Child & Youth Therapy

I provide a safe, supportive space for children aged 6 and up to work through anxiety, low self-esteem, family changes, and school stress. Using age-appropriate, evidence-informed approaches, I help them build resilience, confidence, and healthier ways to cope and connect.

CHILD COUNSELLING IN KINGSTON

Helping Kids Feel Their Best

My approach is grounded in non-directive, play-based therapy—using toys, stories, and art to create a safe space for kids to express and process their feelings in their own way. I help children learn to name, validate, and regulate their emotions, while gently introducing mindfulness and somatic awareness techniques to support emotional resilience and self-understanding.

Early Childhood Educator

I’ve studied child development and understand that the early years are critical for shaping not only cognitive and social skills, but also emotional well-being and mental health—laying the foundation for regulation, resilience, and healthy relationships.

Ontario Certified Teacher

I’ve worked in schools across the province, gaining insight into the stress, social pressures, and identity challenges many kids face. These experiences have shaped my awareness of how school impacts mental health, self-esteem and sense of belonging.

20+ Years of Experience

My experience supporting young people spans a range of settings—including summer camps, after-school programs, sports teams, municipal recreation and arts programs, refugee and immigrant resettlement services, and domestic violence shelters.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Therapeutic Focus Areas for Children

I help children develop emotional regulation and coping skills, navigate life changes, and build confidence and social connections. I work within my professional competencies and refer to other specialists when additional support is required.

A sad child covers their face with hands, conveying emotion.
Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills

Big emotions like anxiety, frustration, and sadness can feel overwhelming for children. Through therapy, kids learn how to regulate emotions, express their feelings, and develop coping strategies to manage stress.

A young girl embraces a teddy bear, sitting in a warmly lit bedroom.
Navigating Life Changes

Major life transitions—such as divorce, moving to a new home, or losing a loved one—can be confusing and difficult for children. Therapy provides a safe space for kids to process these changes, adjust to new dynamics, and build emotional resilience.

Smiling children enjoying a joyful birthday celebration indoors with colorful balloons.
Building Confidence & Social Connection

Self-esteem and social skills help children thrive. Therapy supports kids in developing confidence, making friends, improving communication, and navigating relationships with greater ease and emotional intelligence.

Please note: I do not specialize in behavioural interventions, aggression, or conduct-related concerns, but I can provide referrals for families needing specialized support in these areas. Learn more about what I am unable to support.

Office Location

Appointments for children are held at my Kingston office located at 2263 Princess Street, Unit 3, at the intersection of Princess Street and Sydenham Road. Free parking is available on-site. Parents or guardians are asked to remain on-site in the waiting room during the session. Please enter through the side door with the blue awning and take a seat in the waiting room—I’ll come greet you at your scheduled appointment time.

Session Details

Each appointment is 50 minutes long and includes:

  • A 5-minute check-in with the parent/guardian at the start
  • 40 minutes of one-on-one time with your child
  • A 5-minute check-out with the parent/guardian at the end of the session to share brief updates and next steps

This structure helps ensure ongoing communication while keeping the focus on building a trusting, consistent space for your child.

Support that works for your family:
  • After-school appointment options
  • No referral needed
  • No waitlist
  • Easy online booking
  • Regular communication with parents/guardians
  • Centrally located in Kingston with convenient 401 access
  • Free on-site parking
All about Child Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions

Child therapy is a specialized form of counselling designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, behaviours, and relationships. It provides a safe space where they can express themselves and develop healthy coping skills.

Since children cannot always express their thoughts and emotions verbally, child therapy uses play, art, and storytelling as developmentally appropriate ways to engage them in therapy. These approaches help children process experiences, express themselves, and navigate challenges in a way that aligns with their stage of development. Therapy focuses on building emotional awareness, improving communication, and developing resilience in age-appropriate ways.

Children may benefit from therapy if they experience ongoing emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties that impact their daily life. Signs to look for include excessive worry, sadness, difficulty managing anger, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble at school, or withdrawing from friends and family. Therapy can also help children adjust to major life changes, such as divorce, relocation, or loss.

Sessions vary based on a child’s age and needs but often include a combination of talking, play-based activities, art, or structured skill-building exercises. The therapist helps the child explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and practice problem-solving in a supportive and developmentally appropriate way.

While sessions are one-on-one with the child, I invite parents/guardians for a brief 5-minute check-in before and a 5-minute check-out after each session. This provides an opportunity to share updates, address any concerns, and discuss strategies to support progress at home.

Yes, I will provide general updates and guidance for parents/guardians during the 5 minute check-out at the end of the child therapy session. Specific details of what a child shares in therapy remain confidential unless there is a safety concern.

Confidentiality is essential in therapy, but there are limits when it comes to a child’s safety. Therapists must share information if a child is at risk of harm, if there is suspected abuse or neglect, or if required by law. Otherwise, what children share in sessions remains private, helping them feel safe and supported.

The length of therapy depends on the child’s needs, goals, and progress. Some children benefit from short-term therapy (a few sessions), while others may require longer-term support. I will assess progress regularly and collaboratively discuss next steps with parents/guardians.

It’s best to keep the conversation simple and positive. Explain that therapy is a place where they can talk, play, and learn ways to handle big feelings. Avoid framing therapy as a punishment—let them know it’s a supportive space to help them feel better and solve problems.

The first step is to schedule an appointment by clicking on Book Now. Please note that child therapy is offered in-person at my office in Kingston, Ontario and parents/guardians must remain on-site in the waiting room during the appointment.

