Counselling for Children
Serving families in Saanich and across Greater Victoria, BC
Helping Children Feel Understood, Confident, and Secure
When your child is worried, overwhelmed, withdrawing or having frequent emotional outbursts, it can be hard to know what they need - or how to help.
We offer counselling for children ages 6 and up, helping them express their feelings, build coping skills and feel more confident navigating challenges at home, at school and with friends. Sessions may include conversation, creative activities and other approaches suited to your child’s age and interests.
We also work with parents and caregivers to help you understand your child’s needs and support them between sessions.
Not sure where to start? Our intake team can answer your questions and help you find a suitable counsellor.
Common Situations We Help With
Families often reach out when they notice their child is struggling with things such as:
Anxiety or frequent worries
Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating emotions
Changes in behaviour at home or school
Low confidence or self esteem
Friendship challenges or social stress
Adjusting to family changes or stressful life events
These challenges are common during childhood and often arise as children navigate school, friendships, family dynamics, and growing independence.
Counselling can help children develop the emotional skills and confidence they need to navigate these experiences.
How Counselling Helps Children
In sessions, we work with children in ways that feel natural and comfortable for their age. Depending on the child, this may involve conversation, creative expression, or activities that help them explore emotions and build skills.
Counselling can help children:
Understand and express their emotions
Develop confidence and self awareness
Learn healthy coping strategies
Improve communication with parents and family members
Navigate social and school challenges
Parents are also an important part of the process. We work collaboratively with families to ensure children feel supported both in counselling and at home.
Our Team Approach
At Harbour Family Counselling, families benefit from the experience of a collaborative team. While you work closely with one counsellor, our clinicians regularly consult with one another to share perspectives and insights.
This approach allows us to provide thoughtful, well-rounded support while ensuring families receive care that is compassionate, practical, and tailored to their situation.
Counsellors Who Support Children
Maria Butler
BA, B.Ed, MACP, RCC
Maria works with children 6+ to create a warm and supportive space where children can feel safe expressing themselves. She helps children understand their emotions, build confidence, and develop skills that support healthier relationships and communication within the family.
Talita Nell
B.Sc, MACP, RCC
Talita works with children 6+ to better understand emotional and behavioural patterns that may be causing stress in life. Her approach helps children develop confidence and emotional awareness while supporting parents in strengthening their relationship with their child.
Let’s Find the Right Support for Your Child
You don’t need to know exactly what your child needs before reaching out. A free intake call is a place to share your concerns, ask questions and explore the next step.
Fees & Availability
Individual sessions fees vary by counsellor - view our rates
Free 15-minute intake calls with our intake team
Counsellor consultation calls available by request
Receipts provided for extended health benefits - view our provider list
Currently accepting new clients
Contact our intake team for help finding a counsellor and getting started.
What to Expect
Starting counselling can feel uncertain, especially for children. We want children to see counselling as having another trusted adult to listen, understand, and guide them through life’s challenges.
1. Book a Free 15-Minute Intake Call
Talk with our intake team about what’s bringing your family to counselling. We’ll answer questions, help you find a suitable counsellor and explain the next steps. If you would like to meet a counsellor before booking, a consultation call can also be arranged.
2. Start with a Parent / Caregiver Intake Session
Your first appointment with the counsellor gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to share their child’s developmental history, strengths and reasons for seeking counselling. Your counsellor will arrange who participates. Separate conversations may be recommended depending on your family’s circumstances.
3. Build Comfort and Connection
Early sessions focus on helping your child feel comfortable and build trust with their counsellor. Parent involvement is planned according to your child’s age, developmental needs, comfort and therapeutic goals. Sessions may include caregiver support while settling in, individual time with your child, or planned parent–child work. Participation is discussed and arranged with the counsellor in advance.
Parent Involvement and Your Child’s Counselling Space
Parents and caregivers are important partners in a child’s care. We welcome relevant observations and offer parent check-ins to discuss ways to support your child between sessions.
Participation in the counselling room is guided by your child’s needs and planned with the counsellor. Your counsellor will discuss with you when joining a session would support your child and when individual time would be helpful.
When tension between parents or caregivers could affect a child’s comfort or freedom to express themselves, the counsellor may recommend individual sessions and separate parent check-ins. These arrangements take account of your child’s wellbeing, informed consent and any relevant legal agreements or court orders.
Your counsellor will explain how information is shared while respecting your child’s privacy and the limits of confidentiality. Questions about session arrangements can be discussed outside your child’s appointment, with support from our practice director when needed.