Home Counselling & Supports for Children & Youth Child & Youth Counselling (0-18) Children's Clinical Counselling Service
Children's Clinical Counselling Service
REACH Child Counselling Services Program provides counselling support and services to children and youth, up to 18 years of age. Counselling may be of assistance when emotions, behaviours or relationships with others are creating life challenges. People who attend counselling often want some part of their life to be different. Sometimes people have a clear idea about what needs to be different, to feel happier or to cope better. Other times people only know they don't want things to be like they are now. Both are places to start to work toward positive change.

The Child Counselling Services Program provides counselling or "therapy" to children, youth and their families. Counselling is also called "therapy". A therapist is a special kind of listener, different from a friend or family member. Therapists are experienced in assisting people to talk (or play) about their life situations. Together you and the therapist make decisions about which service is the best for your needs. It may take the form of:
  • Play Therapy (when a child is more able to play than to talk about his/her life situation)
  • Individual Counselling (one person attending on his/her own)
  • Family Sessions (more than one person from the same family attending together).
In play, individual or family therapy, the situation and needs of each individual or family are different. Change is brought about both by the work done in sessions, and by the "practice" which occurs outside of the sessions.

Who is eligible?
The Child Counselling Services Program provides support and services to children and youth up to 18 years of age. A counselling referral may be started by the child/youth, a parent, another family member, a teacher, or other person in the community who cares about you. Counselling is a voluntary service.

For children under the age of twelve, we need the agreement of a parent/guardian. Youth, 12 and older may ask for counselling without a parent being involved. For youth, 16 and older, a counselling referral is made only with their participation. It is important that your therapist be able to hear your personal point of view. For therapists to be most helpful they need to understand what brought you to therapy, how you think the therapist can be helpful, and what you hope will be different when you no longer need to come.

Is there a cost for this program?
There is no cost for this program.

How can I find out more or access these services?
For more information about the Child Counselling Services Program or to make a referral, call REACH and ask for Contact.