Chris Downey – Student Therapist
Helping youth feel understood and empowered, while the people who care for them feel supported.
Most caregivers aren’t looking for perfect kids — they’re looking for more connection. But when anxiety, big emotions, school struggles, or constant tension take over, families can feel stuck in cycles of frustration and exhaustion. Many parents simply want to better understand their child and find ways to bring more calm, connection, and confidence into everyday life.
For more than 20 years I’ve worked closely with children, youth, and their families, supporting them through the challenges and transitions of growing up. I’m currently completing my practicum as part of a Master’s in Counselling. I’m also an adoptive parent, which gives me a personal understanding of the joys and complexities that can be part of family life.
Over the years I’ve seen how small shifts in understanding and connection can make a big difference in a child’s wellbeing and in the overall rhythm of family life.
I work with children, teens, and families navigating the ups and downs of growing up, with particular experience supporting families whose stories include neurodiversity, adoption, fostering, and complex emotional needs. I most often work with children and teens ages 10+, helping them—and their families—navigate the challenges of growing up with more understanding, connection, and confidence.
My approach is relational and person-centred, grounded in attachment and informed by strengths-based and narrative practices. I aim to create a warm, supportive space where young people feel understood and empowered, and where caregivers can gain practical strategies and encouragement for the journey.
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. My hope is to offer a calm, supportive space where children and teens can feel safe being themselves and where parents can slow things down, feel understood, and gain tools that really work for their family. If you’re wondering whether counselling might be helpful for your child or family, I’d be glad to connect and see if working together feels like a good fit.
Specialties- Issues
- Anxiety & Depression
- Trauma
- Self-Esteem
- Behavioral challenges
- Identity Development
- Life Transitions
- Peer Relationships
- Parenting Support
- Foster & Adoptive family dynamics
- Neurodiversity
Specialties – Modalities
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Trauma Informed Therapy
- Strengths-Based Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Solutions Focused Therapy
Client Focus:
Kids & Youth (ages 10+); Young Adults; Adults; Couples; Individuals; Families
Cost per session: $60/individual 50 mins | $90/individual 85 mins | $75/couples 50 mins | $125/couples 85 mins
