Counselling for children

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Children feel things deeply, but they don't always have the words for them. Big feelings can come out as tears at bedtime, anger after school, stomach aches in the morning, or a child who suddenly wants to stay close to you all the time. These are not signs that something is wrong with your child. They are usually a child's way of telling us that something feels hard.

At River Stone Psychotherapy, we offer counselling for children and their families in Fergus, Elora and the wider Centre Wellington area. Sessions are warm, playful, paced around your child, and you are always part of the process.

Parents usually reach out when something has changed or when a struggle has gone on for a while. You might be noticing worry that is hard to settle, big reactions or meltdowns, trouble sleeping or being away from you, difficulty at school, or a child who has become quiet and withdrawn. Sometimes there has been a loss, a move, a separation, a hard experience, or a big change at home. Sometimes there is no clear reason, and that is okay. You know your child best, and a feeling that they could use some extra support is reason enough to call.

I support children with anxiety, strong emotions, grief and loss, trauma, school worries, and difficult transitions, including children who are also navigating ADHD or FASD.

 Children learn and heal through play, art and connection, so that is where we spend our time. I draw on Art Psychotherapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, along with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy skills adapted to a child's level, and I work through a trauma-informed lens. That means safety and trust come first, and your child sets the pace. In a session your child might draw, build, use play materials, or talk, depending on what feels comfortable. I help them name their feelings, understand what their body is telling them, and practise ways of coping that fit their world.

I see a child's behaviour as communication. When we understand what a big reaction is trying to say, it becomes much easier to meet the need underneath it, and children begin to feel more capable and more understood.

 You are the most important support in your child's life, so I involve parents and guardians throughout. At the start we talk about your child's story, your goals and your concerns. After that, I share what is helpful with you while including and respecting your child's confidentiality , and offer practical ideas you can use at home. 

We begin with a free 30-minute consult, which is a chance for you to ask questions and for me to learn about your child and what is bringing you here. If it feels like a good fit, we book a first session, which often starts with the parent or guardian so we can talk through your child's history, your goals, and consent before I meet your child. Sessions are 50 minutes and take place in person in Fergus. Most children begin with weekly or every-other-week sessions. 

FAQs

 Ready to talk? Reach out to book a free 30-minute consult. To keep things private, please leave personal details about your child out of your first email, and we can talk them through by phone. If your child is in crisis or at immediate risk, please call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency department, as I can't respond to email in real time.