Child & Youth Counselling in Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows & Online

Support for children and teens ages 5–19

Growing up involves a lot of change. Children and teens are learning how to understand their emotions, manage relationships, handle expectations, and develop confidence in themselves. Sometimes those challenges become difficult to manage alone. A child might become increasingly anxious about school, struggle with intense emotions, withdraw from friends, or have difficulty adjusting to changes at home. A teenager might seem overwhelmed, irritable, unmotivated, or less interested in things they once enjoyed. At Kayda Health, our Registered Clinical Counsellors work with children, teens, and families to better understand what's happening and develop practical ways to manage challenges.

In-person counselling is available in Coquitlam and Pitt Meadows, with virtual appointments available across BC. Services, ages and locations vary by clinician.

[Meet Our Child & Youth Therapists]

When Might a Child or Teen Benefit from Counselling?

Parents and caregivers often wonder whether what they're seeing is part of typical development or something that needs additional support.

There's no single answer. Some difficulties resolve with time and support at home, while others persist or begin interfering with a young person's daily life.

Counselling may be helpful when your child or teen is experiencing:

Anxiety and excessive worry: Frequent reassurance-seeking, fears, avoidance, separation difficulties, panic, or worrying about school, friendships, or the future.
Big emotions and emotional regulation difficulties: Intense frustration, frequent outbursts, difficulty calming down, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
School-related stress: Academic pressure, perfectionism, difficulty attending school, social concerns, or distress related to learning and expectations.
Friendship and relationship challenges: Peer conflict, bullying, loneliness, social anxiety, or difficulty navigating changing friendships.
Low self-esteem and confidence: Harsh self-criticism, comparing themselves with others, fear of making mistakes, or difficulty recognizing personal strengths.
Family changes and transitions: Separation or divorce, moving, blended families, grief, illness, or other changes affecting a young person's sense of stability.
Low mood or withdrawal: Sadness, irritability, reduced motivation, or losing interest in activities and relationships.

Some children show distress through their behaviour. Others become quieter, work harder to meet expectations, or try to hide how much they're struggling.

Our counsellors take time to understand each young person's experiences, developmental stage, family relationships, and individual strengths.

Counselling for Children Ages 5–13

Helping children express feelings, build confidence, and develop emotional skills.

Younger children don't always have the vocabulary or self-awareness to explain what they're feeling. Anxiety might show up as stomach aches, difficulty separating from parents, irritability, or avoiding certain situations. Sadness or frustration may appear through behaviour rather than words. Counselling for younger children often incorporates play, drawing, storytelling, games, and other creative activities. These provide developmentally appropriate ways to communicate, explore feelings, and practise new skills.

Depending on the child, counselling may focus on:

Recognizing and naming emotions
Understanding anxiety and worry
Developing ways to manage overwhelming feelings
Building confidence and problem-solving skills
Navigating friendships and social situations
Adjusting to family or school changes
Strengthening communication with caregivers

Our clinicians working with children ages 5–13:

Ashley Gossen, RCC - In-person counselling in Pitt Meadows on Saturdays and virtual counselling across BC.
Nafiseh Ghodoosi, RCC - In-person counselling in Coquitlam and virtual counselling across BC.

The specific approach is adapted to the child's age, developmental needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.

Counselling for Teens Ages 13–19

A place to talk, reflect, and develop their own ways forward.

Adolescence comes with increasing independence, changing relationships, new responsibilities, and questions about identity and belonging.

Teenagers may be managing academic pressure, social expectations, anxiety, low mood, family conflict, or uncertainty about their future.

Some teens readily talk about what's happening. Others find it difficult to open up, particularly when they worry about disappointing their parents or being misunderstood.

Counselling offers a private, supportive setting to explore concerns with someone outside their immediate family.

Therapy may help teens:

Understand anxiety, stress, and emotional reactions
Develop strategies for managing difficult emotions
Address self-criticism and perfectionism
Navigate friendships, dating, and relationship challenges
Explore identity, values, and personal boundaries
Manage academic and social pressure
Improve communication and problem-solving
Navigate family changes and the transition toward adulthood

Our counsellors work collaboratively with teens, respecting their developing independence and involving caregivers when appropriate.

Our clinicians working with teens ages 13–19:

Ashley Gossen, RCC (Pitt Meadows/ Virtual)
Nafiseh Ghodoosi, RCC (Coquitlam/ Virtual)
Vanessa Thomson, RCC (Virtual)
Crina Popa, RCC (Coquitlam/ Virtual)
Krupa Samji, RCC (Coquitlam/ Virtual)

[Meet Our Teen Counsellors]

What Does Child & Youth Counselling Look Like?

Every young person is different, so counselling is adapted to their needs rather than following one fixed process.

For younger children

Sessions may involve play, drawing, creative activities, conversation, and opportunities to practise emotional and coping skills.

A therapist might use a game to explore frustration, drawing to help a child identify emotions, or stories to discuss worries and relationships.

These activities can make difficult topics more accessible and help children engage in therapy at a developmentally appropriate level.

For teenagers

Counselling is often more conversational, although creative or structured activities may also be used.

Sessions may involve understanding patterns of thinking and behaviour, exploring emotions, practising coping strategies, working through relationship concerns, and identifying personally meaningful goals.

