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, I 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. My preferred style is to work together as a family unit.

I do not see children alone under the age of 6 because I do not have training in play therapy. I do however, help parents with suggestions for problems that relate to pre-schoolers.

One of the most helpful tools for helping parents with their children is a “personality assessment.” Children have personalities from the day of their birth and many parents are not aware of the unique differences in their children and how to adapt their parenting style to suit the personality they are working with. This assessment if required is an additional expense to counselling and not covered by EAP plans.

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. My goal in counselling is not to reinforce a parent’s power, strong-arm a child into obedience or shame them for behaviours. My goal is to create connection and help foster cooperation in a context of love. While I do not agree that children have equal “power” in a family dynamic because they are dependents – I do believe that each child’s views and thoughts should be honoured and valued but given respectfully.

Many parental challenges involve an understanding of roles and expectations – what role does a parent play in the development of a child, and what we can expect from children. Ultimately we are preparing children for adulthood and by degrees we are preparing them to take responsibility in the real world. Too much responsibility too fast can create anxious children or even rebellious ones, and too little responsibility can create disrespectful or entitled children that fear growing up.

Counselling can provide support, teaching and understanding that can help you be a better parent and create a cooperative environment at home.

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 mixed, 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.