CHILDREN AND YOUTH COUNSELLING IN SURREY

As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s mental health and emotional development. If you are struggling to understand your child’s or youth’s behaviour, are noticing significant changes in their thoughts and actions, and are unsure of what to do, our registered clinical counsellors can help. Our youth counselling services can help prevent mild issues from developing into more serious ones.

Utilizing proven treatment methods such as Art Therapy, Talk Therapy, and Play Therapy for children and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Family Therapy for youth, we establish a connection with your child quickly. Our goal is to help them understand what they are feeling or experiencing in a validating and non-judgmental manner.

How Can We Help?

Our skilled team of counsellors at Forward Mind Counselling are experienced in assessing children’s needs and areas of stress, making them feel seen and heard, and providing parents with tools and strategies to reduce overwhelm and conflict.

Our Children & Youth Counselling can assist with the following and more:

Mental Health Conditions (i.e. anxiety, depression, etc.)
ADHD (Inattentive Type, Combined-Type ADHD, Impulsive/Hyperactive Type)
Navigating traumatic experiences (i.e. critical illness, domestic violence, caregivers with substance abuse or mental health issues)
Improving self-esteem

Improving self-esteem
Difficulty in relationships with siblings and peers
An inability to stay focused
Life challenges and changes (i.e. divorce in the family, moving, bullying, etc.)
Parent-child/teen mediation

Our Approach to Youth Counselling

At Forward Mind Counselling, we offer evidence-based therapies designed to address a range of concerns and mental health issues. The type of therapy that will be best for your child will largely depend on your child’s age, developmental stage, and emotional needs.

Our sessions emphasize strengths, provide a sense of emotional safety, and help normalize what your child is feeling without judgment. A formal diagnosis is not required to benefit from counselling.

Counselling for Children

Younger children often lack the tools to articulate what they are experiencing and feeling. We also don’t want therapy to feel like a task. That is why we often use tools such as play therapy to help them express emotions and build trust through play-based interactions. Art therapy is another effective tool that provides children with a creative way to express and process their feelings. Talk therapy is also used, with simple and age-appropriate conversations that help children name their emotions and feel understood.

Counselling for Teens

For youth and teens, we may introduce more structured approaches. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps teens make connections between their thoughts, behaviours, and feelings. It’s especially useful for those managing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can be a great tool to help support teens who feel overwhelmed by strong emotions. It teaches core skills like emotional regulation, mindfulness, and how to handle conflict more effectively. In some cases, we also involve family members through family therapy, which helps improve communication, problem-solving, and overall connection within the home.

Rather than diagnosing children and youth, we encourage them to feel good about themselves by focusing on their strengths and normalizing their feelings. Contact us to learn more about our Youth counselling services today.

Contact Us

Forward Mind Counselling is here to help you and your child or youth heal and thrive. Our skilled youth counselling Surrey experts provide high-quality, confidential counselling services to children, youth and families in the comfort of their own homes.

We offer a sliding scale fee structure to make counselling affordable for all families. We also have an extensive network of community partners that can provide additional support if needed. Reach out to us to book a session online or in person.

FAQ: Youth Mental Health and Counselling

What age groups do you work with?

We work with children, pre-teens, and teenagers. Our approach is adapted to each stage of development, whether your child is learning to express emotions or navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Will I be involved in my child’s counselling?

Yes. For younger children, parent involvement is an important part of the process. For teens, we balance their need for privacy with opportunities to keep parents informed and involved when appropriate. Your counsellor will guide you on what’s most helpful based on your child’s needs.

What if my child doesn’t want to come?

It’s common for children or teens to feel unsure about counselling. We take time to build trust and explain the process in a way that feels safe. You can also talk to us beforehand to learn how to introduce the idea at home.

How long will my child need counselling?

It depends on your child’s goals and challenges. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may attend sessions over a longer period. We’ll check in regularly to review progress and adjust the plan if needed.

Is counselling confidential for teens?

Yes, within limits. We follow legal and ethical guidelines to maintain confidentiality. For teens, we provide a private space to talk. We also explain how and when we may need to involve a parent or caregiver, such as in cases of safety concerns.

Counselling for Children & Youth in Surrey