Counselling for Children and Youth in Surrey
Supporting Kids and Teens with Emotional Health, Behaviour, and Belonging
Children and adolescents face complex challenges as they grow. From emotional overwhelm to school stress, family transitions, or sensory overload, young people often struggle to find the words and the support they need.
At Tidal Trauma Centre in Surrey, we offer in-person counselling for children and youth at our Cloverdale office, as well as online therapy across British Columbia. Our trauma-informed team creates safe, developmentally appropriate spaces where kids and teens can express themselves, learn tools for regulation, and feel seen.
Who We Work With
We support children (typically ages 5+) and adolescents navigating:
Emotional regulation difficulties
Anxiety, fears, or school refusal
Peer and social challenges
ADHD and executive functioning struggles
Grief and loss
Family transitions (e.g., divorce, relocation, blending families)
Trauma, attachment disruptions, and early adversity
Some young clients are verbal and expressive. Others may struggle to engage or open up. We adapt our approach to meet your child exactly where they are.
How Counselling Helps Kids and Teens
Child and youth therapy isn’t about “fixing” behaviour, it’s about understanding what’s underneath.
Our sessions focus on helping children and adolescents:
Identify and express emotions in safe, age-appropriate ways
Develop strategies for calming their bodies and minds
Build social and relational skills
Work through difficult events or memories
Strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and confidence
When young people feel safe, seen, and supported, positive change often follows.
What Sessions Look Like
Therapy for kids and teens doesn’t always look like talking.
Depending on the child’s age and developmental stage, sessions may include:
Play-based approaches
Art or creative expression
Sensory-based activities
Storytelling, drawing, or movement
Verbal processing and emotional reflection (for older youth)
We structure sessions to feel welcoming and respectful, allowing young clients to move at their own pace.
Parent Involvement
Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the process.
We often begin with a parent intake session to understand the broader context and co-create therapeutic goals. Throughout the counselling process, your child’s therapist may offer:
Regular check-ins or parent sessions
Communication strategies to support regulation at home
Insight into your child’s patterns, strengths, and stressors
Guidance around school or system navigation (where appropriate)
We work collaboratively to ensure the support your child receives in session translates into meaningful shifts in everyday life.
Our Approach
We draw from evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities tailored to children and teens, including:
Play Therapy and Expressive Arts
Attachment-Based Therapy
CBT and Narrative Therapy
Somatic and Regulation-Based Techniques
Family Systems Approach (when appropriate)
Each therapist brings their own blend of experience, creativity, and care. We work to build safety and connection first, knowing that trust is the foundation for all meaningful growth.
Our Clinic in Cloverdale, Surrey
We offer in-person counselling for kids and teens at our Cloverdale location in Surrey, BC. This setting provides a warm, welcoming space for young people to feel comfortable and supported.
We are easily accessible from Langley, South Surrey, Delta, White Rock, and Vancouver with free parking available.
Prefer online sessions? Explore Online Counselling Across BC.
Next Steps
Fill out a New Client Form and we’ll match your child or teen with a counsellor who understands the unique challenges of growing up and the support parents need along the way.
Book a free consult or appointment using our secure online platform, whenever you’re ready.
Not sure how to choose a therapist?
Client Guide to Consult Calls.
FAQs About Child and Youth Counselling
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You are a key part of your child’s healing process. While sessions are held individually with the child or teen, we often include caregivers in intake, feedback, and support sessions. We aim to balance child confidentiality with collaborative care.
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We typically see children starting around age 5, though this depends on developmental readiness. Teens and adolescents are also welcome. If you’re unsure whether your child is the right age, feel free to contact us.
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We recommend simple, encouraging language. For example: “This is a place just for you, where you can play, talk, and get help with big feelings.” We can also help you with wording that fits your child’s age and temperament.