentist visits, surgery)
- PANS/PANDAS
- School and Academic Concerns
- Selective Mutism
- Self Harm/Suicidality
- Social Anxiety and Social Skills
- Trauma
At Willow and Sage Counselling, we offer child counselling. Our goal is to help children build resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing by empowering them with the skills they need to feel confident in the ups and downs of day-to-day life. Parent involvement in child counselling is key. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, social challenges, or life transitions, we are here to support your family every step of the way.
Reach out today to see how we can support your family.