Child & Teen Therapy in Etobicoke Support for the growing up years

Children and teens feel stress, worry and sadness as deeply as adults, but they do not always have the words for it. It might show up as meltdowns, stomach aches, slipping grades, pulling away from friends or a teen who suddenly stops talking. Child and teen therapy gives young people a space of their own to make sense of what they feel, with a trained adult who is on their side. Common reasons families reach out include anxiety, low mood, school stress, friendship troubles and big changes at home.

At Thought & Feeling, child and teen therapy is offered by Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers who work with young people. Different therapists see different ages: select therapists work with children from age 3, some from around 8 or 10, and many with teens from 12 and up. When you reach out, we reply within 24 hours and recommend therapists who work with your child’s age and needs. You can book a 15-minute phone consult with one or more of them before choosing.

What sessions look like

Therapy looks different at different ages. With younger children, therapists may use drawing, stories and games alongside conversation, since that is often how young children express themselves. Teens usually talk more directly, and sessions can feel like a conversation with an adult who listens without judgment. In-person sessions at our calm, comfortable clinic on Lake Shore Boulevard West tend to suit younger children best, while video sessions can work well for many teens.

How parents are involved

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the process. You will usually meet the therapist at the start to share background and goals, and therapists often schedule check-ins or parent sessions to share general themes and suggest ways to support your child at home. With younger children, parents tend to be more involved. With teens, therapists balance keeping you informed with protecting the trust that helps a teen open up.

Consent and confidentiality, in plain language

Consent depends on your child’s age and understanding. For younger children, a parent or guardian gives consent. Older children and teens who understand what therapy involves may be able to consent for themselves. Either way, at the very first session your child’s therapist will explain what stays private and what does not, in words your child can understand.

In general, what a young person shares in session stays between them and their therapist, so they can speak openly. There are important exceptions: if a young person is at imminent risk of harm, if someone else is at risk, or if there are concerns about abuse or neglect, the therapist must act to keep them safe. That can include telling a parent or contacting child protection services.

Thought & Feeling is not a crisis service. If your child is in immediate danger or talking about ending their life, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency department.