Child and youth psychotherapy is for children and adolescents who need support in navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. It is designed for young people from various backgrounds, including those who may not have a clear understanding of their emotions but feel overwhelmed by them. This therapy is also beneficial for parents seeking guidance to help their children better manage their feelings and behaviors. It provides a safe space for youth to explore their thoughts and build self-awareness with the help of a trained therapist. Whether it's a child with specific struggles or a teen looking to enhance emotional resilience, psychotherapy helps them develop essential skills for personal growth and well-being.
Child and youth psychotherapy can help with a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. It supports children struggling with anxiety, depression, or anger management, helping them process their feelings in a constructive way. Therapy is effective for addressing trauma, grief, and family conflicts, providing young people with tools to cope and heal. It also helps children improve their social skills, boost self-esteem, and manage difficult emotions. Ultimately, psychotherapy empowers children and youth to overcome obstacles and develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially.
Iridescent Vista Counselling Services was founded by Onika Haywood and Monika Parsons, two experienced and passionate mental health professionals dedicated to supporting healing and growth through a trauma-informed lens. With decades of combined experience, they offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals of all ages, as well as consultation and training for agencies seeking to enhance their trauma-informed practices. Onika brings over 25 years in Children’s Mental Health, specializing in staff development, team supervision, and clinical leadership with a focus on therapeutic use of self. Monika, trained in a range of evidence-based modalities, supports both clients and professionals with a focus on inner healing, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation. Together, they provide a safe, collaborative space for individuals and teams to deepen their understanding, foster resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
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With over 20 years of experience working with children in the mental health sector, We are deeply committed to providing compassionate, effective therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our approach is rooted in creating a safe, nurturing space where children feel heard and supported, allowing them to explore their emotions and experiences at their own pace. We drawfrom a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), CognitiveBehavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and creative techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, and sandtray therapy to support children in their healing journey.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Signs that your child may benefit from therapy include significant changes in behavior, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, difficulty at school, or expressing feelings of sadness or anger. If your child struggles to manage emotions or if family or social relationships are being affected, therapy could provide helpful support. Consulting with a mental health professional can also help determine if therapy is appropriate.Do parents need to be involved in their child’s therapy?
Yes, parents often play a vital role in supporting their child’s therapy. Depending on the child’s age and needs, parents may be involved in sessions, receive guidance on how to support their child at home, or work with the therapist on family dynamics. Parent involvement can help reinforce the skills learned in therapy and promote positive changes at home.
Will my child be able to talk openly in therapy?
While every child is different, therapy provides a non-judgmental and safe space for children to express their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. For younger children, therapists might use play or creative activities to help them open up, while older children and teens might engage in more direct conversation. Over time, as they build trust with the therapist, they typically become more comfortable sharing openly.
