โWhen we help children connect with their emotions and the people who matter to them, we set the stage for healing and growth.โ
โ Dr. Gordon Neufeld
Children experience big feelings, difficult transitions, and challenges that they don’t always have the words to explain. Sometimes these experiences show up as worry, frustration, changes in behaviour, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal. Other times, a child may simply seem overwhelmed or disconnected.
At Styling The Inside Counselling & Coaching, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed child counselling in Coquitlam, BC, supporting children as they navigate emotional, social and behavioural challenges.
Our approach recognizes that behaviour is communication and that children need to feel safe, seen and understood before meaningful change can happen. Through a combination of play, expressive activities, mindfulness and relationship-based support, we help children explore their feelings, develop emotional awareness and strengthen their connection with themselves and others.
Our goal isn’t to change who your child is. It’s to help them feel more confident, capable, and supported as they navigate the world around them.
When Might a Child Benefit From Counselling?
Childhood comes with many developmental changes and emotional challenges. While some difficulties are temporary, others can begin to affect a child’s confidence, relationships, behaviour, or everyday experiences.
You may be considering child counselling if your child is:
- Experiencing anxiety, excessive worry or frequent fears.
- Having difficulty managing big emotions or frustration.
- Experiencing frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns.
- Struggling with friendships, peer relationships or social confidence.
- Having difficulty with transitions, school or changes at home.
- Showing signs of withdrawal, sadness or disconnection.
- Navigating family changes, separation, grief or loss.
- Struggling with self-esteem, confidence or feeling understood.
- Having difficulty expressing their feelings or communicating their needs.
- Experiencing challenges with emotional regulation.
Sometimes parents aren’t sure exactly what’s happening. You might simply feel that your child is struggling and want to better understand how to support them.
You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out.
A Relationship-Based Approach to Child Counselling
Children communicate in many different ways. Depending on their age, developmental stage, and individual needs, talking may not always be the easiest or most natural way for them to express what they’re experiencing.
At Styling The Inside, our approach is grounded in attachment, child development, interpersonal neurobiology and the understanding that our early experiences and relationships help shape how we experience the world.
We recognize the important connection between a child’s emotional experiences, their nervous system and the relationships surrounding them.
Rather than focusing solely on behaviours or trying to eliminate difficult feelings, we work toward understanding what may be underneath them.
Through a safe, supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, children are encouraged to explore their experiences, develop emotional awareness and discover new ways of navigating challenges.
How We Support Children Through Play & Expressive Therapy
Play and creative expression can offer children a natural way to communicate, explore and make sense of their experiences.
Our approach is individualized and may incorporate:
Play & Expressive Activities
Using age-appropriate play, art, creativity and other expressive activities to encourage emotional expression, exploration and connection.
Emotional Awareness & Regulation
Helping children recognize their feelings, understand emotional responses and develop supportive ways of navigating big emotions.
Mindfulness & Nervous System Awareness
Introducing developmentally appropriate mindfulness and grounding practices that encourage children to recognize what is happening in their bodies and build awareness of their emotional experiences.
Attachment-Focused Support
Creating opportunities for children to experience connection, trust and emotional safety within the therapeutic relationship.
Nature & Outdoor-Inspired Approaches
Where appropriate, incorporating nature-based experiences and outdoor activities to support exploration, reflection and connection.
Every child is different. Therapeutic activities and approaches are thoughtfully adapted to the child’s developmental needs, personality, interests and individual experiences.
The Important Role of Parents & Caregivers
Children don’t grow and develop in isolation. Their relationships and environments play an important role in shaping their emotional well-being.
We believe supporting a child also means supporting the adults who care for them.
When appropriate, parent check-ins are incorporated into the counselling process to provide caregivers with opportunities to discuss their child’s progress, gain a deeper understanding of their emotional needs and explore ways to support them at home.
These conversations may include:
- Understanding what may be underneath certain behaviours.
- Recognizing emotional and nervous system responses.
- Supporting emotional regulation at home.
- Strengthening connection and communication.
- Navigating challenging moments with greater understanding and confidence.
