Counselling is available for you and your children, as well as you and your extended family. Here are a few things you may need to know before you book an appointment:

Children: Before seeing children under the age of 16, we require one session with the parent/parents to understand the nature of the problem, what you have tried already and what you believe are the contributing factors. At this session we will determine the next step – whether to see the child alone, or with the parent. Our preferred style is to work together as a family unit.

Play therapy and other forms of therapy are available for all children, particularly those with special needs: ASD, ADHD, adoption pre and post-care, and high-risk children.

Families in conflict: If you bring your family for counselling, it is important to realize that each person will be treated respectfully and allowed a voice. The goal in counselling is not to reinforce a parent’s power, strong-arm a child into obedience or shame them for behaviours, rather to create connection and help foster cooperation in a context of love.

The first appointment will take about one hour, without children. The second appointment will include the children.

Before the appointment involving your children: Please be sure to inform your children that you are bringing them and help them understand the nature of counselling. DO NOT imply they are bad and need to be fixed, or they are sick and need to be treated. Present counselling as an opportunity for mom/dad and kids to seek help to work through some things and become a better family.