Still have questions? Please send me a message and I’d be happy to answer them.

Mental Health Resources for Children and Youth
in Kingston, Ontario

The Maltby Centre provides free mental health and autism services for children, youth, and families in Kingston and surrounding areas. Their programs are designed to support young people in developing emotional resilience, managing anxiety and depression, and building stronger relationships.

Services Offered:

✅ Mental Health Services: Individual and family counselling, crisis support, and skill-building programs for children and youth (ages 0-18).
✅ Autism Services: Support for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including therapy, family education, and social skills groups.
✅ Walk-In Clinic: Free single-session counselling available every Tuesday from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (no appointment needed).

Contact Information:

📍 Address: 31 Hyperion Court, Suite 100, Kingston, ON, K7K 7G3
📞 Phone: 613-546-8535
🌐 Website: Visit The Maltby Centre

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) provides specialized mental health services for children and youth up to 18 years old. Their programs offer assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention to support young individuals struggling with various mental health challenges.

Services Offered:

✅ Family, Child, and Youth Clinic: Assessment and treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, behavioural issues, and other mental health concerns.
✅ Child and Adolescent Inpatient Program: An 8-bed inpatient unit providing short-term care for youth in crisis who require intensive mental health support.
✅ Urgent Consult Clinic: Immediate risk assessments for urgent mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation and self-harm.
✅ Eating Disorders Clinic: Specialized assessment and treatment for children and youth experiencing eating disorders.
✅ Family Court Clinic: Clinical services for families involved in family court matters, including assessments under the Youth Justice Act.

Contact Information:

📍 Address: 166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 5G2
📞 Phone: 613-544-3400 ext. 3406 or 2554
📠 Fax: 613-544-7623
🌐 Website: Visit KHSC – Children and Youth Mental Health Services

Most services are covered by OHIP, and a physician’s referral is typically required. For more details or to access services, visit KHSC’s Mental Health and Addiction Care page.

Resolve Counselling Services Canada offers specialized counselling for children and youth aged 7 to 25, supporting their emotional, social, and mental well-being. Their Child & Youth Counselling Program helps young individuals navigate challenges at home, school, and in relationships.

Services Offered:

✅ Individual Counselling: Support for children and youth experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional difficulties.
✅ Family Counselling: Helps improve family dynamics and parent-child relationships.
✅ Transition & Independence Support: Guidance for youth navigating major life transitions, including moving towards independence.
✅ School & Social Support: Assistance with bullying, peer pressure, school stress, and self-esteem issues.
✅ Identity & Personal Development: Support for youth exploring gender identity, sexual orientation, and self-acceptance.

Contact Information:

📍 Address: 417 Bagot Street, Kingston, ON, K7K 3C1
📞 Phone: 613-549-7850
📠 TTY: 888-234-0414
✉️ Email: info@resolvecounselling.org
🌐 Website: Visit Resolve Counselling Services Canada

Resolve Counselling Services is committed to fostering emotional well-being and strengthening family relationships. For more information or to request an appointment, visit Resolve’s Child & Youth Counselling Program.

Youth Diversion Kingston provides prevention, intervention, and education programs to help at-risk youth aged 9 to 24 navigate challenges and develop the skills needed for success. Their services focus on mentorship, life skills, early intervention, and justice diversion to support youth in making positive choices.

Services Offered:

✅ Mentoring Program: One-on-one support to help youth set and achieve personal goals.
✅ Youth Outreach Program: Assists at-risk youth in connecting with community services and positive opportunities.
✅ Rebound & Life Skills Program: A 10-week structured program teaching youth the skills needed to navigate adolescence and build resilience.
✅ Kairos Program: Outreach counselling and treatment referrals for youth experiencing substance use challenges.
✅ Intersections Program: Early intervention for youth at risk of becoming involved in the justice system, providing support for them and their families.
✅ Youth Justice Programs: Alternatives to the court system for youth charged with low-risk offenses, including Extrajudicial Measures, Extrajudicial Sanctions, and Youth Justice Committees.

Contact Information:

📍 Address: 299 Concession St., Unit 102, Kingston, ON, K7K 2B9
📞 Phone: (613) 548-4535
✉️ Email: info@youthdiversion.org
🌐 Website: Visit Youth Diversion Kingston

Youth Diversion Kingston is committed to empowering youth through supportive programming that fosters personal growth, responsibility, and community engagement. For more information or to access services, visit Youth Diversion Kingston.

At this time, my practice does not offer support for the following concerns:
  • Children with aggressive, oppositional, or conduct-related behaviours (e.g., frequent physical fights, destructive behaviour, defiance towards authority)
  • Severe trauma requiring trauma-focused interventions
  • Children with complex developmental or intellectual needs who may benefit from specialized neurodevelopmental support
  • Severe OCD, phobias, or compulsions that require ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention therapy)
  • Children requiring behavioural interventions (ABA, parent-child interaction therapy for conduct issues, etc.)

Please note: As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I am unable to provide formal diagnoses for ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodevelopmental conditions. However, I can support clients in exploring their experiences and completing certain screening tools if appropriate. If a formal diagnosis is needed, I recommend consulting your primary care physician or a psychologist to discuss assessment options. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Ready to Book?

Booking a psychotherapy appointment is simple and straightforward through my secure Jane platform. Just choose a time that fits your schedule—no back-and-forth emails needed. Evening and weekend appointments are available. I’m here when you’re ready to begin.

Book Now

Still have more questions?
Check out my FAQ section for more information or contact me.