From the push and pull of high school to the leap into post-secondary life, the years between 12 and 22 are packed with transition, identity formation, and growing expectations.
Whether your teen is struggling to find their footing or your young adult is navigating new independence, our registered clinical counsellors are here to help, meeting each person where they are, and working with the full range of how brains and personalities show up in the world.
For young adults, this can also include navigating independence, life direction, and the pressures of what comes next.
We understand that no two young people are the same. Some thrive with structure; others need flexibility. Some are navigating neurological differences like ADHD, autism, or anxiety that have shaped how they experience the world. Our therapists tailor every session to the individual, including their communication style, their strengths, and their goals.
Counselling For Teenagers Aged 12-17
The teenage years are a transformative period — and emotional and social pressures can leave your teen feeling confused, stressed, lonely, or lost. Our therapists provide a warm, supportive space for adolescents to talk through what's going on in their world, express their thoughts and feelings, and learn new ways to handle setbacks and challenges.
Many teens prefer to talk, so sessions are conversation-forward. We also weave in art therapy, doodling, board games, or movement around the clinic — whatever helps your teen feel most at ease and ready to open up.
Teen Counselling Helps With:
-
Anxiety, worry, and stress
-
Depression and low mood
-
Impulsive, defiant, or explosive behaviour
-
School refusal
-
Bullying (experiencing or perpetrating)
-
Social difficulties and peer relationship challenges
-
ADHD, ADD, and other neurodevelopmental differences
-
Self-esteem and identity issues
-
Self-harm and suicidality
-
Gender identity and sexual orientation
-
Separation and divorce
-
Transitions (starting high school, moving, changes in living arrangements, etc.)
-
Traumatic events (grief, loss, domestic violence, sexual abuse, etc.)
How We Work With Teens
Every teen is unique, which is why we tailor our counselling sessions to meet their specific needs. However, in general we propose the following:
Optional intake with parents/caregivers: Before meeting your teen, we can schedule time to discuss concerns, observations, goals for therapy, and strategies to try at home.
Working with your teen: Weekly or bi-weekly 50-minute sessions are recommended. Regular sessions build trust and allow your teen to practice new skills, perspectives, and ways of coping.
Optional caregiver debrief: Teens have a right to confidentiality, and we respect that. We also know parents want to support their child's progress. We work systemically and encourage teens to allow us to keep caregivers updated — with their input — along the way.
Counselling For Young Adults Aged 18-22
If you're between 18 and 22, you're likely juggling education, career decisions, finances, new relationships, and the ongoing work of figuring out who you are. Life only gets more interesting from here — and our therapists are here to help you navigate it with more confidence and clarity.
We bring professionalism and warmth to every session. Whether you've recently received a diagnosis that finally explains some of your experiences (like ADHD or autism), or you're simply feeling overwhelmed by all the change, our team specializes in tailored approaches that meet you where you're at and help you move forward.
We’re here to support you through this stage of life with:
-
Feeling overwhelmed by stress, pressure, or major life transitions
-
Struggling with anxiety, worry, or constant overthinking
-
Experiencing low mood, burnout, or loss of motivation
-
Navigating identity, confidence, and self-esteem challenges
-
Facing relationship difficulties, breakups, or friendship struggles
-
Managing ADHD-related challenges with focus and follow-through
-
Feeling unsure about school, career direction, or what comes next
-
Difficulty regulating emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration
-
Working through past experiences that still impact daily life
-
Struggling with independence, routines, or adult responsibilities
What To Expect After Counselling
Whether working with a teen or a young adult, the goal is the same: to build real, lasting skills for navigating life with more ease and confidence. Over time, you or your teen may:
-
Regulate emotions and behaviour more effectively
-
Feel a greater sense of control and motivation
-
Build stronger, healthier relationships
-
Develop self-confidence and a clearer sense of identity
-
Express difficult feelings in safer ways
-
Reduce anxiety and build resilience
-
Practice new social and communication skills
-
Set and maintain healthy boundaries
-
Process trauma and grief
-
Problem-solve and adapt to change
-
Self-advocate and expand their coping toolkit
(Teen Client) We are immensely grateful for the incredible support provided during a challenging time with our teenage son. (Strong Ties Counselling) is superskilled, empathetic and the approach made all the difference... we can't recommend enough.
(Young Adult) Strong Ties Counselling is amazing, understanding, compassionate, and puts clients at ease. Wonderful and so easy to talk to. Thank you!