Support for Teens
I work primarily with children, youth & young adults (3-25). While I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I specialize in working with individuals who have anxiety, ADHD, ASD and/or behaviour challenges.
Please contact me to find out if I may be a good fit for you or your child.
Expressive Arts Therapy
in-person & virtual options available
I practice from a trauma-informed expressive arts therapy background.During a session, we will use a combination of conversation and creative expression to explore challenges, grow in understanding and create change. The session is guided by your expressive interests and preferences. ________________________________
Expressive arts therapy is "an arts-based approach to psychotherapy that engages and supports individuals through a process of creative expression to help them reconnect with their inner resources...The expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and to act as catalysts for personal inquiry, discovery and growth (OEATA)."
Art therapy can help with:
anxiety | suicidality | stress | depression | trauma
identity issues | building self-confidence | facing challenges
…and more!
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a form of therapy that allows individuals to process their experiences and explore their emotions through the process of play. Play therapy is a developmentally specific form of therapy that allows a child to navigate difficult topics and learn new skills in a relevant and meaningful way. During play therapy, the therapist is observing, guiding and engaging in the play to support the child’s growth and healing.
Play therapy can be beneficial for individuals:
struggling with friendships | experiencing anxiety | having a hard time managing their emotions | who’ve experienced trauma
…and more!
Safe & Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound ProtocolTM (SSP) is a program designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience.
An individual listens to specific songs in a certain order with the support of the therapist. Most individuals listen to 15-30 minutes of music each day. The entire playlist of songs is 5 hours and so, depending on frequency and duration, the program could take between 5-20 days either consecutive or spread out.
Listening to the SSP can restart the neural network to improve perception of the sounds of human connection. When the tone and prosody of human voice can be better processed, it can provide signals of safety and calm to the nervous system. Once a sense of safety is achieved, emotional resilience and nervous system regulation are possible. This will activate the parasympathetic nervous system and enable not only better communication, but better regulation overall.
The SSP can be completed alongside other therapy and done in-person with the therapist or an at-home plan with support from the therapist may be possible.
The SSP has been shown to be effective for individuals:
with sensory challenges | those experiencing anxiety and depression | who experience social challenges | who’ve experienced trauma | who desire a greater ability to regulate
… and more!
Groups
in-person & virtual options available
More information coming soon.