Child and Teen Counselling in Airdrie, Alberta

“You may not see the shore yet, but you are not alone in finding your way.”

Providing Compassionate therapy for Kids and Teens

Feeling overwhelmed searching for help to support your child or teen?

Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety or depression?

You're in the right Place. I'm here to help your child or teen with anxiety, depression, or whatever they are facing. I'm also here to support you as a parent.

Seeing your kiddo struggle can leave you feeling helpless as a parent. At Lighted Harbour Counselling, I understand that growing up today comes with unique pressures—whether they are dealing with intense sports performance anxiety on the ice or field, navigating painful peer and family conflict, or simply feeling overwhelmed by modern life. It is heartbreaking to see your youth withdraw due to deep sadness or constant worry.  I offer specialized child and teen anxiety and depression counselling that provides a safe, non-judgmental space right here in Airdrie where your youth can make sense of their feelings. Through gentle, evidence-based therapy,  kids and adolescents can learn to master emotional self-regulation, helping them develop the practical coping skills and resilience they need to navigate school, sports, and relationships with confidence.

Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression can look different in every young person. A safe, supportive space can help them understand their emotions, feel heard, and find healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges.

Sports & Performance Anxiety

The pressure to perform can feel overwhelming for young athletes. Anxiety may show up as worry, self-doubt, perfectionism, or fear of making mistakes. With the right support, kids can learn to manage pressure and enjoy the activities they love.

Friendships, Family & Growing Up

Navigating friendships, peer pressure, and changing relationships with parents can be tough. Counselling gives teens a safe space to feel heard, understand their emotions, and develop healthier ways to communicate and connect.

Recognizing Signs of Depression, Sports Performance Anxiety, and Stress

 

  • Anxiety & Panic: Constant worrying, school avoidance, social fear, and panic attacks.

  • Depression & Low Mood: Persistent sadness, losing interest in favourite hobbies, and sudden withdrawal from friends.

  • Sports Performance Anxiety: Overwhelming pressure to excel in competitive sports, leading to burnout or low self-esteem.

  • Peer & Family Conflict: Difficulty navigating friendships, bullying, or escalating tension and communication breakdowns at home.

  • Self-Regulation Issues: Frequent emotional outbursts, anger, low frustration tolerance, or trouble calming down.

 

Evidence-Based Therapy for Emotional Self-Regulation

I know that sitting on a couch and just talking doesn't always work for younger kids or stressed-out teenagers. Counselling sessions are tailored entirely to your child's age, developmental stage, and unique personality. 

Creative & Age-Appropriate Interventions

For younger children, play-informed strategies and incorporate creative tools. This allows them to express complex feelings when they don't yet have the words to describe them. Children are supported as they develop and practice practical coping skills and tools to manage their anxiety and depression.

Evidence-Based Teen Therapy

For adolescents, I introduce practical frameworks like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills. These tools help them identify negative thought loops, manage intense stressors, and practice real-time self-regulation. These techniques encourage teens to recognize and learn to manage anxiety and depression and, therefore, develop lifelong coping skills.

How We Partner With Parents

You are the most important person in your child’s life. While counselling gives your child a private, secure space to process their world, your involvement and support are encouraged. 

Anxiety, Sports Performance Anxiety and Depression are increasing among today's youth. It can show up almost out of nowhere- being overtired, losing a game, doing poorly on a test, disagreeing with a friend or simply just not acting like himself or herself.

I believe in working collaboratively with families to give you the tools, language, and insights you need to support your youth at home. Together, we can navigate your child's anxiety and/or depression, transforming family conflict into meaningful connection and building a home environment where your child feels deeply understood.

FAQs

1. What is child and teen counselling, and how can it help?

Child and teen counselling gives young people a safe, supportive space to talk about their feelings, learn coping skills and work through challenges at their own pace.  Lighted Harbour Counselling in Airdrie, AB, supports children, teens and their parents with things like anxiety, big emotions, school stress, friendship struggles and family changes. The goal is to help your child feel heard, understood, and more confident.

2. How do I know if my child or teen needs counselling?

Many parents notice changes first: more worry or irritability, trouble sleeping, withdrawing from friends, dropping grades, frequent stomachaches, sadness or big reactions to small things. You don't need a crisis to reach out. If something feels off, or your child is struggling to cope, an Airdrie child counsellor or teen counsellor can help you understand what's going on.

3. What ages do you work with?

 I offer counselling for children and teens aged [ages, e.g., 6 to 18] in Airdrie, Alberta. If you're unsure whether counselling suits your child's age or stage, contact me, and we'll talk it through.

4. What concerns do you help with?

I support children and teens with anxiety, low mood and depression, emotional regulation, school stress, friendship and social challenges, family transitions, and self-esteem.  I also support parents who want help with communication and with understanding what their child is going through. If you don't see your concern listed, please ask me, and if I'm not able to help, I'm happt to point you in the right direction with someone who can.

5. What happens in the first session?

The first session is relaxed and gathers more information.  I get to know your child and family, hear what's been going on and talk about goals. Younger children may use play, drawing or conversation, while teens often prefer to simply talk. There's no pressure to share everything on day one.  If the child is younger, meeting with the parents first is suggested.

6. Will you tell me what my child says in sessions?

Trust is important for young people to open up, so sessions are confidential, with limits required by law and professional standards, such as a risk of serious harm to the child or others.  I'll explain how confidentiality works at the start, and parents will be informed about progress in ways that respect your child's privacy.

There are, however, some exceptions to the counsellor’s duty of confidentiality, in particular:

(a) If it is my opinion that a child is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or in need of protection;

(b) If it is my opinion that you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm

(c) If I am called to speak in legal matters where keeping confidentiality would be in contravention of the law

7. Do you offer in-person child and teen counselling in Airdrie?

Yes. Sessions are held in person in Airdrie, AB at #3 Highland Park Green, Unit 3001, 2nd floor.

Do parents get involved in counselling?

Parents are an important part of the support. Depending on your child's age and needs, I may include you in some sessions, share strategies to use at home or offer separate parent support. I also work with teens who prefer more independence. We'll work together to find the best approach for your family.

9. How long will my child need counselling, and how often are sessions?

It depends on your child's needs and goals. Some families see progress in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer support. Sessions are commonly weekly or every two weeks, and I'll review progress with you regularly. I can't promise specific results, but I will keep you updated.

10. How much does it cost, and how do I book?

Session fees are $180, and we will provide receipts for insurance reimbursement. Many extended health plans cover counselling, so check your benefits. To book in-person child or teen counselling in Airdrie, contact us at  587-602-7930 or lightedhrbour@gmail.com.