In today’s age, teenagers face many societal, ideological, and personal challenges that can greatly affect their present and future. Unstable circumstances, including global events, peer pressure, traumatic experiences, and gender and identity issues can lead to depression, anxiety and behavioural changes.
Being in the right supportive and safe environment can help them talk about their feelings, learn new skills and develop positive responses to negative outcomes.
As a qualified and leading teen psychologist in Calgary, I offer your teenager a safe place to discuss their emotions, delve into the origins of their issues, and use a combination of therapies to help them have a better and brighter future.
When it comes to teen counselling in Calgary, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Everyone is different, enduring various challenges unique to their situation and personality. My approach mimics that difference, tailoring it to the young person sitting in front of me.
In the first session, I’ll begin with an assessment-oriented approach to getting to know your teenager, creating a safe space for them to describe their concerns and goals. With this foundation, I’ll create a treatment framework that delves into key causes of your teenager’s issues while combining and utilizing different therapies so that they can make positive life changes.
I understand the pressures and difficulties of growing up in this age of technology and uncertainty. As a teenager, it’s difficult to convey the right words when expressing overwhelming and highly-emotive feelings – particularly in a therapist’s office, which can seem intimidating.
It’s why at Elevate Psychology, I created a welcoming, grounded and approachable space for teenagers to be themselves. I keep things down to earth and professional while promoting inclusivity so that all teenagers from different heritages, cultures and situations get the treatment they need.
Growing up in today’s society is not easy, but I can give your teenager the skills to change their lives for the better.
I only work with teens 16 years of age or older.
When working with teens under the age of majority (i.e., 18), legally, I am required to obtain the consent of parents/guardians before commencing counselling in Calgary. This also means that certain pieces of information may be shared with the parents, depending on the teen and parents’ concerns. I usually discuss what information may be disclosed to them and what will not with both teens and parents. The disclosed information is typically related to the teen’s safety and wellbeing or if the teen prefers for the parents to receive updates about their therapy. If a teen is 18 or older, no information is disclosed to any party, except when there is a need to protect the teen or others from harm (as is typical with all adults) or if the teen requests disclosure.
To answer briefly, no. I typically ask to speak with parents for a portion of the initial session. I will include parents in a session if deemed necessary, or is a part of the plan that all parties agree to at the onset of therapy. Otherwise, if it is not necessary, all Calgary psychologist sessions are conducted with the teen only.