Supporting Youth Through Change and Conflict

Separation and divorce can be incredibly hard on children and teens. While every child experiences these changes differently, many struggle with big feelings, confusion, or behaviours that signal they’re not sure how to cope. As a therapist, I offer a calm, supportive space where young people can make sense of what’s going on in their world and begin to heal. 

Using developmentally appropriate approaches, including play-based and art-based therapy, I support children and adolescents in exploring their emotions, processing difficult experiences, and building coping skills. Therapy is a confidential and therapeutic relationship that prioritizes your child’s emotional safety and helps reduce behavioural and emotional challenges that may be getting in the way of their everyday functioning. 

The Role of Parents 

While the focus of therapy is on the child, your involvement is vital to the process. Parents play a key role in helping children integrate new skills and build a bridge between therapy and daily life. When appropriate, I offer regular check-ins and practical tools for parents to support what’s happening in the therapy room. 

That said, children—especially those navigating conflict between parents—need to know they can trust their therapist. This means we do not share session notes with parents or lawyers, and we strongly discourage involving therapy in any legal proceedings. The therapeutic space needs to be separate from the courtroom to remain safe and effective. 

Working in High-Conflict Situations 

I understand that not all separations are smooth. Some families are still involved in court processes or experience ongoing conflict. While many therapists avoid working with children in these situations, I believe that these are often the children who need support the most. I welcome referrals from families in transition, even when things feel messy or unresolved. 

To ensure therapy remains helpful and does not become part of the conflict, I ask that parents agree to a few key boundaries: 

• Communication with me should be one-on-one, not with the other parent copied in. 

• Concerns or updates should be shared by email, not during your child’s session. 

• Please avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your child, including during visits to my office. 

• Therapy is not a place to seek custody recommendations. If this becomes a goal, I may not be able to continue. 

If you’re struggling to co-parent or need emotional support yourself, I can refer you to a separate clinician who can help. 

Trusting the Process 

Sometimes it might look like we’re “just playing” in therapy, but play and creative expression are how children communicate, problem-solve, and heal. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it’s slow or hard to see from the outside. But trust that your child is building something meaningful. You can support this process by ensuring they attend regularly, staying curious about what they’re learning, and being open to trying new parenting strategies—even if you’re unsure whether the other parent will do the same. 

Healing is possible, even in the midst of conflict. My goal is to be a steady, supportive presence for your child during this time of transition and work alongside you in helping them feel seen, heard, and understood.