For
Youth
School stress? Challenging family, friend and romantic relationships? Self-harm struggles? Thoughts of suicide? Social anxiety? Drug and alcohol problems? Issues with anger?
Common Barriers to Counselling
There are many, many reasons that youth decide to try counselling out for themselves. Likely if you've found yourself on this page, you're looking for help. For yourself, for a friend, for a family member. We are here to help you through whatever situation you want to throw at us, every step of the way; free of judgement, always. Sometimes it can also feel like no one else in the world has experienced anything close to what you're going through. Please trust that nothing you say will shock us or make us think less of or differently of you. Chances are we've heard something similar before and throughout the whole process, we're there to help you move forward in the best way that you can and to help you be as successful as possible.
‘My parents are forcing me to go!’
Well we’re not a fan of that either! We believe in the autonomy of each individual and hope that even if you’re being encouraged or strongly encouraged to come – that at least a little bit of you is wanting to be here and is open to it. Give your first session a try and see if your Counsellor and our space could be a good fit for you. If it’s not, we are more than happy to connect you to somewhere or even another one of our in-house counsellors until you’re able to find someone that you best connect with.
‘You're going to tell my parents what I say!’
Absolutely, most definitely not! Promise. If you are 12 years old or older, you will be able to sign a consent form yourself for counselling and whatever you say within your counselling session will be kept private from everyone (with the exception of certain and specific circumstances - please click here to learn more). It does take a little bit of time to develop a trusting relationship with your counsellor, but please know that what you say is private and kept between us.
‘It's too scary to go on my own!’
Totally understandable. New things and hard things are tough for all of us. If you’d feel more comfortable bringing someone with you to your first appointment, we are all for it. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone else help break the ice or share some information with your counsellor.
'I don't want my Counsellor to tell me what to do!'
Agreed – we don’t want to do it either and we absolutely won’t. We are not here to be an extension of other adults in your world, who may enjoy imparting their wisdom on you. This is your space, your time and your life. We are here to follow your lead and help you through whatever you feel an issue or support piece is for yourself.
Still here? Still reading? Awesome! Because Ignite Counselling just happens to have some of the best and brightest youth counsellors around. Please feel free to give our office a call and start the awesome process for yourself
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Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge we live, work, and adventure within the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
