CHILD/YOUTH & PLAY THERAPY
Play Therapists

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth and Family Therapy
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Working with Neuro-diverse children, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and Depression
LOCATION: Kelowna, BC
Amanda Morazain
Play Therapist
Languages: English
I love working with kids and offer them mental health support in a fun, friendly, and compassionate space. I use play therapy to help children express and process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while guiding them in building coping skills and emotional regulation.
Children are not always able to find the words to express challenges they are facing or how they are feeling. Play therapy creates a safe, stress-free place to learn new problem-solving skills, practice empathy, build self-esteem and respect for others, while building language and communication skills. It gives children the chance to share and speak with a trusted adult who can objectively help them figure out their day-to-day.
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I use an integrative, case-specific approach, finding what works best for you and your children. As a parent you know that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids and it is no different when it comes to therapy.
I have experience working with clients who are neurodivergent and recognize the unique differences that come with that. I have supported children and youth with ADHD, Autism, ODD, anxiety, depression, and OCD.
I am a part of the Crossroads Collective high conflict team where I support children and teens navigate tense family situations and dynamics, and also help parents be the best support that they can be for their children while they are going through challenging times.
I am also grateful that I can meld my two passions: psychology and music together to offer music-integrated therapy as part of play therapy. This can be particularly helpful for children to calm their autonomic nervous system, reduce anxiety, build self-confidence and competency through a creative outlet that brings happiness.
I am here to help find what works for you and your children and would love to be a part of your journey.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults and Family Therapy
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Special Needs Advocacy and Diagnosis, Anxiety, Depression, Career Counselling, Addictions, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal Issues, Grief
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Lisa Moore, ma
MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC
Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Certified Play Therapy Supervisor
Languages: English & French
It’s my goal to help people heal and grow through periods of transitions in their lives. Many of us experience loss, grief or unhappiness as we transition from one role to another in our daily lives.
It’s my honour to help counsel you during these difficult transitions and help you heal from any of these experiences:
- Dreams you don’t achieve
- Changes in career
- Diagnosis of a child with special needs
- A loved one entering long term care
- Divorce from a spouse
- Beginning of a new marriage
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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through BCACC. I am also licensed through CCPA and hold a CCC license. I completed my Masters of Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University and began working in my own private practice in 2016. Before going back to school to pursue my masters, I worked as a senior executive in sales and marketing. I believe that my unique education has allowed me to help people grow and develop and create change for themselves.
About 10 years ago, I became involved in helping a family with special needs children and it was through that journey that I came to the work I am most passionate about; helping parents of special needs families. Using play therapy, I am able to access children for ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Autism and other types of learning disabilities.
The following list below are my areas of specialization:
- Personal development
- Assertiveness / Boundaries
- Depression, anxiety & panic disorders
- Phobias
- Past or recent trauma or abuse
- Relationship and couples counselling
- Addictions
- Divorce, separation and blended families
- Eating disorders and addictions
- Life transitions
- Gender dysphoria, LGBTQ transitions & other issues
- Communication building
- Grief counselling
- Career planning
CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY
- Child play therapy
- Self esteem and confidence coaching
- Anxiety and depression
- Career exploration with youth
- Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
- Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD and ADD
- Assessments for Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder
PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:
- Access to assessments and diagnosis
- Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
- Referral to local psychologists for assessments and testing
- Referral to local behavioural consultants and creating a behavioural intervention team
- Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
- Access to 3rd party funding and Ministry of Children and Family case workers
- Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources
- Family planning at transitional ages: birth, school age and adult

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, Couples
SPECIALTIES: Depression, Anxiety, Self Esteem, Play Therapy, Behaviour Intervention, Supporting parents with autism/adhd/odd diagnoses
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Desiree Dsilva, m.ED
MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC
Clinical Counselor & Certified Play Therapist with a Specialization in Anxiety
For us to heal from the experiences and struggles we face, we must allow ourselves to process our thoughts and emotions. I work with clients in a gentle and non-judgemental manner. I offer short term and long term goals focused on counselling for children, youth and adults.
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I have experience helping clients cope with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and self-acceptance. We work together to set boundaries and build inner strength. I offer counselling for children with autism as well as support for parents and guardians. My approach is holistic, and I draw from cognitive behavioural, solutions focused, and strength based therapies.