Working with parents and caregivers

Parent or caregiver involvement varies depending on the young person's age, developmental needs, preferences, and circumstances. With younger children, therapists may work closely with caregivers to understand concerns and help reinforce useful skills at home. With teens, the balance often shifts toward greater privacy and independence, while still recognizing the importance of family support. Your clinician will discuss how caregiver involvement, communication, consent, and confidentiality will work for your family.

Our Child & Youth Counsellors

Choosing a therapist involves more than finding someone who works with a particular concern. Age, personality, communication style, therapeutic approach, and appointment format can all influence whether a young person feels comfortable. Our team offers different areas of experience and approaches to counselling.

For children ages 5–13

Ashley Gossen, RCC - Pitt Meadows (Saturdays) | Virtual across BC

Nafiseh Ghodoosi, RCC - Coquitlam | Virtual across BC

For teens ages 13–19

Ashley Gossen, RCC - Pitt Meadows (Saturdays) | Virtual across BC

Nafiseh Ghodoosi, RCC - Coquitlam | Virtual across BC

Vanessa Thomson, RCC - Virtual across BC

Crina Popa, RCC - Coquitlam | Virtual across BC

Krupa Samji, RCC - Coquitlam | Virtual across BC

[View Therapist Profiles and Book a Consultation]

Age 13 falls within both groups, so families can consider all five clinicians.

Child & Youth Counselling in Pitt Meadows

Saturday appointments with Ashley Gossen, RCC

Kayda Health offers in-person child and youth counselling in Pitt Meadows with Ashley Gossen, RCC. Ashley works with children and teens ages 5–19 experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, school-related stress, and life transitions.

Location:
203-12165 Harris Road
Pitt Meadows, BC

(In Solace Wellness Collective)

Appointments: Saturdays, by appointment.

This location offers an additional in-person option for families in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and nearby communities. Ashley also provides virtual counselling across BC, including counselling for adults. Her in-person Pitt Meadows appointments are specifically for children and youth.

[Meet Ashley Gossen]

Child & Youth Counselling in Coquitlam

Kayda Health offers in-person counselling for children and teens at our Coquitlam office.

For children ages 5–13:

Nafiseh Ghodoosi, RCC

For teens ages 13–19:

Nafiseh Ghodoosi, RCC · Crina Popa, RCC · Krupa Samji, RCC

Each clinician brings different areas of experience and approaches to counselling. Visit their individual profiles to learn more and book a consultation.

Virtual Counselling for Children & Teens Across BC

Virtual counselling can be a convenient option for families managing school schedules, transportation challenges, or limited access to local services. For teenagers who are comfortable communicating online, virtual therapy can offer a private and familiar way to access support.

For younger children, suitability depends on their developmental needs, ability to participate, available caregiver support, and the nature of the concerns being addressed. Your counsellor can help determine whether virtual sessions are appropriate or whether in-person appointments would be a better fit.

[Explore Virtual Counselling]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a diagnosis to attend counselling?

No. Children and teens can attend counselling for emotional, behavioural, social, or adjustment difficulties without having a formal mental health diagnosis.

Will I be involved in my child's counselling?

Often, yes, particularly with younger children. The level of involvement depends on your child's age, needs, preferences, and circumstances. Your therapist will explain how you can participate in and support the process.

Will the therapist tell me what my teenager discusses?

Counselling involves confidentiality, including for young people who are capable of consenting to their own care. Your therapist will explain the applicable privacy and consent requirements, what information may be shared, and the circumstances where disclosure may be required for safety or by law. There may still be opportunities for caregivers to participate in collaborative discussions while respecting the young person's privacy.

What if my child doesn't want to attend therapy?

It's common for children and teens to feel uncertain about counselling, especially if they're unsure what to expect.

It can help to explain that counselling is a place to talk, play, explore feelings, or work through challenges without pressure to have all the answers. Your clinician can discuss readiness, consent, and ways to approach the first appointment.

How many counselling sessions will my child need?

It depends on the concerns, goals, and how your child responds to treatment. Some young people benefit from short-term support around a particular issue, while others benefit from longer-term counselling. Your therapist will review goals and progress with you or your teen as appropriate.

Is online counselling suitable for younger children?

Sometimes. Virtual counselling can work well for some children, but others benefit from in-person interaction and play-based activities. Suitability should be discussed with the clinician before booking.

Can parents book an appointment without their child attending?

A parent or caregiver may wish to begin by discussing their concerns and the available options. Whether a parent-only appointment is appropriate, and how consent should be handled, depends on the circumstances and the clinician's services.

Can we use extended health benefits?

Many extended health plans cover services provided by Registered Clinical Counsellors, but coverage varies by policy. Check your plan for eligibility, annual limits, and any age-related or dependent coverage requirements. Visit our [Fees & Direct Billing] page for more information.

Find the Right Counsellor for Your Child or Teen

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, having difficulty managing emotions, or navigating changes at school or home, finding a counsellor who is a good fit can make it easier to get started. Explore our clinicians' profiles to learn about their experience, approaches, locations, and appointment options. Book a consultation directly with the clinician you're interested in.

[Meet Our Child & Youth Counsellors]

Kayda Health | In-person counselling in Coquitlam and Pitt Meadows | Virtual counselling across British Columbia