Children (and their families)

Counselling for Children, Youth, and Families

Children and adolescents can experience emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties that affect their well-being, family relationships, friendships, and school experiences. These challenges may emerge during periods of developmental change, family stress, loss, trauma, or other significant life experiences.

Counselling provides an opportunity to better understand these difficulties, strengthen emotional regulation, improve communication, and support healthier relationships within the family.

Areas of Concern

Individual and family counselling may help address:

  • Anxiety, including social and school-related anxiety
  • Depression, sadness, and social withdrawal
  • Peer relationships, bullying, and social difficulties
  • Emotional regulation, anger, and aggressive behaviour
  • Parent-child conflict and family relationship difficulties
  • Trauma and distressing experiences, past or present
  • Sleep difficulties
  • School adjustment and behavioural concerns
  • Family separation, transitions, and changes in relationships

Art and Play Therapy

Children and youth do not always have the words to communicate difficult emotions or experiences. Art and play can provide alternative ways to express feelings, explore relationships, and make sense of experiences that may be difficult to discuss directly.

With advanced training in art and play therapy, I integrate creative and developmentally appropriate approaches, including drawing, painting, symbolic play, and other expressive activities, when clinically appropriate.

These approaches can support emotional expression, self-awareness, and the exploration of experiences within a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.

Supporting Parents and Families

Children’s emotional and behavioural difficulties often occur within broader family, school, and social contexts. Counselling may involve working with parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s needs, strengthen communication, respond to emotional distress, and develop more supportive family relationships.

Professional Development and Workshops

Customized workshops and professional development opportunities are available for educators, school leaders, community agencies, and childcare organizations.

Areas of focus may include trauma-sensitive practice, emotional regulation, child and adolescent development, relational approaches to behavioural challenges, and strategies for supporting mental health and well-being in educational and community settings.

Contact

Linda McFalls, Ph.D., LCSW/RSW
Clinical Therapist, Psychotherapist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor
Touchstone Counselling Inc.
Suite 222, 6030 88 Street, Rycor Centre
Edmonton, AB T6E 6G4
780-996-7655
Linda.McFalls@TouchStoneCounselling.com