I have a Master’s degree in counselling psychology, and I will be licenced as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) from the Canadian Psychotherapy Association in a few months.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults & Parents
SPECIALTIES: Child Play Therapy, Assessments for various Diagnoses, ADHD, Autism, ODD
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Nadine Viker
Certified Play Therapist & Behavioural Technician
As parents we sometimes feel at a loss as to how to help our child, particularly when they are experiencing difficulties in more than one area of their lives: at school, with friends, regulating emotions, academically, socially or behaviourally. My personal experience and my love for children has helped me to realize that many parents need support and I have a passion for helping children and parents navigate these challenges.
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My drive and my passion for helping children took me to Stenberg College where I worked on and completed my certification as an Education Assistant. I took my passion for working with children and started working in the school-based system where I enjoyed 5 plus years.
My time in the school-based system opened my eyes to the increasing behaviors in the classroom, but most of these children had no support as they were diagnosed with ADHD or other behavioural issues. I felt there was a need to understand and help these kids to understand themselves and to navigate the school setting that was so turbulent for them, so I designed a program based on accountability and awareness that has been extremely successful. I felt there was so much more to learn so I broadened my scope and took Expressive Play Therapy and Play Therapies at the Justice Institute Of BC.
I have also attended Sand Play Therapy at Trinity Western University. I have been working as a Behavioral Technician at Crossroads Collective and with my added training can also offer Play Therapy Counselling in addition to my skills as a behavioural specialist. I am excited to share my training, education and passion for helping children.
It is a pleasure for me to work with a child, inclusive and alongside the families, to give a comprehensive and overall panoptic treatment plan

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults & Parents
SPECIALTIES: Child Play Therapy, Assessments for various Diagnoses, ADHD, Autism, ODD
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Shannon Lawrence
Certified Play Therapist & Behavioural programmer
Are you stuck at a crossroad in your life, and you are not sure which road to take? Let me assist you in teaching you the skills you need to grow yourself and or your children. I can help your child deal with unexpected life struggles and behaviors. Or are you struggling with a recent separation/divorce? I can help! I have experience in Play Therapy, CBT, Grief Therapy, and run Grief Support Groups. I can be utilized as a Behavioural Consultant, Play Therapist, or Grief Therapist. My goal is to help you support your child or support you in your journey right now.
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As an empathic listener for my clients, I treat them with kindness and a non-judgemental approach. I believe that all people pose an internal drive towards positive change and growth. Let me assist you in reaching new goals for your child/youth and family. I have had experience working with a wide range of children and families, blended, or separated.
Some of the diagnoses that I have worked with are Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Behavior Issues, Stress, Autism, Grief. I have helped families in all these areas, plus more. I have a passion for teaching, playing, learning, and bringing out the best in all. Let me assist you on your journey or your child’s journey. We are in this together!

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Teens, Adults, Couples, Families
SPECIALTIES: Family Support, Relationships, Emotion Regulation, Trauma, Parenting, Developmental Trauma, Attachment, Life Transitions, Play Therapy, Depression, Anxiety, Neurodivergence
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Mary Tuhkala
PLAY THERAPIST
The best way to connect with a child is through play, which is exactly my approach as a Play Therapist! Children and youth in my counselling room can express their experiences, feelings, and emotions safely and in a non-judgmental space. My treatment plans work towards the development of self-awareness, confidence, and self-esteem. I use individualized plans and creative activities to help children manage their behaviours, develop social skills, and cope with symptoms of stress.
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I have many years of experience working with children and teens in various areas including:
– ADHD
– ASD
– OCD
– Anxiety
– Separated and divorced families
– High-conflict families
– Children who have experienced trauma
– Children with MCFD involvement
– Life transition struggles for youth
I also offer parent-coaching and family therapy, using an emotion-focused and solution-focused lens. I can help families in areas of enhancing family connections, creating cohesive family plans that work for everyone, and psychoeducation for positive behaviour support and effective parenting strategies. I look forward to meeting your child and creating an environment where they can truly thrive!

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children Youth, and Young Adults
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Special Needs, Anxiety, Depression, Personal Development, Boundaries
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Cassandra Hildebrand, M.A.
