Child and Teen Therapy

Overview

Working with children and teens is a passion of mine. I enjoy using art-based and play-based approaches to help your child work towards their therapeutic goals. I support children/teens identify and process their big emotions. I provide age-appropriate education about emotions, the nervous system and the brain to help them understand what is happening in their body. Using a variety of therapy modalities including CBT and DBT, I teach coping skills to help regulate their emotions. I provide parenting techniques to help support your child while they work towards their goals.

Area of expertise

  • Emotional regulation

  • Trauma

  • Divorce/separation in the family

  • Bullying

  • Transitions (ex: new schools)

  • Relationship building/socialization

  • Grief and Loss

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • ADHD

  • Suicidal Ideation

  • Self Harm

  • High sensitivity

  • Anger management

  • Physical/violent behaviours

  • As the parent you are extremely important in the therapeutic process. For children under 12, it is a requirement to begin with a “first parent session”. These sessions are done without the child so you can talk freely about the issues and goals that have led you to seek counselling for them. It is an opportunity for me to discuss my process and approach that is specific to your child’s needs. I will discuss the first steps in preparing your child for counselling and things you can begin at home to get started on their goals. I work with the child independently- sometimes the child may ask you to attend the first session or two with them and that is perfectly normal and okay! I want them to feel as comfortable as possible. We can work towards attending by themselves once they get to know me and feel more comfortable. This happens quickly as they learn the routine and know what to expect. Plus… therapy can be a lot of fun…they will likely look forward to it! I will connect with you again after the first 3-4 sessions for another parent session to discuss more coping skills and parenting techniques to include at home. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for me to provide details on what we have been doing and what the plan is for the next sessions. From there, I complete parent sessions on an as-needed basis.

  • A “first parent session” is not required but is welcomed before your teen begins. Due to confidentiality, if your child does not consent to me discussing our appointments with you, I have to respect their wishes. This is not only ethically important but key to building rapport with them. However, if your teen is comfortable with you attending an appointment with them (after a conversation with me confirming what they are okay/not okay with me sharing) I am happy to include you!

  • This is a tricky question as each child is different. I usually recommend minimum 3-5 sessions for child as it takes time to build rapport and work towards goals. Often the child/teen starts with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, moving then to monthly and lastly to an as needed or “check in” basis. I am happy to work within what you are able to afford-please ask about sliding scale counselling if finances are a barrier for you and your family.

Unsure if virtual therapy is right for your child or teen? Here are some points to consider:

  • Virtual appointments can make therapy more accessible and fit in to your schedule better

  • Virtual Therapy can be especially beneficial to those who may feel anxious or nervous about attending counselling

  • Children/teens get to feel the comfort of being in their own space while I build rapport and a safe virtual space with them

  • Like in person counselling, I often include art based and play based approaches and will email ahead to instruct you on what to bring to the session

  • Virtual therapy can include: dolls, action figures and basic art supplies to help the child express themselves and process big emotions/events

  • I welcome fidgets, comfort stuffies and/or something to doodle with to help the child or teen focus

  • It is important for the child/teen to have a quiet space where they can talk freely to maintain their confidentiality

  • The therapy modalities and approach does not change based on the format of counselling

In the Kitchen-Waterloo Area? Come see me in person at Bloom KW Therapy

  • 690 Belmont Ave. W. Unit #301

    Kitchener, ON

  • 905 802 0829

  • https://bloomkwtherapy.ca/our-story/kitchener-team/samantha-oreilly/

Please message me with any questions or booking inquiries