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 Parent FAQ – Youth Counselling

 

What is youth counselling?

Youth counselling provides a supportive and confidential space for young people to explore emotions, challenges, and experiences that may feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate on their own. Counselling can support youth with concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation, stress, identity exploration, substance use concerns, and life transitions.

Sessions are developmentally informed and paced to meet the youth where they are, with a focus on building insight, coping skills, and emotional wellbeing.

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How do I know if counselling is right for my child?

​Counselling may be helpful if your child or teen is experiencing:

  • Ongoing anxiety or stress

  • Changes in mood or behaviour

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Challenges at school or in relationships

  • Identity exploration or self-esteem concerns

  • Substance use or risk-related behaviours

  • Withdrawal or difficulty communicating

Counselling can also be supportive even if concerns feel “small.” Early support can help prevent challenges from becoming more overwhelming.

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Do parents or caregivers attend sessions?

​Youth counselling is primarily focused on supporting the youth directly. Depending on age, needs, and goals, caregivers may be included in sessions when appropriate and with the youth’s consent.

When caregivers are involved, the goal is to support understanding, communication, and collaboration—while still respecting the youth’s voice and autonomy.

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What about Confidentiality?​

Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps create a space where youth feel safe to share openly.

Information shared in sessions remains confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions, including:

  • Risk of harm to the youth or others

  • Abuse or neglect concerns

  • Court-ordered disclosure

General themes and progress may be discussed with caregivers when appropriate, but specific session details are not shared without the youth’s consent.

If you have questions about confidentiality, these can be discussed openly during the consultation process.

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How involved can I be as a parent?​

​Your involvement will depend on your child’s age, needs, and comfort level. Some families benefit from periodic caregiver check-ins, while others prefer the counselling space remain individual-focused.

The approach is collaborative, and expectations around involvement are discussed early and revisited as needed.

How long does youth counselling last?

The  length of counselling varies based on individual needs and goals. Some youth benefit from short-term support, while others may engage in counselling over a longer period.

This is something that can be reviewed together over time, based on what feels most supportive for your child.

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Do you offer online sessions for youth?​​

Yes. Youth counselling is available both in person and online, offering flexibility for families and young people. Online sessions can be a helpful option for youth who feel more comfortable in their own space.

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What are the fees for youth counselling?

​​I offer:

  • A complimentary 15-minute consultation

  • A complimentary first full counselling session for new clients

  • A limited sliding scale for the first six paid sessions for individuals without insurance coverage

Sliding scale rates for individual sessions range from $50–$100, based on availability.

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How do we get started?​​

The first step is to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation. This provides an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your child’s needs, and determine whether youth counselling feels like a good fit.

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Still have questions?​​

If you’re unsure whether youth counselling is right for your child, you’re welcome to reach out. Starting with a conversation can help clarify next steps.

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