Teen Therapy in Edmonton & Online
Counselling for teens aged 12 to 18 that meets them where they are. Grounded in how the teenage brain actually develops, with parents included in ways your teen is comfortable with.
Experienced with high-risk youth
Ages 12–18
2SLGBTQIA+ affirming
WHY TEEN THERAPY IS DIFFERENT
Teenagers aren’t small adults, and their therapy shouldn’t treat them that way
The teenage brain is still under construction. The parts that handle decisions and emotional control keep maturing into the mid-twenties, so teens feel things more intensely and often can’t yet put words to it. Adult-style talk therapy can easily miss them.
I’ve worked with youth for most of my career, including high-risk youth in family services, and I’m also a dad. My aim isn’t just to help your teen cope. It’s to help them build inner resources and relationship skills they’ll carry into adulthood.
"Adolescence is not a problem to be solved — it is a passage to be navigated. The right support at the right time can change the entire trajectory of a young person's life."
Craig Wanless, MTC, RCS, CT
IS IT TIME?
Signs your teen may benefit from counselling
Every teen has hard weeks. If several of these have lasted a while, or you’re just worried, a free consultation is a low-pressure way to talk it through.
Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
Anxiety about school, social situations, or the future
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
Declining grades or school avoidance
Conflict at home that feels stuck or escalating
Struggles with identity, self-worth, or belonging
Difficulty managing anger or strong emotions
Navigating family change (divorce, blended families, loss)
Experiences of bullying, trauma, or peer pressure
Questions about sexual orientation or gender identity
MY APPROACH
Three evidence-informed frameworks, woven together rather than used one after another.
The science behind how I work with teens
The why
Developmental Psychology
Adolescence is a key window for brain growth, identity and social learning. I look at where your teen is in normal development, so typical behaviour isn’t treated as a disorder while real needs still get attention.
Teens weigh belonging and reward more heavily than long-term risk. Good therapy works with that, not against it.
The context
Family systems theory
Drawing on Murray Bowen and Salvador Minuchin, I understand a teen’s struggles within their relationships. Family is the most powerful context in a teen’s life, so parents are partners when it helps.
Shifting family patterns often helps more than working with the teen alone.
The change
AEDP
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, developed by Dr. Diana Fosha, works with felt emotion and a safe relationship. Teens learn to move through big feelings instead of bottling them up.
With the right relationship in place, healing can happen faster than people expect.
What I help teens with
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
What you need to know
Your teen’s privacy
Sessions are confidential so your teen can trust the process. I explain the limits clearly at the start: safety always comes first.
Your involvement
You’re invited in, in ways your teen is comfortable with. I check in with you periodically, with their consent.
Reluctant teens
Many teens don’t want to come at first. I build rapport gently, without pressure, and that usually changes things.
Support for you
Parent coaching and family sessions are available, because supporting a struggling teen is hard on parents too.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our teen counselling serves young people ages 12 to 18.
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Yes, generally. Confidentiality is essential for teens to engage honestly in therapy. Your therapist will discuss what this means in practice at the first appointment. Exceptions apply when there is risk of harm to your teen or others.
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Not necessarily. Most teen therapy sessions are individual. However, parent and family sessions may be recommended depending on what's most helpful — and we'll always discuss this collaboratively with your teen.
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Progress in teen therapy can look subtle at first — less reactivity at home, more willingness to talk, improved sleep or school attendance. Your therapist will check in with you periodically (with your teen's consent) to discuss how things are going at home.
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Many extended health benefit plans cover services from Counselling Therapists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Master Therapeutic Counsellors, Registered Therapeutic Counsellors as well as Registered Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, and Canadian Certified Counsellors. We provide official receipts for all sessions.
Please check with your provider to confirm your plan's coverage.
If your teen is in crisis right now
Call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. In an emergency, call 911.
Your Teen Deserves the Right Support
Start with a free 15-minute call. Parents can book it, or your teen can join.