counselling for children & yoUth (Ages 9-17)
I work with many issues including but not limited to:
- Divorce
- Co-parenting
- Blended families
- Families dealing with serious illness
- Difficult break-ups
- Remarrying
- Introducing step-parents
- Re-establishing lost relationships
- Difficult behaviours from children and teenagers
- Difficult in-law relationship
- Sibling rivalry
Being young can be really tough! The years from 5-18 can be exceptionally difficult for young people as they develop and learn what it means to be an individual within their family situation. All the pressures of school, family and social life can easily get on top of them but without much life experience and underdeveloped emotional intelligence (which even some adults struggle with), it can be a completely overwhelming time in their lives.
Counselling can give young people an opportunity to explore their feelings and emotions. This self exploration with a trained professional gives the young person both power and control over their lives and encourages healthy emotional regulation. Depending on the young person’s age, I will use a mixture of talking and play therapeutic techniques when working with children.
I work on many issues with young people including the family issues listed above plus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Peer-pressure
- Sexuality
- Perfectionism
- Underachieving/overachieving in school
- Social-media issues
- Difficult parental relationships
Professional Experience
With over a decade of experience as a school counsellor, I’m dedicated to helping children and teens navigate emotional, social, and academic challenges. In the US, I worked with K-8 students guiding them through the ups and downs of school and home life. I also provided counselling support in a large international K-12 school in Tokyo, and am familiar with a wide range of presenting issues and contexts.
I have been trained in youth issues and safeguarding, and I strongly believe in collaborating with parents and schools to provide the best support for each young person.