Children & Teens Counselling Saskatoon

Children and youth are greatly affected by the world around them. As a result, they experience a wide range of emotions and challenges.

Although youth and children are resilient, they may sometimes experience difficulties coping with stress. Often they lack adequate coping skills. As a result, they may act out. Acting out behaviours can be concerning and exhausting. Troubling behaviours may include:

  • tantrums

  • bedwetting

  • nightmares

  • backtalk/defiance

  • hyperactivity

  • withdrawing

  • conflicts with peers

  • refusing to attend school

Our counsellors will help children or youth, their parents, and families navigate problematic situations, better understand the underlying causes of the presenting behaviours, learn adaptive coping skills, and promote healthy relationships.

Youth and children have a lot of emotional ups and downs. With the pressures of school, their social lives and the general confusion that comes with growing up, it’s no wonder they occasionally get a little overwhelmed.

 

When might my child or youth benefit from counselling?

Counselling can help with any issues, but some of the most common include:

  • Loss: Has a family member passed away recently or within the past few years? If your child or teen was close to that person, they may benefit from having help to process their feelings.

  • Bullying: Bullying can be particularly damaging, and too often, it goes unnoticed. If you think your teen or child is being bullied, talk to them about it and contact their school, daycare etc. Counselling can be an effective way of helping them develop resilience and rebuild their self-esteem.

  • Stress at school: Many students struggle with self-doubts or lack of motivation. Counseling can help reduce the pressure and help them develop coping skills.

  • Divorce and separation: Have you and your partner split up recently? People often struggle with significant life changes. Youth and children are likewise affected. Separation or divorce can trigger various emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, regret – or even guilt.

Signs something may be wrong

Children and youth often internalize problems rather than communicate them openly. As a result, sometimes, we are unaware they are struggling. Consider getting further advice or support if you notice any of the following.

  • Behaviour change: Uncharacteristically acting out or get into trouble. They are quieter or more withdrawn and spend much time alone or in their room. A noticeable behaviour change can be part of normal stages of development but could also be a sign they need some extra support.

  • Sleep: They have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They are sleeping overlong. Sleep problems can be an indication of anxiety or depression. 

  • Appetite: They eat noticeably more or less than usual. Consulting with your family doctor is a good place to start if you have concerns about your child or teen’s appetite.

  • Health Problems: They may be experiencing frequent headaches or stomach problems. Often our unresolved emotions can manifest in physical symptoms. 

  • School Performance: A significant drop in school performance can indicate they are distracted or upset. 

How do I talk to my child or youth about counselling?

If you think your child would benefit from counselling, chat with them about it. Bring up the subject when you are calm and help them feel that this is an opportunity, not a punishment. Emphasize that counselling does not mean something is wrong with them but that you want them to have the support they need to thrive. 

We are here to support you!

We have counsellors with specialized training and experience working with teens and children. In therapy, we partner with children or teens and their parents to enhance their quality of life by strengthening the parent/caregiver-child connection. We will also offer you strategies to utilize at home.

Important Information

  • For a child 12 years old and under, the first session will be a Parent(s) or Caregiver(s) Only session. This adult session allows our Counsellors to gain insight and fully understand the situation your child is experiencing. 

  • Parents or caregivers are welcome to attend an appointment for youth aged 13 - 18. It is helpful if the youth is agreeable to having their parent or caregiver attend a session.

  • Children and youth under 16 must have legal guardian consent for services.

  • If you are seeing a Psychologist or Provisional Psychologist, we require consent signed by both parents.

  • Youths aged 16 and over can book counselling sessions independently if desired and are entitled to total confidentiality.

  • If the parents of the youth or child are separated or divorced, both parents must sign a consent form for counselling services before the first session with the child.