Our Approach

At WellNest, our approach is to get to know you and your family first. We work within a non-judgemental family-centred framework to best understand your values and needs.

Our relational approach aims to build sustainable, quality relationships. We believe relationships are the foundation of work with families. Coming to understand the intricate relationships between the parents, children and youth is our primary goal. During sessions we will discuss age appropriate expectations and behaviours taking into account your child’s needs and development. Psychotherapy coupled with the experience and ability to assess and refer to other services as needed aims to support beyond traditional therapy. Our services are all private and confidential.

Prior to the first session, an intake form is shared with clients via PHIPA compliant Jane app. The first appointment is often with parent(s) (or main caregivers) only. With youth they may be involved in the initial session if they’re over 12. Youth over 16 may wish to have the initial session without a parent. In order to gain background information about your family, the initial session is often a parent(s) only virtual appointment. During this time, we discuss family history and presenting issues. As the Therapist comes to better understand the needs and resources of the family, a customized treatment plan is created and shared verbally during sessions.

All parenting support sessions currently are done virtually and offered to anyone who resides in Ontario as well as other provinces and countries of your local laws allow.

When providing Child & Youth Therapy in person sessions are often most successful for children under 12 and are available. If virtual sessions are the only way to meet this can be arranged. Youth older then 12 can be sucessful with in person, virtual or a mix of both. Typically sessions are offered for children over the age of six, and more typically eight annd older. Age and need will be discussed during your intake session to decide the best plan for your family.

The number, frequency and nature of sessions is determined by the presenting needs of each family and the corresponding clinical recommendations. Typically families may find they require several ongoing sessions whereas some situations may only need 2-3 appointments when addressing a single straightforward challenge. Weekly or bi-weekly appointments are typically recommended for learning new skills and implementing treatment plans. Specific plans will be discussed and updated ongoing on a case to case basis.