The teenage years can bring changes and emotional pressures for both teens and their families. Teen therapy and youth counselling offer a calm, confidential, and supportive space where young people can express themselves, work through difficulties, and move forward with greater confidence.
As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your teenager struggle, especially when you’re unsure what they need or how best to support them. Whether your teen is experiencing anxiety, low mood, school-related stress, or emotions that are difficult to understand, teen therapy and youth counselling can provide a safe space to talk openly, develop coping skills, and feel supported.
My goal is to provide your teenager with a space that feels genuinely their own, a place where they can speak honestly, feel respected, and explore what matters most to them without pressure or judgment. I support teens and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, school-related stress, family conflict, identity concerns, and challenges that may be difficult to understand or express.
My approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing, thoughtfully adapted to each young person’s personality, needs, goals, and readiness for therapy.
One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: will you tell me what my teenager says in sessions?
The short answer is: sessions are confidential. What your teenager shares stays between us and that privacy is part of what makes therapy work. Teenagers open up more honestly when they trust that the room is theirs.
That said, I do involve parents. Throughout the process, I offer regular check-ins to share what themes are emerging (without breaking your teen’s trust) and to give you practical guidance on how to support them at home. If there is ever a safety concern, I will let you know, that is a legal and ethical requirement, and I explain it clearly at the start.
I establish this arrangement clearly at the beginning so that both you and your teenager understand how it works.
Meet Your Therapist in Victoria, BC
I work with teens who feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck, and who are trying to make sense of what they are experiencing during an important stage of life. In my work with adolescents, I focus on creating a calm, grounded space where they feel respected and able to speak openly.
My training is in depth psychology through Pacifica Graduate Institute, and I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing. I have worked with adolescents in school and community settings, and I aim to be steady and attentive, especially when emotions are strong. When helpful, I also support parents in understanding how best to support their teen outside of counseling.
I understand that this can be a challenging time for both you and your teenager. My goal is to support your teen while also helping you feel more informed and equipped as a parent.
As a parent, your role is an important part of your teen’s healing and growth. I work collaboratively with families to provide guidance, support, and practical resources throughout the process. You are not alone, and with the right support, your teenager can move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
Teen therapy at Steady Heart Counselling typically begins with a parent intake session without your teenager present. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss what you have been noticing, your teen’s background, and the changes you hope therapy may support. It also allows you to ask questions and helps me better understand your teenager’s needs before meeting with them.
Following the intake, I meet with your teenager individually for 50-minute sessions. Appointments take place in a private, low-pressure environment, either in person at the Victoria office or through secure online sessions. I work at a pace that feels comfortable for each young person and aim to be approachable, honest, and easy to talk to, even when the topics feel difficult.
When appropriate, I also check in with parents to discuss general themes and offer practical guidance for supporting their teenager at home. These conversations are handled carefully, with respect for the teen’s privacy, trust, and the established limits of confidentiality.
In-person sessions are available in Victoria, with online teen therapy offered to families throughout British Columbia.
Teen therapy helps with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. It provides a safe space to express emotions, develop coping skills, and navigate life’s changes.
If your teen is struggling with mood swings, isolation, academic decline, anger, or risky behaviors, therapy can provide support and guidance. Major life changes or trauma can also be reasons to seek help.
Yes. Sessions with your teenager are confidential – what they share stays between us, and that privacy is what makes it possible for teens to open up honestly. I explain the confidentiality arrangement clearly at the start so both you and your teen understand how it works.
There are legal and ethical limits to confidentiality: if I have a serious concern about your teen’s safety, I am required to let you know. Outside of that, I hold regular parent check-ins to share what themes are emerging and offer practical guidance – without disclosing the specifics of what your teen has shared.
I work with teenagers typically between the ages of 13 and 18. Whether your teen is just entering adolescence or approaching adulthood, therapy is adapted to their stage of life, individual needs, goals, and readiness.
Yes. Online teen therapy sessions are available for families across British Columbia. Virtual sessions are held through a secure video platform and work well for many teenagers. In-person sessions are also available at the Victoria office.
I work closely with parents throughout the process. While your teen’s sessions are confidential, I hold regular parent check-ins to share what’s emerging and offer practical guidance on how to support your teenager at home. Your teen’s trust and your involvement are both important.
I do not accept insurance, but I can furnish a superbill so that my clients can collect from their insurance providers.
It’s common for teenagers to feel unsure or resistant at first. A free 15-minute consultation can be a low-pressure way to start, with no commitment required. Sometimes, simply meeting in a relaxed way can help ease hesitation and give your teen a sense of what therapy might feel like.
Yes. Steady Heart Counselling is centrally located in Victoria, BC, and is easy to access. If you are looking for a teen therapist or youth counsellor near you in Victoria, in-person sessions are available. Online sessions are also available for families throughout British Columbia.
The teenage years can be hard for teens and for parents. If your teenager is struggling with anxiety, low mood, school stress, or feeling lost, teen therapy can offer a gentle, steady space where they feel safe and supported.
I provide teen therapy in Victoria, BC, with an approach grounded in patience, honesty, and genuine care. My practice welcomes families from Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, and Victoria West. Sessions are available in person in Victoria and online for families throughout British Columbia.
For families navigating conflict or bigger relational challenges, family therapy is also available.