Our intention is to work collaboratively with parents while also respecting the child’s privacy, developmental needs and therapeutic relationship.
What to Expect From Child Counselling
Beginning counselling can feel like a big step for both children and parents. We aim to make the experience welcoming, comfortable and developmentally appropriate.
1. Complimentary Parent Consultation
We begin with an opportunity for parents or caregivers to share their concerns, ask questions and explore whether our approach feels like a good fit for their child.
2. Getting to Know Your Child
The initial sessions provide an opportunity to build rapport, understand your child’s interests, experiences and needs, and begin establishing a sense of safety and trust.
3. Individualized Counselling Support
Sessions are adapted to your child’s developmental stage and may incorporate play, expressive activities, mindfulness, conversation and other relational approaches.
4. Ongoing Parent Support
When appropriate, parent check-ins offer an opportunity to discuss themes, explore ways to support your child and strengthen the connection between counselling and everyday family life.
Counselling is a collaborative process. We move at a pace that respects each child’s individual needs.
Child Counselling in Coquitlam & Online Across British Columbia
Styling The Inside Counselling & Coaching is located in Coquitlam, BC, serving children and families throughout the Tri-Cities, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
In-person counselling takes place in a welcoming, thoughtfully prepared therapeutic space.
Online counselling is also available across British Columbia for children aged 10 and older, where developmentally appropriate.
Whether you’re looking for a child counsellor in Coquitlam or online counselling support in BC, we welcome the opportunity to explore how we may support your family.
Meet Jamie Dunlop Khau, Founder & Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
I’m Jamie, Founder of Styling The Inside and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor.
With a background in early childhood development, mindfulness and counselling, I bring a compassionate, trauma-informed and attachment-focused approach to supporting children, teens and families.
My understanding of children is shaped not only by my professional experience but also by over 23 years of parenting and raising three children.
I believe children thrive when they feel seen, understood and supported. I’m passionate about helping families look beyond behaviours to better understand the emotional experiences, needs and relationships underneath them.
My work is rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins when we create space for connection, curiosity and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Counselling
At what age can children start counselling?
Children can benefit from developmentally appropriate counselling at different stages of childhood. The approach and activities are adapted to each child’s age, communication style and individual needs. Please reach out to discuss whether our services are a good fit for your child.
What is the difference between child counselling and play therapy?
Child counselling is a broader therapeutic process that can incorporate different approaches depending on a child’s needs. Play and expressive activities can be used to help children communicate and explore feelings and experiences in ways that feel natural to them.
Does my child need to talk during counselling sessions?
No. Children aren’t expected to sit and talk about their feelings throughout a session. Depending on their age and needs, sessions may incorporate play, creative expression, mindfulness, activities and conversation.
Will parents be involved in their child’s counselling?
Yes, parent involvement is an important part of our approach when appropriate. Parent consultations and check-ins provide opportunities to discuss your child’s needs and explore ways to support their emotional well-being at home. We also respect the child’s privacy and therapeutic relationship.
Can child counselling help with anxiety and emotional regulation?
Counselling can provide children with a supportive space to explore worries, recognize emotional experiences and develop age-appropriate ways of navigating challenging feelings. Support is individualized based on the child’s needs.
Do you offer online child counselling in BC?
Yes. Online counselling is available across British Columbia for children aged 10 and older when appropriate. In-person counselling is available in Coquitlam.
How do I know if counselling is right for my child?
You don’t need to wait until challenges become overwhelming to seek support. If you’re noticing changes in your child’s emotions, behaviour, relationships or confidence, a parent consultation can help you explore your concerns and determine whether counselling may be helpful.
Helping Your Child Feel Seen, Understood & Supported
Every child deserves to feel that they matter, that their feelings are important and that they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
If you’re looking for compassionate child counselling in Coquitlam, we’d love to connect with you.
โWhen we take the time to understand whatโs underneath a childโs behaviour, we create opportunities for connection, healing and growth. Every child deserves to feel seen, heard and understood.โ
-Jamie Dunlop Khau
Founder, Styling The Inside
