CHILD COUNSELLING AT MONARCH PSYCHOLOGY

Helping kids and families find their way through life’s challenges

School, family, friends, sports, big feelings — childhood can be a lot to handle. Sometimes kids don’t yet have the words to explain what’s wrong, and instead their struggles show up in other ways: picking fights, withdrawing, or having big meltdowns.

Just like adults, children need a safe place to sort through what’s going on inside. Child counselling provides that space — a non-judgmental environment where kids can express themselves freely, feel understood, and begin to make sense of their experiences.

When children learn to notice, understand, and share their feelings, it builds confidence, strengthens communication, and supports healthy growth.

Support for Parents Too

We know how tough it can feel when your child is struggling. Many of our clinicians are parents themselves — they understand the exhaustion, worry, and discouragement that can come with trying to help.

That’s why we work in collaboration with you. Together, we’ll explore what’s going on for your child and give you tools and strategies to feel more confident in your parenting.

How We Can Help

Our therapists support children through many challenges, including:

We collaborate with children, parents, and schools when needed to create a plan that fits your child’s stage of life. Our goal is to build a supportive environment and teach coping strategies your child can use at home, in school, and with friends.

Approaches We Use

Every child is unique, so our therapists draw from a variety of evidence-based methods:

  • Play Therapy – Using toys, objects, and games to explore emotions and problem-solve.
  • Expressive Arts Therapy – Drawing, writing, drama, movement, or music as creative outlets.
  • Talk Therapy – Gentle, supportive conversations tailored to your child’s age.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to build healthier patterns.
  • Narrative Therapy – Helping kids see the problem as the problem, not themselves.

Our team often integrates more than one approach, adapting sessions to best meet your child’s and your family’s needs.

What to Expect

Your child’s therapist’s first priority is creating a safe and supportive space.

  • Parent involvement: You’ll meet with the therapist to share your concerns and work together on goals.
  • Sessions: Depending on what’s best, counselling may include one-on-one time with your child, joint sessions with parents, or a combination.
  • Updates: While your child’s privacy is respected, therapists provide parents with updates about progress, themes, and skills being developed.
  • Parenting support: You may also receive strategies to strengthen connection and communication at home.

Parent FAQ

That depends on your child’s age and comfort level. Sometimes children benefit from one-on-one time with the therapist, while other times parents are included in part or all of the session. We’ll collaborate with you to decide what feels best.

Every child is different. Some kids make noticeable progress in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will check in with you regularly and adapt the plan as needed.

Yes — many extended health plans cover counselling. We can provide direct billing for some insurers and receipts for others, so you can submit claims directly. We’ll help you figure out what’s covered by your plan.

That’s completely normal. Many kids feel unsure at first. Our therapists are experienced in building trust at your child’s pace through play, creativity, and gentle conversation.

Confidentiality is key to building trust. While we won’t share every detail, you can expect regular updates on themes, skills being taught, and ways to support your child at home. We will also share information if the child is at risk of harm. 

Getting Started

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Monarch Psychology, we provide a welcoming and compassionate environment for both kids and parents.

We offer child counselling in-person and online, starting with a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can find the right fit with your therapist.

Contact us today to take the first step toward support for your child and peace of mind for your family.

 

Our Child Therapists

Paige Ellis
Anna Robertshaw
Natasha Thibodeau