With so many changes and transitions starting from the onset of puberty and continuing through to young adulthood, parents and caregivers often struggle to feel close and in connection with their youth, and may often questioning if they are doing a “good enough” job.

As a counsellor that has worked closely with youth and young adults, as well as parents and caregivers, I know that there are two sides to every story. Quite often that story involves parents and caregivers who struggle to be heard, and teens who struggle to be understood.

Through parent/caregiver support, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to listen to and discuss your concerns. Together, we will review the challenges you have, explore existing patterns in your relationship with your teen/young adult, and build on past and current strengths to develop new ways of being, with the goal of promoting positive change in the relationship overall.

As all families and relationships are unique, I do not have one solution or approach to addressing your experience. In our time together, I might offer ideas about managing the concerns you have, make suggestions for a different approach to the problem, encourage a new perspective, or suggest the use of other resources such as books or community programs for further support.

• distinguishing between “typical teenage behavior” and “real” problems
• concern about your teen’s behaviour (including sexual activity, substance use and criminal activity)
• concern about your teen’s emotional and mental well-being
• when minor issues are escalating into arguments
• establishing reasonable expectations and limits, and following through
• to understand a teen’s disrespectful attitude
• when there is an unpleasant family climate (yelling, sarcasm, excessive sibling rivalry)
• when there is poor or very little communication between parent/caregiver and teenager/young adult
• making sense of teenager’s insensitivity to the impact of his/her choices on others
• navigating developmental changes and transitions (from tween to teen, teen to young adult)
• feeling bullied or intimidated by your teen
• feeling frustrated and even helpless

• learning more about youth sexual orientation and gender identity
• exploring and processing your feelings about your teen’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity
• guidance for supporting your teen/young adult in coming out, or gender transitioning
• understanding the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ teens and young adults face