Child and Youth Counselling Services
Supporting Youth On Their Healing Journey
At Saffron Centre, we understand that children and youth who have experienced sexual violence require specialized care that meets them where they are emotionally. Our therapy programs are designed to support young people in a way that is compassionate, age-appropriate, and supports their healing journey. We help children and youth process their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and find hope as they navigate their healing journey.
Child and Youth Counselling
Counselling is provided by professionals who can offer specialized therapeutic support for this age group. These services are available for minors aged 4 to 17 and require the consent of all legal guardians of the child. In some situations, an older teen may request to be assessed as a mature minor, which allows them to consent to their own therapy.
Counselling sessions for children and youth can be accessed in-person, or virtually (video or phone) when appropriate. If you are a support person for a child who is accessing counselling (such as caregivers, parents, guardians) we can offer you counselling as well.
Foundations of Healing – Youth (ages 14-17) - Group Program
Stabilization, Coping Skills, and Psychoeducation
This program is offered when Saffron has enough participants, weekly for 8 weeks in a virtual format.
The group is designed to prepare you for the deeper work of processing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations triggered by experiences of sexual violence. Saffron’s Trauma Coaches help the group learn about the impact of trauma and how to use coping strategies to manage symptoms and gain an understanding of how the traumatic incident has impacted you.
Seeds of Healing – Children and Youth (ages 4-17)
Working through Traumatic Experiences
This program allows children and youth to work through the thoughts, emotions and physical sensations that may have resulted from their traumatic experiences. Therapists employ evidence-based approaches for working with this age range, including Play Therapy, Theraplay, Art Therapy, Sand Tray approaches, EMDR and Animal Assisted Therapy.
Working with a counselling intern or licensed therapist, clients can access up to 20 sessions to work on their counselling goals. Sessions do not expire. As children grow and develop, they may need to come back to continue processing their experiences. These sessions may be covered by health insurance plans and are available on a sliding fee scale.
TRAILS (Ages 4-11)
Assisting Children with Problematic Sexual Behaviour
Saffron launched the TRAILS program for children aged 4-11 who have exhibited one or more problematic sexual behaviours in the last 6 months. Caregiver involvement is an essential piece of this program. For more information on the TRAILS program, click here.
Play Therapy
Play therapy at Saffron Centre focuses on supporting clients who have experienced sexual violence, including sexual abuse, exploitation, or assault. Supporting the expression of feelings and experiences through a natural healing process, these sessions are provided one-on-one with a therapist in our play therapy room.
Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children and Youth
Animal-Assisted Therapy at Saffron Centre offers a unique and comforting approach to healing for children and youth. Working with our trained Facility Support Dog, Yukon, young clients can experience a sense of safety and relaxation. Through guided interactions with Yukon, children can develop trust, reduce anxiety, and find comfort as they navigate their healing journey. This therapeutic approach not only helps with grounding and soothing but also fosters a nurturing environment where children and youth can process their experiences in a gentle and supportive way.
FAQs for Child and Youth Counselling
Our services are available to children between the ages of 4 and 17 who have experienced sexual violence, as well as their caregivers. We offer age-appropriate programs for individuals ranging from early childhood through adolescence.
During the intake process, our experienced team will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your child’s needs and recommend the most appropriate therapy program.
Therapy at Saffron Centre is confidential. We take special care to protect the privacy of our young clients while also ensuring that caregivers are informed and involved in the healing process as appropriate. However, Saffron Centre has a duty to report any suspected abuse or neglect, negating any confidentiality.
Some of our therapy services may be covered by health insurance plans, and we also offer sliding scale fees to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to care.
While our Child and Youth Counselling program has a 20-session limit, the number of sessions varies depending on the individual needs of the child or adolescent. Some may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require longer-term support. The duration will be discussed and adjusted throughout the therapy process.
Questions?
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