In-Person Child & Youth Counselling Process
Session One
Parent Intake Session (virtual session)
Session Two
Child/Youth Intake Session
(virtual or in-person)
Session Three
Parent or Family Goal Setting Session
(virtual or in-person)
Session Four +
Child / Youth Counselling Sessions
Our Parent Intake Session is a 45-minute virtual session designed to provide an opportunity for parent(s) to share relevant history background information and an understanding of the current challenges. During the session, we will explore parental goals for therapy. Please share any IEP or diagnostic reports prior to this session and complete your child's intake form, including current medication(s). For children and youth with comorbid diagnosis or complex history, intake may require 2 parents sessions.
During our Child/Youth Intake Session, the child/youth has the opportunity to share their perspective on the challenges currently faced. We will explain the therapy process and concepts of consent and confidentiality, as well as explore child-created goals for therapy. In this way, we ensure that children/youth have ownership in the therapeutic process.
During our parent goal setting session, we will review the intake session information, confirm goals and draft a tailored therapeutic plan, including frequency of sessions and parental involvement. Depending on the client, it may be more appropriate to have the child/youth participate in this session alongside the parent (s).
Child / youth counselling sessions are 45 minute sessions - online or in-person - and depending on the client, may involve play therapy, art therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. Typically, the therapeutic modality will have been discussed as part of the goal setting session, however therapy sessions are client-led and at times, different approaches or mixed-approaches may be used. Together, the therapist and client will develop coping strategies and work towards the therapeutic goals. It is important to note that the child's confidentiality is highly respected and protected. After each session, a post-session email is typically sent to the parents, providing an overview of the session and any relevant recommendations or homework. However, the content of the session itself remains confidential to ensure the child's privacy and trust in the therapeutic process. Parent or family involvement in sessions is determined together with the client and the therapist, and while the child / youth is the client, at times it may be important to involve parents or other family-members in a therapeutic session.
