Children & Youth Counselling
Being concerned about your child's mental health and emotional well-being is natural. Knowing when youth counselling services might be necessary or beneficial can be difficult. Youth Counselling is a form of therapy that focuses on helping young people work through personal issues and develop coping strategies in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Upstairs Counselling provides that space.
Upstairs Counselling Services' Registered Social Workers provide child, youth and family therapy
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Ali Lienaux
MA, RSW | Supervisor & Senior Therapist
Ali works with families, couples, children, youth and adults. Ali also supports other mental health professionals in their professional development.
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Alexandra Dean
MSW, RSW | Supervisor & Senior Therapist
Alex works with children (8+ years), youth, adults and families, and also supports other mental health professionals in their clinical work.
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Brooke Derousseau
MSW, RSW | Supervisor & Senior Therapist
Brooke works with individuals (10+ years) and families with children of any age. She also provides clinical support to other mental health professionals.
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Todd Elliott
MSW, RSW | Senior Therapist
Todd works with children, youth, adults, couples and families. He is empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental and works from a client-focused, strengths-based, collaborative approach.
What is youth counselling?
Youth counselling is designed to help children and teens work through personal issues, stressors and other challenges. It can be beneficial in helping children and teens to develop problem-solving, emotional regulation skills and resilience. The social workers at Upstairs Counselling Services have specialized training and expertise in working with young people, making them uniquely qualified to support youth during difficult times.
Who can benefit from children and youth mental health services?
Therapy can benefit any young person struggling with issues related to mental health, relationships, or other life challenges. It can provide a safe space to work through their emotions and gain insights and understanding into thoughts and feelings. Therapy can benefit those who have difficulty managing stress and anxiety or have experienced trauma.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Therapy can provide several important benefits, including:
Improved mental health and well-being: therapy can help them learn how to manage their emotions in healthy ways, develop coping skills for stress, and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings.
Improved self-esteem: therapy can help them learn how to view themselves in a positive light and develop a greater sense of self-confidence.
Development of problem-solving skills: therapy can help identify strategies for managing difficult situations and developing solutions to problems.
Increased resilience: therapy can help build resilience, allowing them to cope better with stress and adversity. Ultimately, therapy can be an effective way of helping develop the skills and tools needed to navigate life’s challenges.
With the right support, your child can gain the insight, understanding and confidence they need to lead healthy, happy lives.
You can speak with a counsellor about your child's specific needs if you're considering therapy for your child. They can provide you with more information and guidance on how therapy may benefit them.. Ultimately, therapy can be an invaluable experience for young people and help them gain the skills and understanding needed to manage life’s challenges. By taking the time to understand therapy and its potential benefits, you can help your child gain the insight and confidence needed for a successful future.
Contact us today to learn more about how therapy can help your child. We are here for you every step of the way. The social workers at Upstairs Counselling are here to help them develop the skills and tools needed to navigate life’s challenges. They will provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where young people can explore their thoughts and feelings. We offer virtual online counselling and in-person therapy at our lovely space in Toronto’s west end.
How does children and youth therapy work?
This form of therapy usually involves one-on-one sessions with a counsellor. During each session, the child and their counsellor will explore issues related to stress, relationships, mental health or other life challenges. They can expect to be listened to without judgment and given the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Sessions are typically tailored to each individual's needs and may involve various techniques depending on their goals and preferences. Common counselling techniques include talk therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and art therapy. Ultimately, therapy can provide them with the guidance and emotional support they need to gain the insight and understanding needed for a successful future
What happens in therapy?
During therapy, your child and their counsellor will explore topics related to their life experiences. They may discuss personal issues such as stress, mental health, decision-making or other challenges. Their counsellor will listen without judgment and provide support while helping them gain insight into their thoughts and feelings. The specific approach will be tailored to your child’s needs and goals.
Therapy can be a valuable experience for young people, providing them with the skills and understanding needed to manage life’s challenges. Contact us today to learn more about how mental health support services can help your child. We are here for you every step of the way.
Are Upstairs Counselling therapists qualified to help my child/teenager?
Yes! Todd, Alex, Brooke and Ali are the social workers at Upstairs Counselling who are highly qualified and experienced in working with young people. You can review their profiles on this website to learn more about each of them, and book a meet and greet with one or more to discuss your needs and see who could be a the best fit for your child.
We understand that therapy is a big decision, and we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about how therapy can help your child. We look forward to helping your child gain the insight, understanding and confidence they need for a successful future.
What issues can be addressed in therapy sessions?
