Counselling for Kids and Teens

Practical, goal-oriented treatment to build confidence and solve problems

When learning, social, or emotional challenges get in the way of your child’s wellbeing, it’s easy for the whole family to feel stuck — caught between wanting to support your child and not knowing how to without adding more tension at home or stress at school.

Drawing on evidence-based principles of cognitive behaviour therapy, solution-focussed brief therapy, collaborative and proactive solutions, as well as neuroaffirming explorations of the ‘whys’ behind the challenges, I offer practical, evidence-based, goal-focused therapy that’s all about getting to the heart of the problem and finding workable solutions. Rather than long, open-ended sessions or trying to ‘fix’ your child, I focus on what’s getting in the way right now — and how we can work together to move forward. Whether your child is feeling anxious, avoiding school, shutting down at homework time, or overwhelmed by big emotions, we’ll work together to figure out what’s driving the behaviour and what’s needed to help your child (and you) feel more connected and in control.

In every session you and your child will feel accepted, understood, and empowered — and those are the perfect conditions for growth.

~ Jillian Shapiro, Founder and Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology

My role is to help you understand what’s going on beneath the behaviour, and work with you and your child to find a path forward that works for your family — practical strategies that make sense for real life, not just theory.

  • Big feelings that overwhelm your child (or you!)

  • Worries about school, learning, friendships, or life changes

  • Avoiding challenges — whether it’s schoolwork, social situations, or stepping outside their comfort zone

  • School refusal or protests that leave everyone exhausted

  • Frustration, meltdowns, or struggles with flexibility and problem-solving

  • Low confidence, perfectionism, and self-criticism

  • Parent-child conflict over school, screen time, homework, or responsibilities

  • Finding a way forward after a new diagnosis or challenging assessment results

No matter where we start, we work together to build small, practical changes that help your child feel more capable — and help you feel more confident supporting them.