Clinical Counselling for Individuals, Parents and Youth in Vernon, BC
Children and Teenagers
Areas of Focus
-
anxiety
-
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
-
behavioural issues
-
learning disabilities
-
developmental disorders
-
ADD/ADHD
-
peer relationships
-
school issues
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
-
self-esteem
-
depression
-
parent/child relationships
-
self-harming
-
technology addiction
-
sleep issues
-
oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
-
trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)
Rebecca
Rebecca has been working with children and teens for over 15 years in a variety of settings. During her university years, she worked as a full-time, long-term nanny for three families. She has also taught children overseas in Spain and Peru and has volunteered extensively with children and adolescents throughout her career.
In many ways, Rebecca is a kid at heart. She loves playing with animals, jumping in puddles, and running through sprinklers. She connects easily with children and is often described as having a calm, warm, playful, and patient presence that helps them feel safe enough to open up. She understands that effectively communicating with children and teens means meeting them at their level—using language they understand and examples that feel relevant to their world.
Rebecca believes that trust is the foundation of any therapeutic relationship with a child. She prioritizes building this trust by showing genuine curiosity about each child—inviting them to share their interests, artwork, or accomplishments, and encouraging them to ask her questions as well. Only once a sense of safety and trust is established does she begin to explore deeper topics. She is transparent about confidentiality, ensuring children know they can share openly, while also explaining that she will step in if there are safety concerns.
Rebecca works flexibly and follows the child’s lead. If a child prefers to have a parent present, that is welcomed. If they feel finished partway through a session, that is respected. Her goal is to ensure each child feels a sense of autonomy, safety, and control in the therapeutic space. She believes children deserve the same level of respect, voice, and dignity as adults.
Rebecca currently offers both in-person and virtual counselling for children and teenagers ages 6 and up.
Cole
Cole supports youth and teens who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, emotional regulation, self-esteem, identity development, social challenges, and life transitions. Adolescence can be a complex and often overwhelming time, and many young people benefit from having a supportive, neutral space where they can talk openly about what they are experiencing.
Cole works to create a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where youth feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. His approach emphasizes building trust and connection, allowing young people to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace.
Drawing from mindfulness-based approaches, emotion-focused therapy, and parts work, Cole helps youth better understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Sessions may focus on strengthening emotional awareness, improving communication, navigating relationships, and developing practical skills for managing stress and challenges. Cole recognizes that parents and caregivers also play an important role in a young person’s wellbeing.
When appropriate, he works collaboratively with families to help support healthy communication, understanding, and positive change at home.