The ultimate goal of child & youth counselling is to support the individual to process what is happening in their lives
When your child is struggling, the hardest part is often not knowing how to help. Maybe they've told you something that scared you. Maybe they've stopped telling you anything at all. Being a young person right now is genuinely hard. The pressure, the social stuff, the family changes, the things happening inside their head that are difficult to explain to anyone — it's a lot. And most kids don't have a space where they can actually say the hard things without worrying about what happens next. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, school pressure, bullying, family changes, or something they haven't been able to name yet — our RCC and RSW therapists are here for them. And for you.
Child and youth counselling in Abbotsford and Chilliwack gives young people exactly that. A relationship with a therapist they can trust. A space that's entirely theirs — where they can work through what's overwhelming them, make sense of what's happening in their lives, and start building the tools to move through it.
WHAT WE WORK ON
COUNSELLING FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS—WE GET IT, AND WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
Figuring Out Who You Are
You're not a kid anymore, but you're not quite an adult either. That in-between space is confusing. We help you explore your identity, values, interests, and what actually matters to you—not what everyone else expects.
The Social Minefield
Friend drama. Feeling left out. Not fitting in. Wondering if anyone actually likes you. We help you understand relationships, set boundaries, recognize toxic dynamics, and build the confidence to show up as yourself—even when it's scary.
Processing the Hard Stuff
Trauma. Loss. Things that happened that you can't stop thinking about. Experiences that changed you. We create a safe space to work through what you've been through at your own pace, without pressure to "get over it."
When School Feels Impossible
The pressure to perform, the constant comparison, the fear of failing, the burnout from trying to be perfect. We work on managing academic stress, finding motivation when it's gone, and building skills that actually help instead of just saying "try harder."
When Your Brain Won't Cooperate
Anxiety that makes everything feel overwhelming. Depression that makes you feel nothing at all. Panic attacks. Intrusive thoughts. Self-harm urges. We take your mental health seriously and give you real tools to manage what's happening in your head.
Building Confidence That's Real
Not fake positivity or pretending everything's fine—actual self-worth that comes from knowing yourself, accepting your flaws, and recognizing your strengths. We help you quiet the critical voice and treat yourself like someone worth caring about.
Family Stuff That's Complicated
Maybe your parents don't get you. Maybe there's conflict at home. Maybe you're dealing with divorce, new family dynamics, or feeling caught in the middle. We create space to process what's happening and figure out how to navigate it without losing yourself.
The Pressure to figured it all out
Everyone's asking about your future—college, career, life plans—and you have no idea. Or maybe you do know, but you're terrified of choosing wrong. We help you sort through the noise and make decisions that feel right for you, not just what sounds good to others.
Navigating Life Online
Social media comparisons. Cyberbullying. The pressure to have a perfect feed. FOMO. Screen addiction. We help you figure out a healthier relationship with technology, recognize what's real versus performative, and protect your mental health.
WHAT WE HELP WITH
WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES TO SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY. THE TOPICS BELOW ARE JUST SOME OF THE AREAS WE ADDRESS—WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU WITH ANY CHALLENGE YOU'RE FACING.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Anxiety — Depression — Panic Attacks — Stress & Overwhelm — Anger Management — Emotional Regulation — Self-Harm — Suicidal Thoughts — Low Mood
Identity & Self-Worth:
Body Image Issues — Self-Esteem — Self-Criticism — Perfectionism — Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating — Finding Who You Are — Feeling Different
School & Academic Life:
School Stress — Academic Pressure — Test Anxiety — Learning Challenges — Bullying — Peer Pressure — School Refusal — Procrastination — Motivation Issues
Neurodivergence & Development:
ADHD — Autism Spectrum — Learning Disabilities — Sensory Processing — Executive Functioning — Social Skills Development — Emotional Dysregulation — Masking & Burnout
Trauma & Safety:
Childhood Trauma — Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Sexual) — Witnessing Violence — Bullying & Cyberbullying — Sexual Assault — PTSD — Separation Anxiety
Family & Home Life:
Parent Conflict — Divorce or Separation — Blended Family Adjustments — Sibling Rivalry — Family Communication — Grief & Loss — Moving or Relocation — New Baby Stress
Relationships & Social Life:
Friendship Drama — Feeling Left Out — Social Anxiety — Toxic Friendships — Boundaries — Dating & First Relationships — Loneliness — Fitting In
Identity & Belonging:
Sexuality & Sexual Identity (LGBTQ2S+) — Coming Out — Gender Identity Exploration — Cultural Identity — Racism & Discrimination — Finding Your Community
Growing Up & Life Changes:
Puberty & Body Changes — Starting High School — Preparing for Adulthood — College Stress — First Job — Leaving Home — Independence & Responsibility
WHY CHOOSE CHILD/YOUTH COUNSELLING?
Children and Youth Counselling focus on building a safe and trusting relationship with the child/youth as they build relationships slower than adults. Counselling is grounded in this trusting relationship so the child or youth can begin to share and process their challenges. We aim to keep them safe while maintaining confidentiality so that the child/youth feels free to share their thoughts and feelings in a secure therapeutic relationship. Oftentimes, children come in on their own or with their parents, and the goal is to support the child/youth to feel confident of the process.
EXPLORE CHILD & YOUTH THERAPISTS
CHILD & YOUTH COUNSELLING
IN ABBOTSFORD
Our team of RCC and RSW therapists are ready to meet your family where you are — no judgment, no pretense, just real support for the real stuff.
Amanda Strider
RCC | AGE 14+
Josh Miller
RSW | AGE 6+
Tamara Dueckman
RCC | AGE 14+
Bailey Murphy
RCC | AGE 6+
Tatiana Carballo
RCC | AGE 6+