Teen Therapy in Toronto
The teen years bring a lot at once: school pressure, friendships, identity, social media, family changes and big feelings that can be hard to put into words. Sometimes teens need a space outside home and school where they can talk openly with an adult who isn’t there to judge or report back on every detail.
Kalm Wellness Therapy offers therapy for preteens and teens ages 10 and up at our North York office and online across Canada. Please note that we do not offer therapy for children under 10.
The teen years bring a lot at once: school pressure, friendships, identity, social media, family changes and big feelings that can be hard to put into words. Sometimes teens need a space outside home and school where they can talk openly with an adult who isn’t there to judge or report back on every detail.
Kalm Wellness Therapy offers therapy for preteens and teens ages 10 and up at our North York office and online across Canada. Please note that we do not offer therapy for children under 10.
Who teen therapy is for
Teen therapy can help preteens and teens (ages 10 and up) who are:
- Feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed by school, exams or the future
- Struggling with low mood, irritability or losing interest in things
- Dealing with friendship problems, bullying, peer pressure or rejection
- Questioning their identity, including gender, sexuality or culture
- Having trouble managing anger or big emotions
- Coping with family changes such as separation, a move, loss or conflict at home
- Struggling with self-esteem, body image or perfectionism
- Working through a difficult or traumatic experience
Some teens reach out themselves. Others start because a parent, teacher or doctor noticed something has changed.
If a teen is in crisis or at risk of harm, call or text 9-8-8 or Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868), or go to the nearest emergency department.
Approaches we use
We adapt therapy to feel relevant and approachable for teens:
- CBT to understand the link between thoughts, feelings and actions and build practical coping tools
- DBT skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance and relationships
- ACT and mindfulness for handling stress and staying grounded
- Solution-focused therapy to set goals the teen actually cares about
- Narrative therapy to help teens tell their own story and see their strengths
- Motivational interviewing when motivation for change is mixed
- Trauma-informed care and, where appropriate, EMDR for teens who have experienced trauma
What sessions involve
The first session usually includes time to understand what’s going on and what the teen hopes to get out of therapy. Depending on age and circumstances, a parent or caregiver may be involved at the start. After that, sessions are mostly one-on-one with the teen. Your therapist will explain confidentiality at the beginning, including what is kept private and the safety situations in which information must be shared, so everyone knows what to expect. Building trust comes first, and sessions are a mix of talking and learning practical skills the teen can use at school and at home. With the teen’s agreement, parents may be invited to occasional check-ins.
Therapists who work with teens
- Nathalie Paterson, RP: preteens and teens; CBT, ACT and mindfulness for anxiety, stress, peer relationships, self-esteem, perfectionism and motivation
- Maria Duran, RP (Qualifying): preteens and teens; CBT, DBT and ACT for anxiety, emotional regulation and self-esteem; English and Spanish
- Ahsen Ayan, RSW: teens and young adults, including 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC and neurodivergent youth; adolescent trauma, academic pressures, social anxiety and identity
- Kayla Schofield, RP (Founder): late teens; trauma, bullying, anxiety and self-esteem
- Pratima Pathak, RP: preteens (10+) and teens; CBT, mindfulness and SFBT for anxiety, depression, anger management and self-esteem; virtual sessions in English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi
See full profiles on Meet the Kalm Team.
In person or online
Teens can come to our Toronto office, see in-person therapy, or connect from home through virtual therapy. Many teens are comfortable with video sessions and find them easier to fit around school and activities.
How to book
Booking starts with a free consultation. It’s a short conversation to see whether we’re a good fit and which therapist suits what you’re looking for. You can book a free consultation online through our booking system, call us at 647-250-4308, or send a message through our contact page.
In person: 534 Lawrence Ave W, Suite 221B, Toronto (North York), above the Scotiabank. See in-person therapy.
Online: secure video sessions for clients across Canada. See virtual therapy.
All Kalm Wellness Therapy therapists are regulated by their respective professional colleges, such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). If you are in crisis or at risk of harm, call or text 9-8-8 or go to your nearest emergency department.