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Children & Youth Therapy

Supporting the Next Generation with Compassion and Play

From early childhood through the teen years, we provide a safe space for young people to express themselves and for families to find connection again. Whether navigating neurodivergence, emotional shifts, or behavioral needs, we are here to help.

No wait list!
(905) 980-0632

Supporting Emotional Growth at Every Stage

At Nova Phoenix Counselling, we believe that children and youth deserve compassionate, accessible mental health support tailored to their unique stages of development. As a multi-location psychotherapy practice serving communities across Ontario, we provide children and youth counselling in a safe, inclusive environment where young people can feel heard, understood, and supported. With in-person, virtual, and walking children and youth therapy options, families can access care in ways that fit naturally into their lives, whether they are based in Niagara Falls or the surrounding areas.

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How We Help

Creative Expression

Using play, art, sand, and clay to help children communicate feelings they may not have words for yet.

Teen Support

Providing a non-judgmental space for teens to navigate identity, mood shifts, and intense emotional pain safely.

Whole-Family Care

Supporting neurodivergent children as well as their siblings and parents to create a thriving home environment.
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Creating Safe Spaces for Children

Children experience the world differently from adults, and emotional challenges can often show up through behavior, school difficulties, or physical symptoms. Our children’s counselling and therapy services are designed to help kids process emotions, build coping skills, and develop healthy ways to express themselves. Our clinicians use evidence-based, age-appropriate approaches to support concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation, family transitions, and social challenges, while working closely with caregivers to create consistency and trust.

Empowering Youth Through Guidance

Adolescence brings rapid change, increased pressure, and new responsibilities. Our youth counselling and therapy services focus on helping teens navigate anxiety, stress, identity exploration, peer relationships, and life transitions with confidence. By offering a non-judgmental space, our therapists help youth build resilience, strengthen communication skills, and develop tools that support long-term emotional well-being, both at home and at school.

Therapist providing children and youth counselling in a calm, welcoming space.

Offering Flexible and Accessible Care across Ontario

Nova Phoenix Counselling is known for removing common barriers to mental health support. We proudly offer no-waitlist availability, flexible appointment formats, and affordable options with direct billing when available. Our diverse team of clinicians brings a wide range of specializations, including anxiety counselling, family-based approaches, and innovative modalities such as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

therapists for kids

Serving Communities Across Ontario

With multiple convenient locations, Nova Phoenix Counselling supports families throughout St. Catharines, Welland, Ancaster, Fort Erie, Burlington, Kanata, and nearby communities. Our presence in and around Niagara Falls allows us to serve children, youth, and families where they are, making high-quality mental health care more accessible and community-focused.

Taking the First Step Forward

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety or your teen needs support navigating life’s challenges, Nova Phoenix Counselling is here to help. Our inclusive, client-centered approach to children and youth counselling focuses on growth, healing, and lasting change, supporting young people as they build a stronger foundation for the future. Contact us today to get started!

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Why Choose Nova Phoenix?

Child-Focused Activities

We meet children at their level, using activities that feel natural and safe for their age group.

Neurodivergent Affirming

Specialized support for ADHD, Autism, and other developmental needs for the entire family unit.

Expert Guidance

Our therapists are trained to handle complex youth issues, including self-harm and withdrawal, with sensitivity and care.

Meet the Therapists in Ontario!

Jeffrey Charboneau

Jeffrey is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) who holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. He is passionate about supporting children, youth, adults, and families through life's challenges while fostering resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful growth. Jeffrey brings experience from community mental health, family support, developmental services, and outreach work, and is committed to creating a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Jeffrey believes that care is the beacon for change.

Jeffrey's professional perspective has been shaped by both his frontline experience and his personal journey. Growing up alongside his twin sister, who sustained a significant brain injury in infancy, he developed an early appreciation for disability, caregiving, and the complexities of navigating healthcare and social service systems. Combined with more than six years of experience in developmental services, these experiences continue to inform his strengths-based, person-centred approach to supporting individuals and families across the lifespan.

Areas of Focus

· Children, youth, adults, and families

· Neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, and developmental disabilities)

· Parenting and family relationships

· Trauma, attachment, and lifespan development

· Self-esteem and social identity including sexuality

Clinical Approach

Therapeutic Modalities

· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

· Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

· Narrative Therapy

· Psychoeducation

· EMDR therapy

Theoretical Foundations

· Attachment-Based Practice

· Psychodynamically Informed Perspectives

· Lifespan Development Theory

· Family Systems Theory

· Strengths-Based Work

· Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

Headshot of Thomas, a registered social worker at Nova Phoenix Counselling Services.

