Children & Adolescent Therapy

Sometimes, children and teens don’t have the words to explain what they’re going through but they show us in other ways. You might notice changes in mood, motivation, or behaviour. Maybe they’ve become more withdrawn, easily overwhelmed, or seem like they’re carrying something you can’t quite name. As a parent, it can feel painful and confusing to watch your child struggle and not know how to help.

At Vel Psychotherapy, we offer a safe, compassionate space for children and teens (ages 12+) to explore their feelings, build coping skills, and strengthen their sense of self. Therapy is not about “fixing” your child, it’s about helping them feel understood, empowered, and supported in ways that honour their pace and individuality.

Therapy Can Support With

    • Anxiety, panic, or social anxiety

    • Low mood, sadness, or emotional withdrawal

    • Difficulty managing anger or frustration

    • Overwhelm and burnout related to school or social pressures

    • Self-esteem or self-worth struggles

    • Navigating cultural identity or belonging

    • Gender and sexual identity exploration

    • Body image and peer comparison

    • Divorce, separation, or blended family changes

    • Grief and loss (including death, relocation, or friendship changes)

    • Adjusting to major transitions at home or school

    • Coping with uncertainty or instability in family dynamics

    • Peer conflict, bullying, or exclusion

    • Academic pressure or performance anxiety

    • Perfectionism and fear of failure

    • Emotional regulation in classroom or group settingS

Parent & Caregiver Support

Parenting through difficult moments doesn’t come with a road map. You might be doing everything you can and still feel unsure. We offer support for parents navigating their own emotions or parenting style, helping you understand what your child’s behaviours might be communicating and how to respond with empathy rather than frustration.

Therapy for parents may include:

  • Understanding attachment and communication patterns

  • Managing conflict or emotional triggers

  • Building co-regulation and emotional safety at home

  • Reconnecting with your child after periods of distance

Our Approach

We believe that when parents feel supported, children feel safer to grow and explore.

Our therapy process is developmentally appropriate, culturally attuned, and creative. Sessions may include talk therapy, art-based or narrative approaches, mindfulness, or grounding activities are adapted to your child’s comfort and interests. We also collaborate with parents through regular check-ins to ensure that growth in therapy extends to the home and family environment.

A Space for Growth & Connection

Every young person deserves a space to feel safe, seen, and supported — and every parent deserves guidance they can trust. Therapy can help both of you rediscover connection, rebuild confidence, and move through this chapter together.

Contact Us to learn more