Children And Teens
Understanding the unique perspectives of children and teens is essential for effective therapy. In our art therapy for children and teens sessions, young individuals often communicate through play and creativity, using these outlets to express emotions that may be difficult to put into words. At Art Therapy Guelph, our approach focuses on creating a nurturing environment where they can freely explore their feelings, address challenges, and build coping strategies.
Motive At Art Therapy Guelph
In our therapy sessions for children and teens, we use a combination of creative art making and therapy techniques such as mindfulness, coping tools, CBT, and DBT. These methods are designed to foster emotional expression and resilience. Led by experienced therapists specializing in art therapy for children and trauma relief therapy for teens, each of our sessions is designed to meet their specific needs, addressing concerns like anxiety, trauma, depression, and big life transitions like loss, moving, and divorce family. Our goal is to support their emotional growth and empower them to face life’s complexities with confidence.
Fee Structure
One-on-one sessions are priced at $160.00 per session. At this time we don't offer group therapy for kids and teens.
If you have coverage for a registered psychotherapist, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider to determine if you are covered and the amount you are eligible for.
I Offer Support Areas Of
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem
- School Anxiety
- Stress
- Children Of Divorce
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Process Of Teen/Child Therapy
Introductory Consultation
- Brief Get Acquainted Chat
The first step in teen and child therapy is a complementary get-acquainted chat. This is where the parents, child, and therapist can discuss the client’s presenting issues.
At this stage, the parents and child/teen can ask questions about what teen/child therapy entails and how we can help. The therapist will also ask questions about how the child is feeling and what questions they have about therapy. Once we determine it is a good fit then we can do the initial consultation.
- Suggestions
Following the first consultation, suggestions regarding the best line of action will be given.
In-Person Initial Appointment
- After the Get-Acquainted chat, we will arrange further in-person meetings with your child. I will talk to your child and build rapport throughout these sessions, which are 50 minutes in length. I will be collaborating with your child to address their emotional needs and concerns in a secure and encouraging setting using a variety of therapeutic creative art making materials, therapy tools, activities, and strategies.
A Parental Feedback Session
Your child has privacy and confidentiality in their sessions. The therapist will ask the child what they feel comfortable with the therapist sharing with their parents. Often at the end of a therapy session, the therapist will share feedback, tips, or certain coping tools their child learned.
Should the information not fit into a quick rundown, our therapist will dedicate a half-hour Zoom meeting for parents. We will discuss techniques and abilities tailored to your child and family’s unique requirements. By working together, you can ensure that you have the resources you need to support your child’s mental health.
Counseling
- Objectives
Your child will be able to actively participate in the therapy process and set their own goals during this time. We will collaborate to address your child’s specific needs and concerns, promoting empowerment and autonomy in their journey toward recovery and development.
- The therapeutic method
The therapy techniques used will be customized to best meet the needs of your child, guaranteeing that they will receive individual attention and assistance.
What To Expect In The Sessions?
We see children over 6 in sessions with the therapist. Parents are encouraged to wait in the waiting room should their child need to check-in. Your child will engage in a blend of art and recreational therapy tailored to their developmental needs.
For teenagers, we offer art therapy and emotion-focused therapy to foster creative expression, with the option of talk therapy if preferred.
Some other therapy modalities that we use with children in combination with creative artmaking are mindfulness, CBT, DBT, trauma counseling, and internal family systems.
During these sessions, your child can freely explore their emotions using a variety of art supplies. I’m here to offer support as needed, whether assisting with materials, demonstrating techniques, or providing helpful guidance.
Art therapy often leads to unexpected insights and meaningful discoveries through creative expression. The focus is on the emotional process and creative expression rather than completing a beautiful artwork during sessions. This allows for the freedom to simply let go, be in the moment unbothered by art rules and perfectionism. This allows for emotional release into the art, personal growth and exploration.