Clinical Counsellor (RCC, CCC) & Certified Play Therapist
Play is a crucial factor in healthy child development. Play therapy helps children work through difficult life issues and experiences. The best outcome to my intervention is looking for strengths in each individual child and using those to support their specific area of need. I will create a comfortable, safe environment that will allow your child to express their feelings and develop healthier behaviours; such as promoting healing, encouraging creativity, introducing new ways of thinking, learning problem solving and developing better social skills.
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Through collective collaboration I will support your child with practical techniques that can be implemented into daily life. My goal is to build a strong foundation for the now and future by incorporating play and having fun into our sessions. I love finding ways to disguise work as games to create a positive and enriching experience for your child. I can ensure you peace of mind knowing your child will enjoy their time with me and look forward to coming back.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology with Trinity Western University.
For the past ten years I have worked with children in a variety of settings including, home-based, swim instructing, and community-based programs. I was employed with Langley School District as both a Special Education Assistant and a Child and Youth Care Worker supporting students in elementary schools.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, youth, individuals, and couples
SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, depression, parenting, life transitions, fears, relationship issues, emotion regulation, self-esteem and neurodiversity.
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Chelsi Callard
Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Play Therapist
Languages: English
I have worked with children in different capacities for many years—both typical and neurodivergent.
Play is the language of children and is also essential for healthy brain development. Play therapy can be used to help children and families heal and thrive. Traditional talk therapy is not always effective in helping children express themselves and work through challenges. I believe that through art and play children can release inner tension, process emotions, and improve communication. Play can provide insight into a child’s hopes, wishes, and fears. It is the strong therapeutic alliance between the child and counsellor that facilitates this process. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, accepting, nurturing and empathic space for children to explore their thoughts and feelings through play.
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I also believe in the therapeutic capacity of our furry friends and often have a calm, non-judgmental co-therapist dog named “Sonar” join us in the counselling room.
I hold a master’s degree in counselling psychology and have completed additional training in expressive play therapy.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth and Adults
SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, Depression, Divorce/Separation, Life Transitions, Personal Development, Self-Esteem, Trauma
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Rubina Garcha
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Play Therapist
Life is filled with ups and downs and we all go through challenging times where we need some support. Sometimes life can take us by surprise and we can find ourselves struggling. My goal is to help others as they strive to overcome these challenges and improve their overall wellbeing. I value building a trusting relationship with my clients where they feel comfortable and free of judgement. I aim to create a space where all individuals feel safe and heard, and I work collaboratively with my clients to help them reach their goals. I want my clients to leave therapy feeling less overwhelmed, less stressed, and more hopeful and positive about themselves and their future. My therapeutic practice also focuses on building resilience and fostering self-compassion with clients. I hope that throughout our time together, clients can be reminded of their strengths and discover new ones that leave them feeling more empowered and confident.
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I have a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Additionally, I have earned Bachelor degrees in the Arts and in Education, as well as a Master’s in Education. Before counselling, I was a teacher for over 6 years in both elementary and secondary schools. I now work in private practice and as a high school counsellor throughout the school year. I love the fact that I have opportunities to work with children and adults! My various experiences have led me to work with diverse clients who have had many different needs. I have a passion for working with BIPOC clients and identify as a LGBTQ2S+ ally.
My therapeutic approach is an integrative model where I work from an evidence-based, holistic lens. Some of these include CBT, MBSR, and SFT. I work with a range of different areas such as:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Life transitions
- Depression
- Creating and communicating boundaries
- Divorce/ separation
- Grief
- Personal development

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Young Adults, New Moms, Families
SPECIALTIES: Play therapy, Art therapy, Special needs, Anxiety, Fear, Self-esteem, Behaviour
Intervention, School and academic related challenges, supporting parents with
Autism/ADHD/ADD/ODD diagnosis
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Mansi Parekh
PLAY THERAPIST
Languages: English, Hindi & Gujarati
Your story, your pain and your collection of struggles and memories are unique to you. My overall goal in therapy is to build a grounded relationship with my clients and facilitating them to. My approach is interactive, warm, and accepting; helping my client, which includes children, youth, young adult, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe. I follow eclectic approach to therapy as I believe there is no one size fits all approach to therapy. We will spend time understanding exactly what you are experiencing and why so that when you start making changes that improve your life, they will stick.
