Our Approach to Therapy

We provide empirically supported intervention for children, adolescents, young adults, and parents experiencing challenges in the following areas:

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• Anxiety, including separation anxiety, selective mutism, phobias, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, perfectionism, school-related anxiety, sleep, and more

• OCD

• Hair-pulling, skin-picking, and other body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRB)

• school and relationship difficulties (e.g., school attendance, IEPs, friendships, bullying)

• Parenting skills

• More

 

One of our foremost priorities is to help young people improve their relationships with their thoughts and feelings to guide their actions toward living a healthy and fulfilling life. Our approach is engaging, straightforward, practical, and effective, and we intend to give our clients lifelong tools to use whenever needed. 

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Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques, among other strategies, we use graded exposure to help youth manage anxiety and OCD along with exposure and response prevention (ERP). We also use Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) to help individuals manage intense emotions that can result in impulsive and problematic behaviours.

 

We provide a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems called SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). SPACE focuses on changes parents can make to their own behaviour rather than making their children change.  

 

In addition, we assist schools in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and interventions to best support students experiencing a range of school difficulties.

    

Initial Inquiry:

• Fill out the online form or email contact@beaconpsychology.ca with your questions and a brief description of your concerns.

 

Scheduling a Session/Waitlist:

• We'll respond to your email within two business days to determine if our services match your needs.

• Depending on availability, we'll schedule an initial session or add you to our clinic's waitlist, providing an approximate waiting time.

 

Initial Assessment Session:

• The first session lasts 50 to 60 minutes and involves meeting with you (or both parents/guardians) and, if applicable, the child.

• We'll discuss developmental history, current concerns, strengths, and past strategies tried and may ask you or your child to complete questionnaires.

• Please note that the initial session does not guarantee long-term services.

 

Next Steps:

• If our services are suitable, we'll discuss treatment goals and schedule future sessions.

• If we're not the best fit, we'll offer resource suggestions and names of professionals.

Subsequent Sessions:

• Most sessions involve meeting with the client and, if necessary, one or both parents/guardians.

• Session structure varies based on needs, such as involving parents for part of the session or having consultations with only parents.

 

Duration and Number of Sessions:

• Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.

• The number of sessions depends on the type and severity of the problem.

 

Setting:

• With your informed consent, sessions may take place at the office, online, in your home, school, or in the community.

• We may also offer tips to schools for supporting you/your child.

 

Payment:

• Fees are paid at the end of each session via credit card, cash, cheque, or electronic transfer.

• You may be able to bill your extended health plan; check with your provider.

• Note that psychological fees not covered by insurance are tax-deductible medical expenses.

 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!