The Youth Mental Health Crisis – What Parents (and Teens) Need to Know

Illustration of a concerned parent and teenager discussing mental health, symbolizing family therapy and support for youth mental health crisis in Ottawa.

Abstract  Teen mental health challenges are on the rise, leaving many parents and caregivers wondering how to best support their children. Between academic and peer pressure and social media stress to shifting family dynamics, today’s teens are navigating unprecedented emotional hurdles. Without the right coping skills, these soon-to-be adults can feel overwhelmed and lost. In

Understanding Neurodivergence: A Guide for Parents of Preteens and Teens

Understanding Neurodivergence: A Guide for Parents of Preteens and Teens, Ashley Croke psychotherapist Qualifying at Family-Therapy in Ottawa, signs of neurodivergence in teens, How Parents Can Support Their Neurodivergent Child

Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges and rewards. Whether your child is awaiting a diagnosis or you’re just beginning to explore what neurodivergence means, understanding how to support them is key. This guide will help you recognize signs and symptoms, navigate the diagnosis process, and explore how therapy can help your child thrive.

Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Teen Anxiety: Effective Strategies for a Smooth Transition Back to School

anxiety in teens

Abstract This comprehensive guide addresses teen anxiety, focusing on the challenges of transitioning back to school. It offers valuable insights and strategies for parents, educators, and teens to effectively manage anxiety and promote emotional well-being. The guide covers various aspects of teen anxiety, including its types, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and root causes. It explores effective

Coping with Back to School Anxiety for Parents

back to school

Moms and Dads school this year is just going to be different. We’ re all going to be reaching differently to school this year and that’s OK. For many families heading back to school will be a relief as we try to get back into what is our usual routine. Your child in Primary School

Teen Dating Violence

Have you experienced Dating Violence? Has your Teen experienced Dating Violence? It’s scary to think that teens and parents are often unaware that they, their teens or friends have experienced dating violence. Teen dating violence is emotional, physical, sexual or mental abuse within the bounds of a romantic or potential relationship. It’s not talked about

Ottawa Counselling Helps Determine: Just Shy, or Struggling with Social Anxiety?

Despite the increasing awareness and understanding of the term social anxiety—according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada (ADAC), it’s actually the most common anxiety disorder—it too often remains under-recognized and as a result, under-diagnosed. Why is this? Ottawa counselling professionals point out that with adolescents in particular, it simply is not the most obvious

Ottawa Counselling Emphasizes the Importance of Family in Dodging Teen Depression

Ottawa area psychologists estimate that as much as 20% of the population will suffer from depression during the teen years. Teen depression isn’t simple: Many things—genetic predisposition, family upbringing, stressful situations or events all increase the risk of developing teen depression. Therapists with Kanata counselling practices point out that what’s particularly unsettling is that, left

Back to School Tips

September is around the corner and kids and parents are getting geared up for the  start of a new school year. Whether this is your child’s first year or 12th at school are you preparing yourself and your child for the upcoming school year.   Here are 5 quick tips to get yourself and your family ready for