teen & young adult counselling
This page is written for teens and young adults. If you are a parent who’s interested in discussing counselling for your teen, please click the button below to schedule a consultation call.
All about counselling
What we could talk about
We can talk about anything! Friends, school, relationships, sexuality, gender identity, body image, coping skills, becoming an adult, perfectionism, university, what you’re scared of, learning to pursue what you love. All of it is welcome in our sessions.
What to expect in a session
We’ll start our sessions by checking in about your week and how you’re feeling that day. If you have a topic in mind for the session, we can dive right in. I can offer prompts or activities if nothing comes to mind immediately. We’ll start to transition out of your session topic about 5-10 minutes before our time ends. This will be time we can use for a self-regulation practice, scheduling, and making a plan for next time.
We can talk. . . or not
You don’t have to spend a whole session talking for it to be helpful. Some days, it’s hard to find something to talk about. Other days, you just might not want to talk (I’ve definitely been there). If you need a break from talking, we can do other things, like movement, art, games, and listening to music.
Judgement-free zone
No matter what you bring up in our sessions, you are not going to be judged. If you are worried what you’re going to say is weird or shocking, believe me, it isn’t. The less we judge ourselves, the easier it is to be honest with ourselves and others.
There are a few things you could say that would prompt me to reach out to your parent or trusted adult. If I’m concerned about your ability to keep yourself safe or if someone is putting you in dangerous situations, I need to make a plan with you and a safe adult to make sure you’re safe. Likewise, if I’m concerned that you might hurt someone else, I would need to reach out to a trusted adult to keep others safe. If this happens, I will be upfront with you about needing to break confidentiality.
The office
This is the office at The Budding Elm, located in Colwood. In this room, there’s comfy seating, games, and art supplies. If we do anything with music, we can push some of the furniture aside so we can move around. If staying indoors isn’t something you’re interested in (and if the weather’s nice enough), we could take a walk.
What happens if you think we might be a good fit
Click that button below to schedule a consultation meeting with me. We’ll chat for 20 minutes. I’ll ask you questions about yourself and what you’d like to work on. During the appointment, you’re welcome to ask me questions, too.
crisis resources
Kuu-us Crisis Line Society (for Indigenous youth): Call 250-723-2040 or text 778-601-8009 (6 pm - 7 am). Métis Line 1-833-638-4722
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868, text 686868, or message.
National Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
BC Mental Health and Crisis Response: Call 310-6789
BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line: Call 1-800-SUICIDE
Vancouver Island Crisis Line: Call 1-888-494-3888, text 250-800-3806 (6-10 pm), or chat vicrisis.ca (6-10 pm)
Emergency services: Call 911