Treatment Approaches

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Transform Your Life with Growing Minds Counseling Wellness

At Growing Minds Counseling & Wellness in Orleans, we provide personalized child and teen therapy using evidence-based approaches such as DBT, CBT, ERP, ACT, and Attachment-Focused Therapy. 

We also use mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing to help your child manage big feelings, improve focus, and develop the confidence to make healthy choices. For younger children, our play therapy approach offers a safe, creative way to express and process feelings. By combining these methods, we deliver holistic, supportive care tailored to each child’s unique needs and goals.

ACT focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them. It encourages people to commit to actions that align with their values, using mindfulness and behavioral changes to improve psychological flexibility.

This therapy uses creative expression through art to help individuals explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It's especially useful for those who find it difficult to articulate their feelings verbally.

This approach centers on understanding and addressing issues stemming from early attachment relationships, often between children and their caregivers. It aims to improve relational patterns and emotional well-being by resolving attachment-related difficulties.

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and works to improve mental health by altering dysfunctional thinking.

DBT incorporates mindfulness and focuses on helping individuals with emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and acceptance. It's particularly effective for borderline personality disorder and other mood disorders.

 In ERP therapy with kids, the child is gently exposed to thoughts, situations, or objects that trigger anxiety without allowing them to engage in their usual compulsive behaviors. Over time, this helps the child learn that their anxiety will decrease on its own and that they don’t need to rely on rituals or avoidance to feel safe. 

IFS is based on the idea that the mind is made up of distinct sub-personalities or "parts." Therapy involves exploring and harmonizing these internal parts to foster greater self-awareness and emotional healing, often focusing on the role of the "Self" in mediating conflicts among these parts.

This modality incorporates mindfulness practices into therapy, helping individuals increase awareness of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. Techniques often include meditation, breathing exercises, and other mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

SFBT is a goal-directed, future-focused therapy that emphasizes finding solutions and resources rather than dwelling on problems. It focuses on identifying and building on existing strengths and successes to achieve desired outcomes.

This therapy integrates the mind and body, focusing on how physical sensations and body experiences relate to emotional issues. It involves techniques such as body awareness, movement, and breathwork to address trauma and enhance overall well-being.

Benefits of Virtual Therapy and Online Counseling

Accessibility

Virtual therapy eliminates geographical barriers, allowing youth across Ontario to access quality mental health services regardless of their location.

Convenience

Sessions can be scheduled to fit around school, extracurricular activities, and other commitments, making it easier for youth to attend regularly.

Comfort

Being in a familiar and comfortable environment, such as their own home, can help young people feel more at ease and open during sessions.

Anonymity

Virtual therapy can provide a sense of anonymity and privacy that may encourage youth to speak more freely about sensitive issues.

Reduced Stigma

Online therapy can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, making it a more approachable option for some young people.

Flexibility

Technology allows for various forms of communication, including video calls, chat, and email, which can be tailored to the preferences and needs of the youth.

Parental Involvement

Virtual therapy can facilitate easier involvement of parents or guardians in the therapeutic process, allowing them to be present or involved without needing to travel.

Continuity of Care

Virtual therapy ensures that ongoing support is available even during disruptions, such as school closures or travel, maintaining consistency in care.

Increased Engagement

For tech-savvy youth, digital platforms may enhance engagement and interaction with therapy tools and resources.

READY TO START CHILD THERAPY OR TEEN COUNSELING?

Mental health counseling appointments are available on weekdays, evenings and weekends.