Thomas Tom (he/his)

Thomas is a Registered Social Worker. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from Christ University in Bangalore, India. After moving to Canada as a student, Thomas completed post-graduate programs in Community and Social Service Management at Conestoga College and in Autism and Behavioural Science at Niagara College.

Thomas is a dedicated and compassionate social worker, deeply committed to creating positive change in the lives of the individuals and families he serves. With over four years of experience, Thomas has worked with individuals, couples, youth, and families in a variety of community and mental health settings, including hospitals, group homes, and addiction centers. He is skilled in several therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Crisis Intervention.

Thomas has a particular interest in working with South Asian men, individuals who have immigrated to Canada for studies and work, and those navigating the complexities of cultural identity. Having personally experienced the challenges of transitioning to a new country, he understands the unique struggles faced by immigrants and is passionate about supporting them in overcoming these obstacles.

In addition to his professional expertise, Thomas is fluent in English and Malayalam, and has the ability to communicate in Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. His multicultural background and linguistic abilities allow him to connect with a diverse range of clients, ensuring that they feel seen, heard, and supported in their therapeutic journey.

Thomas also recognizes the importance of spirituality and cultural practices in individuals' well-being. He values the integration of cultural and spiritual aspects in therapy, which helps clients find meaning, strength, and resilience as they work through their challenges.

Headshot of Tsarina, a staff member at Nova Phoenix Counselling Services.

Tsarina Smith (she/her)

Tsarina has her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and her bachelors of honours in Sociology with a minor in women and gender studies.
For the past 7 years, Tsarina has been working with those experiencing homelessness in Hamilton, ON. During this time, she became familiar with the large gaps that exist within the system and decided to further her education to further support those in need. This work has created a solid foundation for Tsarina, where she has built skills working with those in crisis, experiencing complex situations as a result of situations outside of one’s control.

Tsarina has experience working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, systemic injustices, and criminally involved individuals.

Tsarina strives to practice from anti-oppressive, non-judgemental, compassionate, and trauma-informed framework. Her hope is to continue to provide safe spaces in which people are able to feel empowered to improve themselves and the world around them.

Tsarina has training in CBT and DBT. She has an eclectic approach including aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Person-centered Therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a typical therapy session for children or youth?

Sessions are structured to feel safe, engaging, and age-appropriate. Children’s therapy may include creative activities, conversation, or guided play to help them express emotions, while youth therapy often involves open dialogue, reflection, and skill-building. Our therapists work at a pace that feels comfortable, encouraging trust and gradual progress rather than pressure.

When should I consider therapy for my child or teenager?

It may be helpful to consider therapy when emotional or behavioral changes begin to affect your child’s daily life, relationships, or school performance. Ongoing anxiety, mood changes, withdrawal, difficulty coping with stress, or challenges adjusting to transitions are common reasons families seek support. Children and youth therapy can also be preventative, offering guidance and tools before challenges become overwhelming.

How long does children and youth counselling typically last?

The length of counselling varies depending on each child or youth’s needs, goals, and circumstances. Some individuals benefit from short-term support focused on specific concerns, while others may engage in therapy over a longer period to address deeper or ongoing challenges. Therapists regularly review progress and collaborate with families to ensure care remains effective and appropriate.

What if my child is too young to talk about their feelings?

That’s where play and art therapy come in! We use age-appropriate tools to help them express and process emotions without needing complex vocabulary.

How involved are parents in the therapy process?

Very. We believe in supporting the whole family. We provide parents with tools and insights to support their child’s progress at home.

Help Your Child Thrive

Let’s work together to build a brighter, more connected future for your family.

(905) 980-0632

Our Locations

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

148 1/2 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 2N6

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

5679 Main Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 5Z3

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

70 Seventh Street, Welland, Ontario, L3B 5B7

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

203-1038 Garner Road West, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 3K9

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

 136 Gilmore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2A 2M2, Canada

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

534 Brant St, Burlington, ON L7R 2G8, Canada

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

430 Hazeldean Road, Suite 227, Ottawa, ON K2L 1T9, Canada

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

Unit 1, 2655 Liruma Road, Mississauga, ON L5K 1Y8, Canada

905-980-0632

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