Counselling children
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I have been working with children of all ages for 25+ years in a variety of settings:
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schools - as a school counsellor and teacher in Canada and internationally
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group homes
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summer camps
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youth groups
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and parenting my own two kids! (Greta and Oliver are now both young adults)
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I easily establish rapport with children and have a calm, warm, playful and patient presence that encourages them to open up to me. It can be uncomfortable for a child to have to talk about their concerns, so we have options to keep our hands busy while we talk:
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coloring
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playing with toys
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playing board games (that still allow for conversation)
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crafting
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drawing
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stress putty and other items to fiddle with
I always let children know that they can tell me anything and I will keep it confidential, unless they are in any sort of danger, in which case I follow BCACC counselling protocols. While working with children, I balance the child's right to privacy with the parents' request for information. Our sessions are most effective when a trusting relationship exists between the therapist and the child. Whether in person or online, the goal is to be comfortable enough so talking comes naturally.
While conversations are kept confidential, general themes, ideas and recommendations can be provided to the parent. If something specific comes up in our sessions that I think would be helpful for you to know, I will encourage your child to talk to you about it or ask for their consent to share it with you. My goal will always be to encourage healthy and open communication within the family.