Child & Youth Counselling
Kells Psychology in South Edmonton offers a safe space for kids and teens to heal, grow, and be themselves.
Child & Youth Counselling
Growing up isn’t always easy. Children and teens face a range of emotional, social, and developmental challenges as they navigate family life, school, friendships, identity, and mental health. Sometimes, they need more support than what’s available at home or in the classroom.
At Kells Psychology, we offer child and youth counselling in a safe, age-appropriate, and nonjudgmental space where young people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the guidance of a skilled therapist.
Why Children and Teens Come to Counselling
Kids and teens come to therapy for many different reasons. Some common areas we support include:
- Anxiety, worry, or phobias
- Low mood or depression
- Emotional outbursts or anger
- Difficulty coping with change, divorce, or grief
- Struggles with self-esteem or confidence
- School stress, peer issues, or bullying
- Identity, self-image, or gender-related concerns
- Family conflict or communication struggles
- Trauma or adverse experiences
- Support for neurodivergent kids, including those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences
Early support can make a lasting difference in a child’s mental health and development.
How We Help
Our therapists use developmentally appropriate and evidence-based approaches like play therapy, CBT, narrative therapy, trauma therapy, and expressive techniques to help young clients feel safe and engaged. We work with children and teens to:
- Understand and express emotions in healthy ways
- Build coping tools for stress, anxiety, or low mood
- Strengthen self-esteem and confidence
- Improve relationships with family, peers, and teachers
- Navigate transitions and identity exploration
We also partner closely with guardians (when appropriate), offering tools and insight to support your child’s progress outside of therapy.
Our Therapists Who Specialize in Child and Youth Counselling
Meet our therapists who specialize in child and youth counselling. Each brings specialized training and a compassionate approach to help children and teens.
Laura Clark
Registered Psychologist, Senior Professional
Alyssa Ryan
Registered Psychologist, Senior Professional
Emily Killen
Associate Director, Registered Psychologist
Chantel Wagner
Registered Psychologist
Olivia Curran-Morton
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Lauren Appleby
Registered Psychologist, Senior Professional
Sydney Tkachuk
Registered Psychologist
Linda Forde
Registered Psychologist, Senior Professional
Daniel Clark
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Timothia Kwok
Registered Psychologist
Meagan Fisk-Jordan
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Michael Diachuk
Practicum Therapist
Support for Parents and Caregivers
You’re not alone. Parenting through a child’s struggles can feel overwhelming, confusing, or isolating. At Kells, we’re here to support you with guidance, updates, and strategies to help your child thrive. In some cases, caregiver sessions may be recommended to strengthen family communication or routines.
Support Starts Here
Whether your child or teen is struggling with big emotions, life changes, or simply needs someone to talk to, we’re here to help. Early support can build lifelong resilience, confidence, and well-being.
📧 Email: main@kellspsychology.ca
📞 Call Now: 780-430-4769
Most children and teens can start within 1-2 weeks. Evening appointments available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
We support children and teens between the ages of 3 to 17 with developmentally appropriate approaches tailored to each stage of life.
Do all parents or caregivers need to consent for my child to attend counselling?
If both parents share legal decision-making responsibility (previously called custody), then yes, we are legally required to obtain informed consent from both parents before starting child and youth counselling. Note that guardianship and custody are different. Decision-making responsibility is determined by guardianship status and not custody status.
If one parent has sole decision-making authority, we will need documentation confirming that. This ensures we are following legal and ethical guidelines while providing care that respects the rights of all guardians involved.
Do parents or caregivers attend sessions too?
Yes. Before beginning counselling with a child or teen we require an initial session with the parent(s) or guardian(s) who have decision-making responsibility. This helps us understand your concerns, gather relevant background information, and ensure informed consent is in place.
If parents are divorced and both share decision-making responsibility, we are required to invite and involve both guardians in the therapy process. Both guardians have the right to receive information and updates about the process of therapy and communications will be shared or summarized for all parties.
For ongoing sessions, parent involvement varies depending on the child’s age and therapeutic needs. With younger children, parents are often involved more directly. For teens, we balance their growing independence with appropriate parent collaboration, always respecting their confidentiality and therapeutic boundaries.
Is what my child says kept private?
Yes, confidentiality is respected. However, there are exceptions when safety is a concern. We always explain these limits in the first session in an age-appropriate way and review this with all parents and caregivers before beginning counselling.
Do you offer online sessions for child and youth counselling?
Yes, depending on the child’s age and needs. We offer secure telehealth options that can be effective and accessible, especially for teens and older children.
What does a typical session of child and youth counselling look like?
Sessions vary by age and needs. Younger children may use play-based approaches, while teens may talk, use creative tools, or learn specific coping strategies. The goal is always to help them feel heard, safe, and supported.
