What is Child Counselling?

Child counselling is a specialized therapeutic practice designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of children aged 5 to 12. This form of therapy addresses various issues such as anxiety, behavioral challenges, and family dynamics, offering a safe space for young individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. Through age-appropriate techniques and interventions, child counselling helps children develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and foster resilience. The process involves a collaborative effort between the child, therapist, and often the family, aiming to promote healthy development and emotional growth. By understanding a child’s unique perspective, counselling can guide them towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Is Your Child Struggling with Anxiety or Behavioral Challenges?

When your child experiences anxiety or behavioral challenges, it can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and stressful for both them and the entire family. These issues may impact their ability to focus at school, enjoy activities, or maintain friendships, creating a ripple effect in their overall well-being.

Discover Pathways to Solutions

Our child counselling in Prince George program is led by Brittany Lank, BSc, MACP, CCC, and Shelly Kurtz, BA, BEd, MEd, RCC, who both specialize in child development and family-focused therapy. If you're searching for child counselling near me, our team is here to help guide your family toward improved dynamics and emotional well-being, with sessions available in-person and online.

Conveniently located in Prince George, BC, and proudly serving the surrounding areas of Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Quesnel, and other nearby communities. We're here to meet your needs wherever you are in the region.

Conditions We Work With In Child Therapy

Our child counsellors support kids working through:

- Anxiety and worry
- Behavioral challenges
- Emotional regulation
- Family communication and dynamics
- Life transitions (divorce, moves, grief)
- Social and peer challenges

How Child Counselling in Prince George Helps Your Child

child_care

Personalized Child Therapy

Tailored sessions to meet each child's unique needs and challenges.
family_restroom

Supportive Family Dynamics

Guidance to improve family communication and strengthen bonds.
psychology

Experienced Pediatric Counselors

Qualified therapists skilled in child development and mental health.

Our Process For Child Therapy

1. Get in Touch Call or book online to tell us a bit about your child and what's going on. We'll help match your family with the right counsellor.

2. Meet Your Counsellor Your child's first session is about building comfort, not diving straight into hard topics. Brittany or Shelly will use age-appropriate conversation and activities to get to know your child.

3. Build a Plan Together After the first couple of sessions, your counsellor will talk with you about what they're noticing and what ongoing support could look like for your child and family.

4. Ongoing Sessions & Check-ins Sessions continue at a pace that fits your child, with regular check-ins with you as a parent along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our child counselling program supports kids aged 5 to 12. If your child is a bit older, our youth counselling program is designed for ages 13-18.

Common signs include ongoing worry or fear, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble focusing at school, frequent meltdowns, withdrawal from friends or activities, or a big life change (a move, divorce, or loss) that's affecting your child's mood or behaviour. If you're noticing any of these, a conversation with one of our counsellors is a good first step.

The first session is always with you (the caregivers) first.  Our counsellors will listen to what concerns you, what makes your child unique and build a framework for ongoing communication and check in's.  The first session with your child is about building comfort and trust. Your child's counsellor will use age-appropriate activities, conversation, and play-based techniques to understand what's going on: There's no pressure for your child to "open up" right away.

Unfortunately, yes.  Our waitlist is approximately 3-6 months and we are actively recruiting and hiring for additional child counsellors to meet this need and shrink our waitlist.

Both. Our child counsellors see kids in person at our Prince George office, and offer virtual sessions for families anywhere in BC, including Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, and Quesnel.

Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor, we recommend checking your plan for RCC coverage. We also offer a low-cost counselling tier through our pre-licensed counsellors for families without coverage.

Meet Our Child Counsellors

Click an image to learn more.

Shelly Kurtz BA, BEd, MEd, RCC #24926

  • Supports Children & Youth (In-Person)
  • She/Her/Hers

Brittany Lank BSc, MACP, CCC #11249706

  • Supports Children, Youth and Adults (In Person)
  • She/Her/Hers

Arnica Counselling Inc.

4170 15th Avenue,
Prince George, BC
V2M 1V8

250-562-1800

info@arnicacounselling.com

View Staff & Treatments

Book Your Child Counselling Appointment in Prince George

Take the first step towards supporting your child's well-being.
Schedule a call today for a brighter tomorrow.
BOOK NOW