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I prefer in utilizing an integrative approach in which they blend different but complimentary theories to work with their client in the most effective way. This flexible approach enables the counselling experience to be tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where relationship can thrive.
I have earned my Bachelor’s in Developmental Counseling and Master’s in Psychology from India. Also have 6+ years of experience of working with children and young youth both in elementary and secondary schools as a counselor and as academia support teacher. I plan to educate myself again in Canada starting May 2022 with master’s in counselling psychology. I have experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties along with life challenges. I have worked alongside parents and teachers and other professionals. My main areas of focus are those who present with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. I also work with those who have experienced grief/loss, life transitions (school, work, moving), anger, bullying/discrimination and conflict resolution.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults
SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management, Life Transitions, Past or Recent Trauma, Boundary Setting, Stress Management
LOCATION: Langley, B.C.
Amrit Dulai
Play Therapist
Languages: English & Punjabi
Play therapy is critical for a child’s development, as it allows them to freely express themselves, process emotions, and develop essential social skills. By offering a safe, supportive, and nurturing space, I can work collaboratively with your child to explore their thoughts and feelings, helping them establish new perspectives. My goal is to help your child experience healing and growth by offering a secure environment, where they feel accepted, heard, and understood. By working together in a collaborative manner, I will help empower your child to cultivate healthy coping skills and establish positive relationships.
By actively engaging your child in the therapeutic process, encouraging their input and ideas, and providing guidance and support, I can help your child build resilience and navigate through challenges effectively. I will support your child in experiencing greater well-being by utilizing holistic modalities and evidence-based approaches, fostering their emotional, social, and cognitive development.
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I strive to create a fun and exciting environment for your child by incorporating games into our sessions. Games can engage your child’s imagination, promote social interaction and bring joy to the therapeutic process. It is a wonderful way to make therapy enjoyable and effective for young minds. Let’s help your child embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.
I am an associate counsellor, awaiting registration. I have recently obtained a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and I am currently in the process of receiving registration. I also have vast experience within areas of the mental health field.
I have helped individuals navigate and overcome the challenges of depression, anxiety, stress, anger, past or recent trauma, low self-esteem and life transitions. I offer goal-oriented counselling services to children, youth and adults.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Teens, Families
SPECIALTIES: Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy, Autism, ADHD, Supporting Parents, Emotional Regulation, Personal Development.
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Saloni Sagar
Play Therapist
Languages: English, Hindi and Gujarati
Art and play are the most powerful tools of expression for children. Through playful and creative process, children use their imagination to communicate their inner world. The therapeutic relationship helps them to integrate and process things that are difficult to talk about.
I offer a trauma-informed, collaborative, and child-centred approach that allows children to find their inner strength and to develop self-awareness, emotional language and the confidence to reach their goals. My primary therapeutic approaches are Expressive Arts Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy.
I am passionate about working with children and their families. Parents know their child best, so I strive to work closely with parents to create meaningful and collaborative goals.
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I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) through ACCT, a certified Expressive Arts Therapist and a Play Therapist.
I am originally from India and moved to Vancouver in 2017. This transition was a challenging time for me that brought valuable growth and insight that I share in my work. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a professional makeup artist for 10 years. During this time, my clients would share intimate stories about their life with me and I discovered my passion for listening and helping others express their feelings.
I found my great love for working with children through my college practicum which lead to working with families with special needs children. I’m currently seeing neurotypical as well as neurodivergent children.
The following list below are my areas of specialization:
- Autism and ADHD
- Depression and Anxiety
- School issues
- Self esteem and confidence building
- Past or recent trauma
- Grief and Loss
- Communication building
- Foster care / Adoption
- Creative expression
Facts about me:
- I love spending time in nature.
- I enjoy cooking simple healthy meals.
- In my free time, I like to journal and paint.

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults
SPECIALTIES: ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Self-discovery, Art Exploration, Imagination, Dreamwork, Gestalt Play Therapy, Jungian Play Therapy, Youth Advocacy, Social Justice
LOCATION: Langley, BC
Melissa Ko
Play Therapist
Ready to embark on an exciting adventure to healing and wellness?! Let’s discover the dragons, unicorns, wizards, mentors, and puppies of your child’s or teen’s inner world – whether than be an enchanted forest or Minecraft. I am a warm, compassionate, and playful individual who is passionate about accompanying children and youth on their journey, helping them navigate challenges along the way through imagination and creativity.
