Child and Youth Counselling
Child and Youth Counselling
In person, downtown Whitby · Virtual, anywhere in Ontario · Day, evening & weekend appointments
About Child and Youth Counselling
When your child is struggling, the hardest part is often not knowing how to help.
Maybe they’ve told you something that scared you. Maybe they’ve stopped telling you anything at all. Watching your child struggle is incredibly tough, especially when you aren’t sure how to fix it.
Growing up today is genuinely hard. It comes with pressure, social challenges, family changes, overwhelming thoughts and feelings that are difficult to explain to anyone… It’s a lot. And most kids don’t have a space where they can say the hard things without worrying about what happens next.
Whether your child is facing anxiety, depression, trauma, academic stress, bullying, or challenges they can’t quite name yet, our team of Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW) is here to support both of you.
Our child and youth counselling services in Whitby provide young people with a space that is entirely theirs. By building a trusted relationship with a compassionate therapist, your child can process overwhelming emotions, make sense of their experiences, and develop practical tools to thrive.
Not sure where to start?
Child Consent in Ontario:
There is no legal “age of consent” for healthcare decisions in Ontario. Patients of any age have the right to consent to or refuse treatment, provided they have the maturity to understand the details and foresee the potential outcomes. A minor’s capacity to make these decisions must be assessed individually—typically under 16 for healthcare or under 18 for legal contracts. The welfare of the child or youth client remains the main focus at all times.
A child or youth client may be capable of providing informed consent in some areas, but not others. It is the therapist’s responsibility to determine whether the client is capable of making an informed decision on a case-by-case basis. If the client is not capable of providing informed consent in a particular area of care, consent must be obtained from an appropriate substitute decision maker (SDM).
For more information, please see these articles from the Canadian Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
How Getting Started Works:
For parents starting the process.
Our intake process for children and youth begins with you, before your child ever sits down with a therapist. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: First Contact
When you reach out, our admin team will match your child with a therapist that fits their needs and availability. You will be sent the appropriate consent forms (as needed).
Step 2: Your Child's First Session
Your child’s first session is an opportunity for them to meet their therapist and form a connection. Your child’s welfare and specific needs always come first.
Step 3: Building a Plan
Step 4: Ongoing Sessions
Parent Non-Negotiables:
Child Session Confidentiality:
To build safety and trust, what happens in your child’s sessions stays private. We do not provide detailed progress reports or share specific conversation details. When clinically appropriate and permitted by law, the therapist may share broad updates regarding overall themes, treatment goals, and attendance. Your child’s therapeutic needs and best interests always come first.
Designated Scheduling Contact:
Please select one parent or guardian to manage all scheduling and administrative communications. Our reception team cannot mediate co-parenting disputes or coordinate between separate parties. If co-parenting support is required, it can be explored within a dedicated therapy session with all parties’ consent.
Prioritizing Your Child’s Well-Being:
Our focus remains entirely on your child’s wellness and therapeutic progress. We do not offer custody evaluations, parenting assessments, or court recommendations unless specifically contracted for those services. If legal or parental conflict interferes with your child’s therapeutic growth, the therapist may pause or discontinue care to protect the child’s best interests.
What We Help With:
We’re here to support every step of the mental health journey. While the areas listed here are some of our specialties, we’re ready to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re experiencing.
Mental Health and Wellbeing:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Panic Attacks
- Stress and Overwhelm
- Anger Management
- Emotional Regulation
- Self-Harm
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Low Mood
Identity and Self-Worth:
- Body Image Issues
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Criticism
- Perfectionism
- Eating Disorders
- Disordered Eating
- Feeling Different
- Finding Who You Are
Neurodivergence and Development:
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum
- Learning Disabilities
- Sensory Processing
- Executive Functioning
- Social Skills
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Masking and Burnout
Trauma and Safety:
- Childhood Trauma
- Abuse (Physical, Verbal, Emotional, Sexual)
- Witnessing Violence
- Bullying and Cyberbullying
- Sexual Assault
- PTSD
- Separation Anxiety
Family and Home Life:
- Parent Conflict
- Divorce or Separation
- Blended Family Adjustments
- Sibling Rivalry
- Family Communication
- Grief and Loss
- Moving or Relocation
- New Baby Stress
Relationships and Social Life:
- Friendship Drama
- Feeling Left Out
- Social Anxiety
- Toxic Friendships
- Boundaries
- Dating and First Relationships
- Loneliness
- Fitting In
Identity and Belonging:
- Sexuality and Sexual Identity (2SLGBTQIA+)
- Coming Out
- Gender Identity Exploration
- Cultural Identity
- Racism and Discrimination
- Finding Your Community
Growing Up and Life Changes:
- Puberty and Body Changes
- Starting High School
- Preparing for Adulthood
- College Stress
- First Job
- Leaving Home
- Independence and Responsibility
Growing Up and Life Changes:
- Puberty and Body Changes
- Starting High School
- Preparing for Adulthood
- College Stress
- First Job
- Leaving Home
- Independence and Responsibility
What We Work On:
Counselling for teens and young adults.
Growing up is tough. We get it—and we’re here to help.
Figuring Out Who You Are:
The Endless Pressure:
Complicated Family Stuff:
The Social Minefield:
When Your Brain Won’t Cooperate:
The Pressure to Have It All Figured Out:
Processing the Hard Stuff:
Building Confidence That’s Real:
Navigating Life Online:
Navigating Life Online:
The endless scroll, social media comparisons, cyberbullying, and major FOMO. It’s exhausting trying to keep up with a perfect feed. We’ll help you build a healthier relationship with your phone, separate real life from the curated highlights, and protect your peace of mind online.
Why choose child/youth counselling?
Real connection takes time, especially for kids and teens. That’s why our counselling focuses on establishing a safe, trusting relationship first. Once that foundation is built, young people can feel secure enough to open up and work through their challenges. We protect their privacy and well-being so they have a truly safe space to speak their minds. Whether they come in on their own or with family, we’re here to ensure they feel confident, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Explore Child and Youth Therapists:
Our team of RP and RSW therapists are ready to meet your family where you are.
No judgment—just authentic connection and real support for the real stuff.
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