Watching your child struggle can leave you unsure about what to do next. Changes in mood, behaviour, school performance, friendships, or family relationships can sometimes be part of growing up. At other times, they may show that a young person could benefit from additional support. Child and teen counselling provides a safe, age-appropriate space where children and teenagers can talk about concerns, understand their emotions, and develop practical ways to cope.

Signs Your Child or Teen May Need Counselling

Not every difficult day means a child needs counselling. Parents can look at how long a change has lasted, how often it happens, and whether it is affecting everyday life.

Ongoing Changes in Mood or Behaviour

A child or teenager who becomes unusually withdrawn, irritable, tearful, fearful, or angry may be experiencing emotional difficulties. If these changes continue or begin affecting relationships, school, or home life, professional support may be worth considering.

Losing Interest in Activities

Children and teens naturally change their interests as they grow. However, consistently avoiding friends, school, hobbies, sports, or activities they previously enjoyed can be a reason to pay closer attention.

Changes in Sleep or Eating

Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits can sometimes occur alongside emotional stress. These changes are particularly worth discussing when they continue or interfere with school, relationships, or normal routines.

Difficulty Managing Strong Emotions

Young people are still developing emotional regulation skills. Frequent outbursts, persistent worry, sadness, frustration, or difficulty calming down may indicate that a child or teen could use additional support.

Stress From School, Friends, or Family

Academic pressure, bullying, peer relationships, social media, family conflict, separation, divorce, or other major changes can place emotional pressure on young people. The Public Health Agency of Canada identifies supportive relationships, school connectedness, healthy relationships, and social and emotional skills as important factors in youth mental health and well-being.

How Child and Teen Counselling Can Help

Child and teen counselling can give young people an opportunity to discuss concerns in a setting that is separate from everyday family and school environments.

The approach can vary depending on the child’s age, personality, concerns, and comfort level. Younger children may communicate through conversation, play, drawing, or other age-appropriate activities. Teenagers may prefer a more conversational approach where they can discuss school, friendships, family relationships, self-esteem, stress, identity, or other personal concerns.

Margaret Russ provides support for children and teens dealing with concerns including self-esteem, peer relationships, academic stress, bullying, social media pressures, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

How to Talk to Your Child About Counselling

Parents may worry that mentioning counselling will make their child feel that something is wrong with them. The way you introduce the idea can make a difference.

Try presenting counselling as support rather than punishment. You might say, “I have noticed that things have been difficult lately, and I would like you to have someone you can talk to.”

With teenagers, allow them to ask questions and share their concerns. Giving them some involvement in the process can make counselling feel less intimidating.

What Happens During the First Session?

The first step can vary depending on the child’s age and circumstances. Margaret Russ generally begins teen counselling with a parent consultation and then determines the next step based on the young person’s age, maturity, and family agreement.

A first conversation may focus on understanding what has been happening, what the young person is experiencing, and what type of support may be appropriate.

Parents can also discuss practical questions about counselling before sessions begin.

When Should You Seek Support?

You do not have to wait until a situation becomes overwhelming before looking for help. If changes in mood, behaviour, relationships, school life, or daily routines are persistent or difficult for your family to manage, a conversation with a qualified professional can help you understand what support may be appropriate.

For families in Etobicoke and across Ontario, child and teen counselling can provide a supportive environment for young people working through emotional, social, family, and school-related concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that a child may need counselling?

Persistent mood changes, withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, strong emotional reactions, changes in sleep or eating, and difficulty coping with school, family, or social pressures may be reasons to consider professional support.

How do I know if my teenager needs counselling?

Look for changes that persist or interfere with everyday life, such as withdrawal from friends, ongoing emotional distress, school difficulties, or problems coping with significant changes.

How should I explain counselling to my child?

Explain that counselling is a place where they can talk with someone who listens and provides support. Avoid presenting it as punishment or as proof that something is wrong with them.

Can teens attend counselling without their parents?

Margaret Russ generally begins teen counselling with a parent consultation and considers the young person’s age, maturity, and family agreement when determining the appropriate approach.

If you are concerned about your child or teenager, you do not have to work through the situation alone. Contact Margaret Russ to discuss whether counselling may be appropriate for your family.

Suggested authoritative resource: Government of Canada: Mental health support and resources