Sessions can address various issues related to mental health and wellness. Common issues include:
anxiety
depression
stress
bullying
trauma
family and other relationships
grief
self-esteem
problem-solving skills
ADD/ADHD
substance abuse
self-harm or suicidal thoughts
If your child or anyone in your family is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, contact emergency services by dialling 911, or go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency room.
How do I know if my child needs counselling services?
It is important to remember that therapy is not only for young people who are having trouble coping. Therapy is a valuable experience, even if your child has no pressing issues. If you are concerned about your child’s overall well-being, therapy can effectively provide them with support and guidance to help them navigate life’s challenges.
What age should a child see a therapist?
At Upstairs Counselling, therapy is offered for kids age six and up. You can review the profiles of our therapists, Todd, Ali, Alex and Brooke, to see what ages each provide service to. We understand your child has unique needs and challenges at different life stages. Our counsellors have specific training and experience in working with young people and can provide tailored counselling services to meet their needs.
Should I put my child in therapy?
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health or feel that therapy may benefit them, you can book a meet and greet with one or more of our social workers to discuss whether counselling at this time could benefit your child.
Should parents be involved in their child's therapy?
At Upstairs Counselling, sessions are youth-focused and directed. Depending upon the needs and wishes of your child, your child’s therapist may also request the involvement of the family. They will tailor their approach to ensure that your child is supported in the best way possible throughout the counselling process and that their individual needs are met.
Therapy can be a valuable experience for kids of all ages. It is important to remember that counselling services are not just for young people with issues but also for those who want to explore their goals and preferences. With the help of an experienced youth counsellor, they can gain insight and understanding, build confidence and resilience, and grow as individuals. If you are interested in therapy for your child or teenager, contact Upstairs Counselling today to learn more about how it can benefit your child!
How can you help your child get the most from therapy?
Families can play an important role in helping their children get the most from a counselling service. It would be best to listen to and support your child’s journey. It may also be helpful to provide feedback to your child's counsellor, such as what you have noticed with your child or any behavioural changes since beginning therapy.
Additionally, it would be best to create a safe environment for your child to discuss their thoughts and feelings. This can involve providing reassurance, acceptance, and validation about their progress. Finally, you can encourage your child to take advantage of the opportunities, such as learning new skills or deepening relationships. Working with their therapist and creating a supportive and open environment can help your child get the most out of their counselling service. Your child’s therapist will have specific suggestions for you and will discuss as needed.
What are the signs of emotional stress in children?
Signs of emotional stress can vary and may include: excessive or prolonged crying, feeling overwhelmed, outbursts of anger or frustration, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, avoidance of activities they once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, and frequent physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches. If you notice any of these signs in your child or teenager, therapy may benefit them.
Why is my child so angry and emotional?
Kids can experience a range of emotions, and many factors can contribute to feeling angry and emotional. Common causes of anger and emotionality include stress, trauma, family dynamics or environment changes, relationship problems, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or difficulty handling strong emotions. Therapy can help your child better understand the underlying causes of their anger and feelings and provide them with tools to manage these emotions.
Can therapy help my child succeed in school?
Therapy can be a valuable experience for kids struggling in school. Counselling can help them develop important skills such as problem-solving, communication, and self-regulation, which can help them succeed in school. Additionally, youth counselling can help your child deal with stress, anxiety, and depression that can interfere with academic success. If you feel your child/teenager could benefit from therapy, contact Upstairs Counselling today to learn more about how we can support them!
Does therapy work for everyone?
Therapy can be a beneficial and valuable experience for children and teens of all ages and backgrounds. However, every young person's experience is unique, so speak with a counsellor at Upstairs Counselling Services about your child’s specific needs and your concerns and hopes for them to see how they can help.
How long do sessions last, and how often are they scheduled?
Sessions typically last for 50 minutes and are initially scheduled weekly or biweekly. However, your therapist may recommend less frequent or longer sessions depending on the young person's needs.
Is there a cost associated with counselling services?
Each of our counsellors will provide a free 15 minute meet and greet, virtually or by phone, for an initial consultation. During this time you and the therapist can have a discussion about your questions and their approach and determine together whether they are the best fit for your child.
After the initial meet and greet, there is a fee associated with services, payable at the end of each appointment by e-transfer or credit card. The hourly rate of each counsellor is listed on their online booking calendar on the website. As registered social workers, our services are covered by most extended health insurance plans. We issue a receipt upon payment that can be submitted to extended health insurance for reimbursement.
We look forward to supporting you and your child.