PSYCHOTHERAPY, COUNSELING, COACHING

Understanding and prioritizing mental health in children and adolescents is of utmost importance. Just as physical health impacts overall well-being, a strong emotional and mental foundation is crucial for healthy development. By nurturing and supporting mental health, we equip young ones with tools to navigate life's challenges and build resilience. It enables them to effectively communicate and express their emotions, fostering positive relationships and reducing the risk of behavioral and emotional difficulties. By embracing mental health as an essential aspect of children's lives, we empower them to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling, balanced lives both now and in the future.

Common signs of mental health in school-age children:

1. Changes in appetite or weight: Significant changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or excessive eating, resulting in weight gain or loss, can indicate underlying mental health concerns.

2. Persistent sadness or frequent mood swings: Children may display prolonged periods of sadness, irritability, or sudden shifts in their mood. They may seem consistently down or easily agitated.

3. Sleep disturbances: Frequent trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares can be signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

4. Social withdrawal or isolation: If a child consistently avoids social interactions, prefers to be alone, or shows a decline in interest or participation in activities they once enjoyed, it may indicate emotional difficulties.

5. Poor academic performance: A decline in school performance or sudden lack of interest in academics can be linked to mental health problems. Children may have difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, or retaining information.

6. Physical complaints without medical cause: Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical discomforts, even after medical evaluations, may be a manifestation of emotional distress.

7. Excessive worry or anxiety: Children with anxiety disorders may demonstrate excessive worry about everyday activities, fear of specific situations, or experience panic attacks.

8. Behavioral changes: Noticeable changes in behavior, such as increased aggression, impulsivity, defiance, or acting out, can be indicative of underlying mental health challenges.

Common signs for mental health problems in teenagers:

1. Changes in sleep patterns: Adolescents may experience significant changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness). Irregular sleep habits or disturbances can be indicative of underlying mental health issues.

2. Withdrawal from social activities: A significant decrease in participation or interest in social activities, isolating themselves from friends or family, or preferring to spend excessive time alone can be a sign of mental health difficulties.

3. Persistent sadness or mood changes: Adolescents may exhibit prolonged periods of sadness, irritability, or frequent mood swings. They may seem consistently down or experience extreme highs and lows.

4. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities: Adolescents may lose interest in hobbies, sports, or activities they once enjoyed. They may also exhibit a decline in academic performance or a lack of motivation.

5. Increased irritability or anger: Adolescents with mental health problems may display heightened irritability, anger outbursts, or have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may become easily frustrated or have a low tolerance for stressors.

6. Poor concentration or decreased academic performance: Difficulty concentrating, paying attention, or completing tasks can be signs of mental health concerns. Adolescents may struggle to retain information or show a decline in their academic performance.

7. Changes in appetite or weight: Significant changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or excessive eating, resulting in weight gain or loss, can be indicative of underlying mental health issues like eating disorders or depression.

8. Substance abuse: Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or engaging in risky behaviors involving substances can be a sign of underlying mental health problems or an attempt to cope with emotional difficulties.

9. Self-harm or suicidal ideation: Adolescents may engage in self-harming behaviors like cutting, burning, or hitting themselves. They may also express thoughts of suicide or talk about wanting to die. These signs require immediate attention and intervention.

10. Excessive worry or anxiety: Adolescents may experience excessive worry, anxiety, or have panic attacks. They may be overwhelmed by stressors, experience intense fear or phobias, or exhibit avoidance behaviors.

Psychological Counseling

• All our psychologists and counselors are highly skilled, experienced and accredited professionals who have in-depth understanding of the psychological, social, learning, emotional and behavioral needs of children and adolescents, as well as the needs of families.

• If a child is experiencing stress, anxiety or trauma, or mood, anger or behavioral challenges, it is helpful to seek professional advice to ensure their optimum development, growth and adjustment.

• All interventions are expertly tailored for each child, focusing on strengths and interests, while addressing challenges or concerning issues such as excessive worries, distress, sadness, irritability, loss, developmental delay, socio-communication issues, attention concerns, cognitive deficits, and familial stress and conflict.

Play Therapy

• Play therapy is a well-researched and evidence-based treatment for children between the ages of 3-15 years old who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or learning challenges.

• Play therapy builds on the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world, as well as the key medium to express thoughts and feelings.

• Through use of toys and creative forms of communication, including story telling, images and metaphors, sand play, puppetry, art, and music, children learn to express themselves, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and relate to others.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

• PCIT is an evidence-based treatment proven to effectively reduce disruptive behaviors in children between the ages of 2-7 years old.

• During sessions together with your child, parents receive live coaching from a clinical psychologist to provide timely, effective responses and guidance to teach children social emotional skills.

• The child is able to learn new skills to replace problematic behaviour and parents experience less stress handling challenging children.

Parent Coaching

• Our parent coaching is based on The Incredible Years Parenting Program and evidence-based family therapies.

• Counselors work directly with parents of young and school-age children, equipping them with the skills to promote positive parent-child bonds, as well as foster confidence and resilience in their children.

• Through private coaching customized to the dynamics and values of each family, parents learn in a secure and supportive environment to establish healthy boundaries with their children and reduce undesirable behaviors.

Play Coaching for Parents

• Play coaching allows parents to learn skills to relate to their children through play.

• Our psychologists work directly with parents/guardians, teaching them to conduct special non-directive play sessions with their children to strengthen the parent-child relationship.

• Through play coaching, parents learn important skills to help gain better understanding of their child's wants and needs, establish healthy boundaries with their child, and enhance their relationships.

Team