Child and Teen Counselling
Reduce Anxiety
Increase Confidence
Is your child struggling emotionally or facing a tough time?
Counselling can make a real difference.
Children and young people often feel overwhelmed by big emotions, life changes, or the pressures of an increasingly complex world—but they don’t always have the words to express what they’re going through.
I offer an integrative approach, combining cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with creative, arts-based therapies to help children and teens make sense of their experiences and express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe.
Counselling provides a supportive space where your child can explore their feelings, build healthy coping strategies, and gain the confidence to face life’s challenges.
Many families notice meaningful changes within just six weeks of starting sessions.
What I Can Help With
Managing stress and anxiety
Building self-esteem and confidence
Working through OCD-related behaviours
Coping with grief and loss
Navigating friendship and social challenges
Addressing communication and behavioural struggles
My boy is blossoming into such a confident, funny, and aware young man and Sandra had a very real part in his development. The sessions helped him validate his thoughts and feelings and encouraged him to express himself. Sandra also supported and empowered me as a parent. Thank you for making your gifts accessible to me.
Mom of 13-year-old boy
Fees
Sessions: C$ 120 online / $150 in person
30-min Parent Review: C$ 75 online / $100 in person
Reports: C$ 200
I offer a sliding scale. Please ask for more information!
FAQs
How do I decide if my child needs counselling or coaching?
You don’t have to decide right away! During our Assessment & Strategy session, we can usually identify your child’s needs and the best approach. If we’re still unsure whether counselling or coaching would be more beneficial, I can use a mix of both methods. Since sessions are tailored to your child’s specific needs, there’s no need to choose a single approach immediately. By letting your child help determine the course of action, we ensure they get the most out of our work together.
What’s the difference between counselling and coaching?
Counselling helps children and teens work through emotional and social challenges such as anxiety, low confidence, family separation, or bullying. It provides a safe space to explore feelings and understand past or present difficulties. Coaching is a more goal-focused and future-oriented approach. It’s ideal for young people who may feel unmotivated, stuck, or unsure of their direction, but aren’t necessarily dealing with emotional distress. Coaching helps them set goals, build confidence, and take action. Some young people may feel more open to coaching, as it focuses on potential and personal growth, rather than emotional problems. Counselling is often longer-term (3+ months) Coaching is typically a shorter program (around 8 sessions)
How long and how often does my child need to work with you?
Sessions are ideally, or to start with, held weekly at a consistent day and time, providing a predictable and stable framework for your child or teen.
Counselling sessions are typically 50 minutes, unless otherwise agreed.
Play Therapy sessions are usually 30 minutes, depending on the child’s age and needs.
Coaching sessions range from 45 to 60 minutes, based on the focus and goals of the session.
Counselling usually spans 3 to 12 months, but can be extended for longer-term support if needed.
I also offer a 6-week assessment package to help understand your child’s needs and decide on the best path forward.
Do you offer online or in-person sessions, and how do online sessions work?
I offer both in-person and online sessions. Surprisingly, many children—especially teens—prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own home!
Online counselling remains highly engaging and interactive. I use age-appropriate tools such as online worksheets, an interactive sand tray, Zoom whiteboard, and role-play activities to help your child express their emotions in a creative and safe way.
For younger children (typically under 8 years old), I recommend in-person sessions using a play therapy approach. My office is conveniently located on Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver.
If you’re unsure whether your child will engage well online, you’re welcome to book a trial session to see how they respond.
What ages do you work with?
I offer counselling sessions for ages 4 to 18. Online sessions are best suited for children over the age of 8.