I wholeheartedly intend to hold a nonjudgmental, neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive space to fully listen to the unique stories every child holds, allowing them to gain a better understanding of who they are, including their needs, behaviours, and intentions. I also believe it is important to help youth gain awareness of the messages that could be helpful or harmful in the systems they belong in.
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I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship built on safety and trust is fundamental for healing and learning. I primarily work from a Gestalt and Jungian perspective, adding elements of art, play, and expressive techniques in session. I consider it an absolute honour to become part of your child’s healing journey.
I am a cis-female second-generation settler with my roots from Hong Kong. I fully embrace my identity as an ADHDer, diagnosed in my early 20s. I’m passionate about destigmatizing, normalizing, and celebrating neurodivergence, as well as helping people heal from their wounds. I aim to hold space for all human experiences, as I believe every perspective holds some wisdom.
Currently, I am completing my Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University in hopes to become a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the CCPA as well as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC. I also aim to be registered with the First Nations Health Authority. Previously, I completed my Bachelor of Kinesiology with the University of British Columbia.
Since my teenage years, I have consistently supported children, youth, and families with various identities across different helping capacities, including social services, education, recreation, and healthcare. Many of my current and former clients in the past five years have lived experiences with trauma and other mental health challenges or identify as ADHD or autistic. I am an ally with the Indigenous community, having the immense privilege of working closely with Indigenous school staff to pioneer an Indigenous-focused youth mentoring program in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and surrounding area. I am committed to reconciliation through counselling to heal the intergenerational wounds imposed by colonization.
My areas of specialization include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma (Complex, Developmental, Intergenerational, Cultural)
- Neurodivergent care
- Imagination & Creativity
- Art exploration
- Dreamwork
- Gestalt/Jungian Play Therapy
- Social Justice & Advocacy
- EMDR (in training)
- Autism
- Stress
- Identity formation
- Relationship Issues
- Life Transitions
- Self-exploration
- Boundary setting
- Young Adults
- Youth, Teens, Children

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, Couples, Group Therapy, Seniors
SPECIALTIES: Addictions, Career changes, Parenting, Men’s Issue, Anxiety and depression, Child and Youth
LOCATION: Kelowna, BC
Alex Mcivor
Intern Counsellor
Languages: English
Let’s start a relationship based on trust, healing, growth, and fulfillment. My role is to walk alongside you as we delve into your emotions. I want to provide you with tools, communication, emotional awareness, and fulfillment as we navigate your struggles, successes, and transitions so you live a fulfilling life that highlights your true self, thus emphasizing your extraordinary personality. Through our work together, I would be grateful to help you navigate your experiences using empathy and without judgment in these categories:
– Addictions
– Career changes
– Parenting
– Men’s issues
– Anxiety and depression
– Child and youth
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I am an intern counsellor with Crossroads Collective completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. As a student member of the CCPA, I exercise the highest level of ethical industry standards. Before becoming a counsellor, I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and worked in sales, marketing, procurement, operations, and management roles. I opened my first business in 2014 by working with children and youth from a myriad of backgrounds. My experience led me to understand socioeconomic divides and different personality traits and propelled me to explore a career in the helping field. Through these experiences, I realized my passion lies in helping people reach their full potential.
I believe the best if everyone. I operate from a person-centred, strength-based perspective. Also, I integrate CBT, mindfulness, narrative therapy, solution-focused and other methods to cater to your needs. I recognize that we all come from different paths and consider cultural factors and family systems.
The following list below are my areas of specialization:
Addiction
- Internet addiction
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Gambling
- Sexual addiction
- Substance use
- Video game addiction
- Chronic Relapse
Relationship Issues
- Sexuality (Bisexual, LGBTQ+, Lesbian, Gay)
- Marital and Premarital
- Anger Management
Other
- Coping skills
- Depression
- Men’s Issues
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Anxiety
- Career Guidance
- Chronic Impulsivity
- Sports Performance
- Stress
Child and Youth
- Self-esteem and confidence coaching
- Anxiety and depression
- Career exploration with youth
- Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents’ perspective
We are here to support you along your journey.
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